That Was Then But This Is Now
by ABC

Album: Beauty Stab (1983)
Charted: 18 89
Play Video
  • Why make the past your sacred cow?
    I guess you've changed, you've changed and how
    Yeah, yeah, yeah
    Fruit's grown rotten on the bough
    Reap what you sow, with a counterfeit plough
    Yeah, yeah, yeah

    That was then but this is now

    More sacrifices than an Aztec priest
    Standing here straining at that leash
    All fall down
    Can't complain, musn't grumble
    Help yourself to another peace of apple crumble
    And consequently:
    Hearts of oak are charged and blistered
    Russians should be baby-sitted
    Americans enlisted

    That was then but this is now
    That was then but this is now
    That was then but this is now
    Writer/s: FRY, SINGLETON, WHITE
    Publisher: BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 1

  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn December 31st 1983, ABC performed "That Was Then, But This Is Now” on the ABC-TV program 'American Bandstand'...
    Just under a month later on January 29th, 1984 it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #95; though it only peaked at #89 it did reach #13 in Ireland...
    On the same 'Bandstand' show the British quartet also performed "S.O.S."; it reached #39 in the United Kingdom but didn't chart in the U.S.A.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)Song Writing

How a gym teacher, a janitor, and a junkie became part of some very famous band names.

Real or Spinal Tap

Real or Spinal TapMusic Quiz

They sang about pink torpedoes and rocking you tonight tonight, but some real lyrics are just as ridiculous. See if you can tell which lyrics are real and which are Spinal Tap in this lyrics quiz.

Joan Armatrading

Joan ArmatradingSongwriter Interviews

The revered singer-songwriter talks inspiration and explains why she put a mahout in "Drop the Pilot."

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

Daniel Lanois

Daniel LanoisSongwriter Interviews

Daniel Lanois on his album Heavy Sun, and the inside stories of songs he produced for U2, Peter Gabriel, and Bob Dylan.