Livin' Thing - Electric Light Orchestra (1976) 5/28/21

When today's "Great Song of the '70s was released in 1976, many people thought "Livin' Thing" by the Electric Light Orchestra was an anti-abortion statement.

But according to ELO's fearless leader, Jeff Lynne, it was about lost love...until 2014, when during an interview, he revealed that the TRUE inspiration was the time he got food poisoning from eating a bad Spanish paella--which explains the Spanish-flavored instrumental breaks in the song. Sort of.

Whether you believe that story--or not-- is up to you. :-)

Whatever the inspiration, "Livin' Thing" was a Top 10 record in 9 countries, including #1 in South Africa and #4 in Canada. In the US, it peaked at #13 on the Hot 100.

In 2017, the song reappeared--this time on Billboard's Rock Digital

Download Chart--after being featured in a Volkswagen commercial.

Side Note: The female background vocals were provided by Patti Quatro (Suzie's sister), Brie Brandt and Addie Lee, members of the all female band known as Fanny. As a group, they were fantastic, and way ahead of their time. One of these days, I'll highlight one of their songs and prove it!

"Livin' Thing:" one of ELO's best...and a Great Song of 1976!