That Was Then But This Is Now
ABC
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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
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Written by: FRY, SINGLETON, WHITE
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
GenreThe song, "That Was Then But This Is Now" by ABC, is categorized under the New Romantic and Synth-pop genres, prominent in the 1980s music charts.
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AlbumIt is one of the songs in ABC's second studio album named "Beauty Stab," released in 1983.
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Billboard RankingsThe song reached No. 18 on the UK Singles Chart and made it into the top 100 on the United States Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Video ProductionThe music video for "That Was Then But This Is Now" showcased a more sophisticated production compared to their previous videos. It was heavily featured on MTV at the time.
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Lineup ChangesThe band underwent lineup changes before the production of "Beauty Stab" album. David Palmer left the band and ABC was then a trio when they recorded "That Was Then But This Is Now".
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Lyrics ControversySome fans interpreted this song as a mockery of their previous work and viewed it as an attack on the band's original fanbase.
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Change in Musical Style"That Was Then But This Is Now" distinctly marked ABC's dramatic shift from their earlier glamorous and lavish orchestral pop style to a more rock-oriented and grittier style.
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Critical ReceptionCritics had mixed reactions to the song and album its from. Some applauded the mature, harder edge, while others missed the polished, luxurious sound of their debut.
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Band CommentsIn interviews, vocalist and band frontman Martin Fry said that "That Was Then But This Is Now" was a conscious attempt to break from their past and evolve as a band.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by different artists in various styles over the years, demonstrating its ongoing influence in popular music.
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Life After ReleaseDespite its initial mixed reviews, "That Was Then But This Is Now" remains a fan favorite and is a regular feature in ABC's live setlists.
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Cultural InfluenceThe track's opening line, "Why make the past the only way to grasp the future?" became a notable quote in the 1980s pop culture.
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Citation
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"That Was Then But This Is Now Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/25509409/ABC/That+Was+Then+But+This+Is+Now>.
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