Single:
Livin’ Thing entered the Australian singles chart* on 27 December 1976 and peaked at #2. The song was #27 on the Top 100 of 1977.
Album:
The song is on A New World Record which entered the Australian albums chart* on 20 December 1976. It reached #1 on 18 April 1977 at held that position for a total on 9 weeks between then and October.
Songwriter:
Jeff Lynne
Producer:
Jeff Lynne
Record label of Australian release:
United Artists
*Kent Music Report / Australian Chart Book. See About.
Songfacts:
There has been lots of speculation as to what Livin’ Thing is about, with a popular rumor being that it is an anti-abortion statement. ELO frontman Jeff Lynne has said it is simply about the loss of love, although its initial inspiration was a bout of food poisoning. He let that slip in a talk with Hi-Fi News & Record Review in 2014. “You’ll never be able to listen to it the same again,” he said. “I wouldn’t want anyone to think it’s about a bad paella on a Spanish holiday.”
Read more: www.songfacts.com/facts/electric-light-orchestra/livin-thing
Lyrics:
Sailin’ away on the crest of a wave
It’s like magic
Oh, rollin’ and ridin’ and slippin’ and slidin’
It’s magic
Click for full lyrics
This song is also on our Spotify playlist Bang a Gong – the 70s
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