The Living Years - 1988
Still the biggest single of the Mechanics' career, and arguably one of the most emotive songs of our time. The delicate lyric served as a welcome reminder to never let bad blood simmer, as tomorrow may be to late to set things right.
The song touched millions, and made Mike & the Mechanics an instant house hold name. The song was written by Mike Rutherford and BA Robertson, who had both recently lost their fathers, however it struck a particular chord with singer Paul Carrack, who lost his father when he was only eleven. Paul has often commented on how people will stop him on the street, and share their story of how the song had prompted them to pick up the phones and make amends. A powerful song by anybodies standard.
Track List
1: The Living Years
2: Too Many Friends
Chart Information
UK - #2
US - #1
Lyrics
Every generation
Blames the one before
And all of their frustrations
Come beating on your door
I know that I'm a prisoner
To all my Father held so dear
I know that I'm a hostage
To all his hopes and fears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years
Crumpled bits of paper
Filled with imperfect thought
Stilted conversations
I'm afraid that's all we've got
You say you just don't see it
He says it's perfect sense
You just can't get agreement
In this present tense
We all talk a different language
Talking in defence
Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late when we die
To admit we don't see eye to eye
So we open up a quarrel
Between the present and the past
We only sacrifice the future
It's the bitterness that lasts
So Don't yield to the fortunes
You sometimes see as fate
It may have a new perspective
On a different day
And if you don't give up, and don't give in
You may just be OK.
Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late when we die
To admit we don't see eye to eye
I wasn't there that morning
When my Father passed away
I didn't get to tell him
All the things I had to say
I think I caught his spirit
Later that same year
I'm sure I heard his echo
In my baby's new born tears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years
Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late when we die
To admit we don't see eye to eye
Written by Mike Rutherford/B A Robertson
Published by c 1988 Michael Rutherford Ltd/ R & B A Music Ltd/Hit & Run Music (Publishing) Ltd