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Since my "Great Songs of the '70s" blog is all about reliving the past, it only seems right that before we wrap it up and move on to the Great Songs of the '80s (coming soon!), I should highlight "Living in the Past:" a "Great Song of '73" by Jethro Tull.
The song was originally released in 1969, but only in Europe and other selected countries that didn't include the US. It reached #3 in the UK, #5 in Ireland, and was a minor hit in New Zealand and France.
In late 1972, it was released in the US and Canada, and by early '73, it had peaked at #11 and #16, respectively.
"Living in the Past" was immediately noticeable to musicians, because it was in 5/4 time--an odd time signature rarely used outside of Jazz pieces.
**For some fun context, try singing the "Past" lyrics to the theme from "Mission: Impossible!"
What WASN'T noticeable to most people was the snark built into the lyrics by composer/front man/flautist Ian Anderson.
According to Ian, his manager, Terry Ellis, challenged him to write a hit...so he did! But just for fun, he not only purposely composed in 5/4 time, he wrote lyrics that openly criticized the "hippie lifestyle" of the day (which he wanted no part of), as well as the general naivete of young people who didn't understand how the real world worked.
He was pretty sure that most people wouldn't get it...but enough Jethro Tull fans caught on, embraced it, and before long, it was one of the band's most popular songs.
"Living in the Past" by Jethro Tull: "A "Great Song of 1973," from the snarky mind and pen of Ian Anderson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn9IyFLDtjk
**In case you want to try it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGSUjuSBt1A
Tomorrow: Dancing in the Jungle. Coming soon: Great Songs of the '80s!
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