Skating Away (On The Thin Ice Of The New Day)

Album: War Child (1974)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was one of the first songs to discuss climate change. However, Ian Anderson admitted to Mojo magazine that he got his facts wrong. "Based on what I was reading in scientific journals, I thought there was a mini ice age coming," he said.

    Not long after came the revelation that in fact the opposite was the case. "I had a lot of egg and indeed ice on my face," Anderson grinned.
  • There are two lines in this song that reference the 1973 Jethro Tull album The Passion Play: "Looking for a sign that the Universal Mind has written you into the Passion Play" and "Or that everybody's on the stage, and it seems like you're the only person sitting in the audience?" The Passion Play is a two-song album similar to Thick As a Brick. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jon Hefets - Commack, NY

Comments: 7

  • Paddymcq from Louisville, KyTurth from Boston, not sure when you wrote this but the song is from 1974 so... way to stay up on current events.
  • Turth from BostonActually neither is true as climate change is a complete myth. It's okay to be wrong. Still a good song.
  • Linda from Inland Empire, CaWow, I have not heard this song for many years and never with decent speakers before. Love it, especially the array of instrumentation.
  • Joe from Grants Pass, OrWAR CHILD- watta ya think ???
  • Rod from Gainesville, Fllove the vocal stylings
  • Peter Griffin from Quahog, RiAbout the Apocalypse, perhaps?
  • Andy from Rockaway , NyGreat Tull music, Anderson at his best.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.