This isn’t technically a Christmas song but I think of the end the year when I hear it. First posted for A2Z2021, where I covered a Jethro Tull song for every day in April 2021.
The EP had only this song on it. Living in the Past at 87 ½ minutes, came between Thick as a Brick and A Passion Play, both concept albums without standard-length tracks.
TomOzric at Prog Archives said about, “Living in the Past”:
…is a semi-compilation album featuring a host of non-album tracks and singles, one track off each of the first 4 studio albums, and one side of Live material. It serves as a wonderful introduction to a really great band, and the selection of songs all display the versatility of the musicians involved. This covers their early years with their somewhat ‘simpler’ approach to bluesy/folky rock music, although the Live tracks hint at what was to come…
“Life Is a Long Song” reached No. 11 in the UK charts.
The song is centered around Anderson’s acoustic guitar playing, and the lyrics talking about everyday life, concluding that “the tune ends too soon for us all.” It is the first Jethro Tull recording to feature drummer Barriemore Barlow, who had joined the group shortly before.
The Youtube here is a small ensemble that makes this song hum like a finely tuned engine.
Sources:
wikipedia
Prog Archives
When you’re falling awake
And you take stock of the new day
And you hear your voice croak
As you choke on what you need to say
Well, don’t you fret, don’t you fear
I will give you good cheer
Life’s a long song
Life’s a long song
Life’s a long song
If you wait then your plate I will fill
As the verses unfold
And your soul suffers the long day
And the twelve o’clock gloom, spins the room
You struggle on your way
Well, don’t you sigh, don’t you cry
Lick the dust from your eye
Life’s a long song
Life’s a long song
Life’s a long song
We will meet in the sweet light of dawn
As the Baker Street train spills your pain
All over your new dress
And the symphony sounds underground
Put you under duress
Well, don’t you squeal as the heel
Grinds you under the wheels
Life’s a long song
Life’s a long song
Life’s a long song
But the tune ends too soon for us all
But the tune ends too soon for us all
Songwriter: Ian Anderson
Tao Talk 
I know this one…I knew more than I thought. This one is a nice one.
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I included this with one of my poems recently, so maybe that is why it sounds familiar?
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That probably did it but also I have heard this one before and I really like it
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Another new to me! Thank you 😉
Quilting Patchwork & Appliqué
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You’re very welcome, Frederique!
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Life is indeed a long song for some, and for now at least, we can say it goes on and on. Enjoyed your choice of music for today.
https://gail-baugniet.blogspot.com
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Many thanks, Gail 🙂
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The lyrics of the final verse are spot on! A great song I’d forgotten about until now.
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Glad to remind you of it, Keith.
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I know this one too–I love the gentleness of it. And it’s true–life’s a long song. (K)
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Mm, life is a long song! Love how delicately this one makes the mundane feel a little bit better.
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Indeed! It’s a good’n.
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I wasn’t familiar with this more folksy style from them.
Black and White: L for Luilekkerland
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They cross many genres over the years.
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A good example why I like this music.
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He made a remake of this with a small orchesta group not that long ago that sounds just as good now as it did back then.
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Yes. It would stand the test of time.
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Lisa, I’m back to continue reading your A2Z posts. I’m sorry for being pitifully slow at getting this job done. The title of the song seems perfect because after all life’s a long song.
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Hi Cathy! No worries take your time. It is as close to a perfect song as a song can be and you’re right the title is a reflection of life.
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