Livin' in the Life

The Isley Brothers

About Livin' in the Life

"Livin' in the Life" is the second song released from The Isley Brothers' 1977 album, Go for Your Guns. It was also the next-to-last song on the album, which only included seven tracks, with the last track actually a "part two" version of the song under the title of the album, in which was led by Ernie Isley, brother Marvin and Chris Jasper. Much like the band's 1975 hit, "Fight the Power", it was written by Ernie Isley and, in some parts, lead singer Ronald Isley and his brothers, Rudolph and Kelly, tripled in unison lead vocals though Ronald remained the dominant vocalist over the three. Ronald also helps close out the ending of the album before it fades. The song became a hit on the R&B and dance charts, reaching #4 on the former, while also crossing over on the top 40 of the pop charts, reaching #40, making it their first top 40 pop hit in little over two years. 


Year:
1977
4:13
227 
#3

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Somebody said, I was living in the life
Somebody told me, I was living in the life
Think that you might know, you find that you're really wrong
My pictures come and go but my living has got to go on

And if you think it's easy it's only 'cause
You ain't me and I ain't you
Check out the difference between the two

Somebody said, it was easy in my life
Somebody told me, I had made it in my life
Try to understand my determination win
You can't only stand on the outside looking in

And if you think it's easy it's only 'cause
You ain't me and I ain't you
Check out the difference between the two

Somebody said, I was living in the life
Somebody told me, I was living in the life
Try to understand my determination win
You can't only stand on the outside looking in

You ain't me and I ain't you
That's the horrible difference between the two

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


The Isley Brothers

The Isley Brothers ( /ˈaɪzliː/ YZ-lee) are an American musical group consisting of brothers Ron and Ernie Isley. The founding members of the band were Ronald Isley, older brothers Rudy and Kelly and younger brother Vernon. Originally formed as a gospel quartet, following the death of brother Vernon, the remaining trio launched a career into doo-wop scoring with their first million-selling hit single, "Shout", in 1959. Follow-up successes came with the 1962 single, "Twist and Shout" and the 1966 Motown single, "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)". more »

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Written by: CHRISTOPHER JASPER, CHRISTOPHER H JASPER, ERNIE ISLEY, MARVIN ISLEY, O'KELLY ISLEY, RONALD ISLEY, RUDOLPH ISLEY

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Details
"Livin' in the Life" is a song by American R&B group The Isley Brothers. It is a track off their 1977 album, "Go for Your Guns."
Chart Performance
The song had considerable success on the charts. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.
Fusion of Genres
The song incorporates elements of funk, soul, and rock. It showcases the diverse talents of the Isley Brothers.
Extended Medley
The song actually segues into another song, usually played as an extended medley, the famous "Go for Your Guns" track, enhancing a unique performance style adopted by the group.
Notable Influence
The song's funky guitar arrangements has influenced other artists, including Jimi Hendrix, who was once part of their band.
Impact on Pop Culture
This song has been interpolated or sampled in rap music. For instance, the hip-hop group Beastie Boys sampled "Livin' in the Life" on their song "Dis Yourself in '89 (Just Do It)".
Songwriting Credits
The song is a collaborative effort written by all six members of the band—O'Kelly Isley Jr., Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley, Chris Jasper, Ernie Isley, and Marvin Isley.
Strings and Synths
Unlike much of their previous songs, "Livin' in the Life" utilized a synthesis of catchy synthesizer fabrications and string arrangements, highlighting their evolving sound.
Album Success
"Livin' in the Life" was a significant contributor to the success of the "Go for Your Guns" album, which itself went Platinum, making it one of the band's highest-selling records.
Longevity
Despite its release over 40 years ago, "Livin' in the Life" remains a favorite among fans of The Isley Brothers and the genre overall, attesting to the long-term appeal and resonance of the track.

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    Livin' in the Life

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1977

    Billboard #40


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