Living in the Past (song)

"Living in the Past" is a song by British progressive rock group Jethro Tull. It is one of their best-known songs, and it is notable for being written in the unusual 5/4 time signature. The 5/4 time signature is quickly noted from the beginning rhythmic bass pattern.

The single reached number 3 in the U.K. charts.^[1]

Overview

The song was originally recorded after the sessions for Jethro Tull's 1969 album Stand Up, released in the same year as a stand-alone single to UK audiences while Jethro Tull finished their US tour.^[2] However, it became more popular after its 1972 release on Jethro Tull's compilation album, also called Living in the Past. After its release on the album, it became the band's first Top 20 hit in the US, peaking at #11. The song was restored as a "bonus track" for the 2001 CD reissue of Stand Up (1969).

Chart performance

Weekly singles charts

Chart (1969)	Peak position
UK ^[3]	3

Chart (1972–73)	Peak position
Canada RPM ^[4]	16
U.S. Billboard Hot 100	11
U.S. Cash Box Top 100^[5]	15

Year-end charts

Chart (1969)	Position
UK ^[6]	53

Chart (1973)	Position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 ^[7]	102

Release history

Single: "Living in the Past" / "Driving Song" (Island WIP 6056, 25 April 1969)
Single: "Living in the Past" / "Christmas Song" (Australia) (Reprise R 3578 December 1972)
Single: "Living in the Past" / "Requiem" (Chrysalis CHS 2081, 16 January 1976)
Single: "Living in the Past" / "Hard Liner" (Chrysalis CHS 3970, 1993)
Single: "Living in the Past" / "Witch's Promise" / "Teacher" / "Life is a Long Song" (April 2013, limited edition vinyl)^[8]

Personnel

Jethro Tull

Additional musician

Lou Toby - arranged and conducted strings

Cover versions

The song was first covered as an instrumental by CCS in 1970. Other cover versions include:^[9]

Maynard Ferguson (1971)
Midge Ure (1985)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (1993)
The Connells (1994)
Francis Dunnery (1994 - with entirely rewritten lyrics)
Keith Emerson (1996 - in the tribute album To Cry You A Song - A collection of Tull Tales)^[10]
Billie Davis (2002)

References

External links

Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson Clive Bunker Glenn Cornick Mick Abrahams Tony Iommi Martin Barre John Evan Jeffrey Hammond Barriemore Barlow John Glascock David (Dee) Palmer Dave Pegg Mark Craney Eddie Jobson Peter-John Vettese Gerry Conway Paul Burgess Doane Perry Don Airey Maartin Allcock Andrew Giddings Dave Mattacks Jonathan Noyce David Goodier John O'Hara

Studio albums	This Was Stand Up Benefit Aqualung Thick as a Brick A Passion Play War Child Minstrel in the Gallery Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die! Songs from the Wood Heavy Horses Stormwatch A The Broadsword and the Beast Under Wraps Crest of a Knave Rock Island Catfish Rising Roots to Branches J-Tull Dot Com The Jethro Tull Christmas Album

Live albums	Bursting Out Live at Hammersmith '84 A Little Light Music Jethro Tull In Concert Living with the Past Nothing Is Easy: Live at the Isle of Wight 1970 Aqualung Live Live at Montreux 2003 Live at Madison Square Garden 1978 Live at Carnegie Hall 1970

Compilations	Living in the Past M.U. – The Best of Jethro Tull Repeat – The Best of Jethro Tull – Vol II Original Masters 20 Years of Jethro Tull: Highlights Nightcap The Best of Jethro Tull – The Anniversary Collection Through the Years The Very Best of Jethro Tull The Best of Acoustic Jethro Tull Essential

Boxed sets	20 Years of Jethro Tull 25th Anniversary Box Set

Videos	Slipstream 20 Years of Jethro Tull 25th Anniversary Video Living with the Past A New Day Yesterday Nothing Is Easy: Live at the Isle of Wight 1970 Live At Montreux 2003 Jack in the Green Live at Madison Square Garden 1978 Live at AVO Session Basel Around the World Live (Jethro Tull)

Singles / EPs	"Sunshine Day" "Love Story" "Living in the Past" "Life is a Long Song EP" "Bungle in the Jungle" "Minstrel in the Gallery" "Locomotive Breath" "Farm on the Freeway"

Tours	Too Old To Rock 'N' Roll Tour Heavy Horses Tour Stormwatch Tour

Related	Discography A Billion Hands Concert The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus A Classic Case Thick as a Brick 2

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