"Living in the Past" | ||||
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Single by Jethro Tull | ||||
B-side | "Driving Song" | |||
Released | 25 April 1969 | |||
Recorded | 17 February 1969 | |||
Genre | Progressive rock, jazz rock | |||
Length | 3:18 | |||
Label | Island | |||
Songwriter(s) | Ian Anderson | |||
Producer(s) | Ian Anderson, Terry Ellis | |||
Jethro Tull singles chronology | ||||
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"Living in the Past" is a song by British progressive rock group Jethro Tull. It is one of its 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 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song was originally recorded before the sessions for the 1969 album Stand Up, released in the same year as a stand-alone single to UK audiences while Jethro Tull finished its US tour. However, it became more popular after its 1972 release on the album of the same name, a compilation of the band's hits from that era. 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).
The song was first covered as an instrumental by CCS in 1970. Other cover versions include: