Hang on to Your Life

The Guess Who

About Hang on to Your Life

"Hang On to Your Life" is a song written by Burton Cummings and Kurt Winter and performed by The Guess Who. It reached #5 in Canada and #43 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971. It was also released in the United Kingdom as a single, but it did not chart. The song is featured on their 1970 album, Share the Land. The producer was Jack Richardson and the arrangement was by The Guess Who. At the end of the album version Cummings recites verses 13-15 of Psalm 22. The single version ends just before he speaks.  


Year:
1970
4:10
102 

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Thinking 'bout the people gone by
Screaming that I don't want to die
Well you can push your head
But don't you push it too far

Thinking 'bout it's here and it's real
Wondering how I really should feel
Well you can sell your soul
But don't you sell it too cheap

Hang on to your life, oh life, oh life, oh life, oh life
Hang on to your life

Thinking 'bout betraying a friend
Thinking 'bout delaying the end
Well you can ride the wind
But don't you ride it too high

Hang on to your life
Hang on to your life
Hang on to your life, life, life, life, life,
Hang on to your life
Hang on to your life, life, life, life, life
Hang on to your life
Hang on to your life, life, life, life, life
Hang on to your life
Hang on to your life, life, life, life, life
Hang on to your life
Hang on to your life, your life, your life, your life, your life, your life
Your life, your life, your life, your life, your life, your life, your life

They gaped upon me with their mouths
As a ravening and a roaring lion
I am poured out like water
And all my bones are out of joint
My heart is like wax
It is melted in the midst of my bowels
My strength is dried up like a potsherd
And my tongue cleaveth to my jaws
And thou has brought me into the dust of death

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The Guess Who

The Guess Who are a Canadian rock band from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Initially gaining recognition in Canada, they also found international success from the late 1960s through the mid-1970s with numerous hit singles, including "American Woman", "These Eyes" and "Share the Land". Several former members of The Guess Who, notably Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman (of Bachman–Turner Overdrive), have also found considerable success outside the band. more »

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Written by: Burton Cummings, Kurt Winter

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Date
"Hang on to Your Life" by The Guess Who was released in 1970 as part of the band's 7th studio album "Share the Land."
Band Members
The primary members of The Guess Who responsible for this song were Burton Cummings, Randy Bachman, Jim Kale, and Garry Peterson.
Song Position in Album
"Hang on to Your Life" was the 8th track on "Share the Land" album.
Influence
The song's lyrics were partially inspired by a Bible passage from the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:32).
Chart Success
"Hang on to Your Life" hit No. 43 in the US and No. 25 in Canada.
Genre
The song, like much of The Guess Who's discography, can be classified as Rock.
Song Duration
The track "Hang on to Your Life" runs for 4:09 minutes.
Live Performances
The Guess Who frequently included "Hang on to Your Life" in their setlists for live performances during the early '70s.
Sound
"Hang on to Your Life" showcases the band's psychedelic rock style, with strong guitar riffs and dynamic vocal performance.
Lyrics and Theme
The song, with its dramatic lyrics, reflects the uncertainty and turbulence of its time, offering listeners a kind of existential caution.
Creative Direction
The spoken word section at the end of the song is a distinctive feature, separating it from others in the band's repertoire.
Reissues
"Hang on to Your Life" is often included in The Guess Who compilation albums and box sets.

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    "Hang on to Your Life Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4309107/The+Guess+Who/Hang+on+to+Your+Life>.

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    Hang on to Your Life

    42,551
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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1971

    Billboard #43


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