The Living Years

Album: Living Years (1988)
Charted: 2 1
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  • 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

    Oh, crumpled bits of paper
    Filled with imperfect thoughts
    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 defense

    Say it loud (say it loud), say it clear (oh, say it clear)
    You can listen as well as you hear, yeah
    It's too late (it's too late) when we die (oh, 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 okay

    So say it, say it, say it loud, say it clear (oh, say it clear)
    You can listen as well as you hear
    Because it's too late, it's too late (it's too late)
    When we die (oh, 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

    So say it, say it, say it loud, say it clear (oh, say it clear)
    You can listen as well as you hear, yeah
    It's too late (it's too late) when we die (it's too late when we die)
    To admit we don't see eye to eye

    Hey, so say it, say it, say it loud (say it loud, say it loud)
    Say it clear (come on say it clear)
    Say it loud
    (Don't give up, don't give in and don't look away 'til it's too late)
    Say it clear Writer/s: B.A. Robertson, Mike Rutherford
    Publisher: BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 51

  • Mike from OhioI love this band! To tell you the truth, as a mechanic named Mike, I (secretly) get a kick out of the similarities. Now that I am the owner of an auto shop and I employ several of my own mechanics, we are finally able to be called "Mike and the Mechanics"! Woohoo!
  • Me from UsaI woke up with this 34 year old song in my head and I couldn't figure out why. An hour later I was writing down the date and realized that today is my late fathers birthday. Hmmmm.
  • Bob P from MacclesfieldWow - for a young boy your dad is the best friend you ever had as you go through life - remember this
  • Elaina Liotta from Charlotte, North CarolinaMy cousin Joanie lost her father (my uncle Jon) on my mother's side of the family a year ago from complications from a roof fall. I'm lucky I have my father. You don't know what you got till it's gone.
  • Agnetha from EnglandOne of my favourite songs.
  • Facundo from Villa General Belgrano, Córdoba Province. Argentina.Way too powerful, overwhelming sad feelings about the normal hindrances that lay between a father and his son (or sons and daughters). I cannot even withstand thinking on the tune without being deeply moved to shedding tears. We all recognize the efforts of our mothers, it's ok, but the silent and -most of the times- painful efforts of a father for his family are often cast into obvivlion, and when we do realise about them is wrecking too late.
    The other song that makes me think of my dad is that famous one of Cat Stevens.
  • Ricci from MontrealNo one knows but a bunch of strangers here how this song affects me, as it came out around the same time my dad died - he was only 45 and I was just 18. We've had a waning relationship as I got older and his death never really hit me hard emotionally until a few years after, so these lyrics seem as though they were written about me in some parts. I missed you, dad.

