Life Is A Long Song

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs from THE ZOO are spinning a classic for you today: Life Is A Long Song by Jethro Tull, pulled straight from their 1972 compilation Living In The Past. This track, released as the lead single on a 1971 EP, hit No. 11 on the UK charts and marked the debut of drummer Barriemore Barlow with the band. Written by the ever-quirky Ian Anderson, the song’s acoustic guitar-driven melody and reflective lyrics muse on the fleeting nature of life, wrapping up with the poignant line, “the tune ends too soon for us all.” Fun fact: Fairport Convention covered this gem in 1997 on their album Who Knows Where the Time Goes, giving it a folkier twist. Anderson’s knack for blending introspective themes with intricate instrumentation shines here, making it a perfect vibe for our free-spirited listeners.

Now, let’s dig into some trivia about this tune. Life Is A Long Song was part of a five-track EP recorded in 1971, a period when Jethro Tull was riding high after their iconic Aqualung album. According to fan discussions on The Jethro Tull Forum, the song’s gentle acoustic style and philosophical lyrics captured the band’s shift toward a more folk-prog sound. One cool tidbit: the EP was later folded into the Living In The Past double LP, which came in a fancy gatefold package with a booklet crammed with over 50 band photos—talk about a collector’s dream! Fans on Reddit have praised the song’s timeless feel, with one user calling it a “perfect snapshot of Tull’s early ’70s magic.” It’s no wonder this track resonates with our Zoo Freaks, who love music that speaks to the soul.

Let’s rewind to how Jethro Tull got their start. Formed in Blackpool, Lancashire, in 1967, the band was spearheaded by the wildly talented Ian Anderson, a multi-instrumentalist known for his flute-playing flair and theatrical stage presence. Originally a blues-rock outfit, the band—named after an 18th-century agriculturalist—evolved by blending jazz, folk, and classical elements into a signature progressive rock sound. Their debut album, This Was, dropped in 1968, but it was 1969’s Stand Up that put them on the map, hitting No. 1 in the UK. Anderson, alongside early members like guitarist Mick Abrahams and later Martin Barre, who became a long-time collaborator, crafted a sound that was both cerebral and playful. Over the decades, Tull’s ever-changing lineup kept their music fresh, with Anderson as the constant creative force, as detailed on their Wikipedia page.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into Jethro Tull’s world, check out their official online haunts. The band’s official website is your go-to for tour dates, discography, and news, like their upcoming 2025 release Curious Ruminant. Connect with them on Facebook for updates and fan chatter, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and throwback pics. On X, they share quick hits of news and tour buzz. For fan-driven vibes, join the Jethro Tull Forum to swap stories with fellow Tull enthusiasts, or hop into the Jethro Tull Fan Club group on Facebook for lively discussions and rare memorabilia shares. Keep grooving, Zoo Freaks, and let’s keep the long song of life playing!