If there’s one song I am drawn to by the message alone, it’s “The Living Years”: The cheesy late-’80s production and the plain melody do not bother me one bit. That’s because this song is a touching confessional coupled with a powerful message from Mike and the Mechanics leader and Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford.
Like many of his era, Rutherford rebelled against his parents’ generation. True, you can probably say that about every group of young people, but the generation gap of the Vietnam War years was chronicled more than most and it helped shape history. Then many of them reached a point in their lives when they came to realize that they have more in common with their father than they previously thought – but a lack of communication delayed that epiphany.
Rutherford’s came when he had a baby just after his father passed away.
Released on Dec. 27, 1988, “The Living Years” rose to No. 1 the following March. The single was nominated for four Grammy awards, including record and song of the year. Burt Bacharach, no less, would later call the lyrics some of the finest of the decade.
Contrary to what many originally thought, however, Rutherford didn’t write to words that accompany his melody on “The Living Years”: Scottish pop star B.A. Robertson did, but Robertson’s experience mirrored Rutherford’s, so it carried much resonance with him.
There is one other thing I love about “The Living Years” aside from the lyrics, and that’s Paul Carrack’s vocals. Despite having been the voice behind so many familiar hits as a solo artist and with Ace, Squeeze, and Mike and the Mechanics (including this chart topper), he’s still not the household name you’d think. His performance here is committed, passionate and completely professional. The children’s choir backing is a fitting touch, too.
If your dad is with you today, heed the advice given on Mike and the Mechanics’ song and show your appreciation for him while you are still able to see his appreciation back. These are words to live by today … in the living years.
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