    March 23, 2021
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn this day in 1989 {January 22nd} "The Living Years" by Mike and the Mechanics peaked at #2 {for 3 weeks} on United Kingdom's Official Top 100 Singles* chart, for the three weeks it was at #2, the #1 record for those three weeks was "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart" by Marc Almond and Gene Pitney...
    Two months later on March 19th, 1989 "The Living Years" reached #1 {for 1 week} on U.S. Billboard's Top 100 chart...
    Between 1985 and 1999 the band had fifteen records on the UK Singles chart, one made the Top 10, the above "The Living Years"...
    They came close to having a second Top 10 record when their "Over My Shoulder" peaked at #12 in 1995...
    Leader Mike Rutherford, born Michael John Cloete Crawford Rutherford, celebrated his 70th birthday three months ago on October 2nd, 2020...
    * And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of the UK Singles' Top 10 on January 22nd, 1989:
    At #3. "Especially For You" by Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan
    #4. "You Got It" by Roy Orbison
    #5. "She Drives Me Crazy" by the Fine Young Cannibals
    #6. "Crackers International" EP by Erasure
    #7. "Cuddly Toy" by Roachford
    #8. "Buffalo Stance" by Neneh Cherry
    #9. "Baby I Love Your Way"/"Freebird" by Will To Power
    #10. "Love Train" by Holly Johnson
  • Esskayess from Dallas, TxI appreciated the intent of this song and if it inspired some to fix burned bridges, that’s fine. But I thought it was overproduced, with the chorus repeating all those lines and it basically ordering the listener to start crying. I half expected them to include a free handkerchief with each copy. A more modest production would have been better.
  • Annabelle from Eugene, OrOn February 11 of this year, I was shocked to learn that my dearly loving Father, Scott, passed away. I don't know what may have caused it, but what is known is that he died of a heart attack in the middle of the night on February 10, while he was sleeping. It seemed that when I talked to him four days earlier, he was cheerful, happy, and in good spirits. What's even more shocking, he was only 55 years old! I've never felt so lonely in my life. Losing my father has been so painful for me, since we had such a good relationship. Even though yeah, he may have made me mad when he teased me, it was all in good fun! It's such a shame that it took a tragedy for me to realize I'm now feeling the full strength of our bond more than I ever have before. However, I regret not being able to tell him all that I wanted to say. One of the last things we said to each other was, "I love you, I miss you, and I sure am looking forward to seeing you this summer.". I wish I could take him and my Uncle Bruce with me to my dream destination, Australia! My Uncle Bruce passed away on March 19, 2010, 2 weeks and 3 days shy of turning 58. I don't know what may have caused his death either, but what is known is that Uncle Bruce died of a stroke.
  • Emmy from Bellville, OnSo sad, but a good song. The Glee Cast covered it.
  • Adrian from Johor Bahru, MalaysiaThe writer of the song must be a believer in reincarnation as evident in the lyrics which stated that he heard his late father's echoes in his newborn son's crying.
  • Ken from Pittsburgh, PaOne of the best songs of the '80s. One of few songs that can create a genuine connection with listeners.
  • Coffeegod from Brandon, Ms42 years ago today, my father was killed. I still miss him.
  • Kayla from Winnipeg, MbI get this song and it is inspiring and all but I have to change it every time I hear it. It creeps me out. Paul Carrack is like a genius but this song is seriously scary!
  • Glenn from Denver, CoThis song has increbible meaning for me. My father and I just couldn't seem to agree on anything when I was growing up. He was the reason that, on my 18th birthday, I packed up and moved out of my parents' home.

    One morning in early 1989, I was in the basement of my home working out before I showered and went to work. As I always did, I had the radio playing while I lifted weights, but for some reason, my wife had changed the station the day before and it was not the one I typically listened to.

    As I lay on the weight bench, this song, which I'd never heard before, came on. I listened to the lyrics and began sobbing uncontrollably. I felt a tremendous sense of loss -- and had no idea why.

    Later that morning, my brother, who still lived in the town where we'd grown up, called me at the office and told me my father had passed away right around the time I heard that song. It was spooky.

    My father had suffered a stroke several years earlier, and was bedridden, unable to speak since his illness. I moved 1600 miles away shortly after he became ill, perhaps out of the belief that, in his vegetative state, we never would be able to understand one another.

