About the song
Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), a band renowned for their innovative blend of rock, pop, and orchestral elements, created a timeless piece with their song “Livin’ Thing.” Composed by Jeff Lynne, the creative force behind many of ELO’s hits, “Livin’ Thing” was featured on their 1976 album titled “A New World Record.”
“Livin’ Thing” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and thought-provoking lyrics that explore themes of love, relationships, and life’s uncertainties. Jeff Lynne’s songwriting prowess shines through in the song’s composition, combining intricate orchestration with infectious pop-rock sensibilities.
The instrumentation of “Livin’ Thing” showcases ELO’s signature sound, blending electric guitars, synthesizers, and a full orchestra to create a lush and dynamic musical landscape. The song opens with a memorable orchestral intro, setting the stage for Lynne’s distinctive vocals and the band’s trademark harmonies.
Upon its release, “Livin’ Thing” resonated strongly with audiences, becoming one of ELO’s most successful singles. It peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, solidifying ELO’s presence in the American music scene. In the United Kingdom, the song performed even better, reaching number 4 on the UK Singles Chart.
“Livin’ Thing” is celebrated for its infectious energy and sophisticated production, showcasing ELO’s ability to seamlessly blend genres and create music that appeals to a wide audience. The song’s upbeat rhythm and memorable chorus have made it a staple on classic rock radio stations and continue to captivate listeners today.
Jeff Lynne’s meticulous approach to production is evident in “Livin’ Thing,” with each instrument and vocal layer contributing to the song’s overall impact. The blend of rock instrumentation with orchestral arrangements demonstrates ELO’s ambition to push musical boundaries and create a distinctive sound that sets them apart.
For fans of classic rock and pop music, “Livin’ Thing” remains a standout track in ELO’s discography, showcasing their ability to craft timeless songs that resonate across generations. Its enduring popularity underscores its status as a classic and a testament to ELO’s enduring influence in the world of music.
Video
Lyrics
Sailin’ away on the crest of a wave, it’s like magic
Oh, rollin’ and ridin’ and slippin’ and slidin’, it’s magic
And you and your sweet desire
You took me, oh (higher and higher, baby)
It’s a livin’ thing
It’s a terrible thing to lose
It’s a givin’ thing
What a terrible thing to lose
I’m takin’ a dive
Dive
Makin’ believe this is what you’ve conceived
From your worst day (I’m takin’ a dive)
Oh, movin’ in line, then you look back in time
To the first day (I’m takin’, I’m takin’)
And you and your sweet desire (don’t you do it, don’t you do it)
You took me, oh (higher and higher, baby)
It’s a livin’ thing
It’s a terrible thing to lose
It’s a givin’ thing
What a terrible thing to lose
I’m takin’ a dive
All the same
Hey
Takin’ a dive, ’cause you can’t halt the slide
Floating downstream (I’m takin’ a dive)
Oh, so let her go, don’t start spoiling the show
It’s a bad dream (I’m takin’, I’m takin’)
And you and your sweet desire (don’t you do it, don’t you do it)
You took me, oh (higher and higher, baby)
It’s a livin’ thing
It’s a terrible thing to lose
It’s a givin’ thing
What a terrible thing to lose
It’s a livin’ thing
It’s a terrible thing to lose
It’s a givin’ thing