    This song perfectly captured the nature of our relationship and the regret that washed over me that morning in 1989. I only hope that somehow, my father knew that I wanted to reach him very badly.
  • Lou from Portsmouth, NhLike others, this helped me get past the passing of my father. Like the lyrics go, we did on occasion "...open up a quarrel between the present and the past...", but they were settled. It is a powerful song with an equally powerful message.
  • Jim from Long Beach, CaThis song always kills me. My father passed away 8 years ago and when we I hear this song it reminds me of him. Very powerful and inspirational, I am so close to my mother and always remember that you only have one father and mother, if you can enjoy them, life is too damn short....
  • Marie from Brisbane, AustraliaMy dad Pierre was diagnosed with cancer in February 2006 and passed away 5 weeks later on 5th April , 4 days after his 71st birthday in paliative care , my dad used to love The living Years song ,when i was a little girl i remember this song was played on the radio when i was in the car with dad and he would say he really loves this song , not to know that this song would mean so much to me when my dad passed away, i received a call early the morning before he passed away i drove as fast as i could to see dad , i walked in and dad had already passed i didnt get to say goodbye, if i only had stayed the night i could have played this song to him, im sure it would have put a smile on his face just one last time .
    This song will always remind me of my dearest dad Pierre.
    Thankyou to Mike & the Mechanics, listening to this song makes me feel that dad is by my side.
    I LOVE U MY DADDY ,always your little girl Mariefrance xxxxx
  • Kev from Newcaste, United KingdomGreat song, always brings a lump in my thoat. Nobody seems to have mentioned BA Robertson, a scottish singer/songwriter, who i read Mike credit as being the lyricist. BA was writing about his own relationship with his recently deceased father and though Mike went through a similar expirience around the same time and obviously had an imput i think the big fella from Scotland deserves a shout. Nice work BA and M&M.
  • Clive from Cape Town, South AfricaThis song will always bring copious tears to my eyes. I literally was not there that morning; I did not make the time to say the things I had to say, (or listen to what he had to tell me) Despite everything I still love my dad dearly. All I can do is encourage all people to make (not take) the time to share your honest feelings with your loved ones now while you still can. The burden of not having done it will weigh heavily - believe me!
  • Paul from Detroit, MiIf you can relate to this song or not, it will still bring a tear to your eye. A beautiful, well written song. Thank You Mike and the Mechanics for this gift.
  • Max from Utrecht, NetherlandsMy situation is slightly different than most. My relationship with my father was very troubled (maybe similar to Mike Rutherford's?).
    We never had a deep personal conversation, but often quarreled about things like politics. The typical generation gap stuff I guess - he was 45 years older than me.
    The last few years were especially difficult, as his health deteriorated and he became more and more verbally abusive toward my mother. When I defended her, he started shouting at me as well.
    Still, I always respected him. I pitied that he hardly ever told any stories about his past. In the last few years, I made him talk more about that, in an effort to get a good conversation going. Sometimes I succeeded a little, sometimes everything just got worse.
    And then he died, in the morning of his 92nd birthday. I wasn't there that morning. When I looked this song up and listened to it, I cried.
    The lines 'I wish I could have told him in the living years' have maybe a slightly different meaning to me: because, God knows, I TRIED to tell him in the living years, but I couldn't! Then again, maybe I didn't try hard enough.
    I sang this song at the funeral. I brought tears to the eyes of many guests.
  • Robert from Melbourne, AustraliaMy father passed away on 11th October 2008.
    He was a fantastic man and I'm immensely proud and fortunate that he was my father.
    I am one of the lucky ones as we were always close and listening to this song really hits home.
    Everyone who has a father, mother, son or daughter should really listen to these lyrics and take them to heart.
    If your parents are still alive and you have a conflict with them, I urge you to resolve them before it's too late. When they are gone, they are gone forever. They brought you into this world and raised you.
    Show them your love.
  • Nightthorn from Sacramento, CaI don't have the same experience as Angel, but it's those same lyrics that bring me to tears every time I hear this song. I never get tired of listening to this beautiful tune.
  • Debbie from Bodallin, AustraliaThank you Mike and the Mechanies for writing Living years my Dad pass away sudden on 11 Oct 2009 with a heart attack. I live 4 hours from perth and just out of northen this song came on and that was nearly the end of me because the words had very much meaning to me ,I never got to say goodbye to my dad,my hero, friend, joker and soul mate I miss him so much.This song was the 1st song at his funeral and I glad. Now everytime here this song it's own song. In memorial of my Dad (Kenneth Roy Newland) his loving daughter Debbie (the apple of his eyes)
  • Robin from Vincennes, InVery good song... I can actually feel peace in my heart after I lost my Dad... The whole family was there at his bed side when he passed. I was holding his hand and stroking his hair when he took his last breath... Looking back at all those years we were together, sharing memories, and drinking a cup of coffee with him in his yard swing... I would give anything to have one more day with him... Just to hold his hand and say I Love You... Anyone who has a heart can relate to this story... Just remember, you only have one father & mother... Cherish that forever folks... RLC
  • Karen from St. John's, GrenadaIt's a great song! It conveys a message of the important role of a father in the life of a child. It emphasises the way God has instructed us to honour and obey our parents. May you, especcially young people out there, some where, respect and obey your parents in the Lord. God Bless you!
  • Angel from Queensland, AustraliaTo all interested; My father served in the war and was a proud man , in his finall year of life he was diagnosed with cancer from aspestos used in the war, he was treated with kemo and radiation to cure his cancer (lung), 3 months post treatment he was given a clean bill of helath but needed to have regular check ups 3 months later he was told his cancer had returned but now he had it in all magor organs and only given 3 mnths to live, on the day of his death I didnt make it to the hospital in time to say good by. At the time I didnt know it but I was pregnat. My son was born that december and one night when my son was ill with a temper and crying I was sitting breastfeeding him in the quiet of my room and in the back ground on the radio "In the living years was playing , I love this song and cry every time I hear it especially when it gets to the point " I think I caught his spirit Later that same year Im sure I heard his echo In my babys new born tears I just wish I could have told him in the living years. God blessd my father and god bless Mike and the Mechanics for this song. Thankyou.
  • Bob from Johnstown, PaMy father passed away from a heart attack just a few months after this song was released (he was 51). It was the day before his birthday. And no, "I didn't get to tell him all the things I had to say". I'll never get a secong chance.
  • Rick from Everett, WaTo the guy that thinks this is crap, WTF? Dude, if you have no heart, I understand. If you have a son, I could NOT understand. I never had a father, grew up with a single mom and my sisters. Okay, call me a pussy, no big deal to me. I do have my own children and my son is eldest, 19. I can feel this in our relationship at times. It is hard. Song is great. Screw you!
  • Stafler from Durban, South Africai wish i had a son because my life is ending. he'd remember me each time this plays. it takes me back to the time that my life was still promising and wonderful
  • John from Brisbane, United StatesI hate this song.I can see through all the pretentious crap of this load of crap.This is just so awful.Ace and Squeeze, was a better pop group.The lyrics are good but the sound of this song makes me want to throw my radio out of a window because it is so agonizingly BAD.
  • Matthews from Pretoria, South AfricaReminds me of my Father - Dad may ur soul rest in peace - I miss you though and I cant stop thinking of you there's a lot I want to tell you but all in time - hopefully you are watching over me
  • Eric from Beaverton, OrMy dad is still alive, but this song brings tears to my eyes.
  • Stephanie from Huntington, WvMy father passed away about 3 weeks ago after a long illness. I lost my mother 4 1/2 years ago. This song has always brought me to tears because of the message it sends but today I heard it for the first time since my father passed and was totally broken. Having lost both parents now, this song really hits close to home.
  • George from Bangkok, ThailandAfter 19 years of searching...I've finally read the lyrics that brought me to tears the first time I heard them (I was a "gung ho soldier!) I was lucky, I was eventually able to talk to my father. Even now, tears form.
  • David from Newport, EnglandAlways brings tears to my eyes
  • Tim from Paterson, NjI miss you Dad , Hapy Fathers Day!
  • Tim from Paterson, NjMy Dad has passed away 32 years now , this sonng inspires me me to be a better son and even better father. A perfect song for fathers day.
  • Don from B G, KyPaul Young and Paul Carrack were the alternating lead singers in Mike + The Mechanics. Paul Carrack sang the lead on the songs "The Living Years" and "Silent Running" not Paul Young.
  • Ben from Sheffield, EnglandPaul Carrack is a huge Sheffield Wednesday Football fan and has recorded many songs to do with the team.
  • Stu from Fife, ScotlandIt's incredibly poignant. I'm sure it brings a tear to the eye of anyone who "wasn't there that morning when [their] father passed away". Rolf Harris, a well known entertainer in the UK, famously broke down on a children's TV programme when he was asked to review the track, live on air. I can sympathise.
  • Mary from Knoxville, TnMy father passed away at 53 of a massive heart attack on 10/24/1988, I was 23 and Daddy's Little Girl. He was a mechanic and my husband's name was/is Mike. The first time I heard this song was on the drive to Georgia from Memphis to bring him home for burial. This song hit me hard and still to this day, brings tears.
  • Jacqui from London, EnglandEven if this song is quite old - The Living Years will always be my favourite song - it has said so much thing that i could not find the words express myself. I have had some conflict with my father as well and this song gives me a chance to reflect on our relationsip. Thanks guys.

    so say to hear about Paul. I hope he was told all that he needed to know in his living years.

    Jacqui Tannis Riley
  • Pete from Nowra, Australia..the song was actually written by bass player Mike Rutherford and relates to his actual relationship with his father
  • Donnalynn from Blaine, WaThe song "In the Living Years" has always eluded me to this day, and now that I have located the artists and the lyrics, I can understand why. I totally relate to this song and it has made me realize the importance of making sure we always tell our loved ones what and how we feel no matter how hard it is to say.

    Thanks for allowing me to join in to make comments and check out the things you have in here. Donna
  • Danial from Dubai, OtherPaul Young who was the 53 year old lead singer with Mike and the Mechanics (and previously Sad CafÃ?) died from a suspected heart attack in July 2000. He collapsed at his home in Altrincham, Cheshire, UK.
  • Steve from St. Louis, MoPaul Carrack was also in the bands Ace and Squeeze. This is one of my favorite 80's bands and I think they were very underated. I still have a videotape of the '89 Grammy performance of this song.
  • Helen from Dublin, IrelandIt's pretty inspirational alright - powerful stuff!!
  • Daniel from Perth, AkLove this song, inspires me to live life in the now not in the past or future
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