Living On An Island by Status Quo

Album: Whatever You Want (1979)

Charted: 16

License This Song

lyrics

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

Although they are typecast as a no-nonsense rock band, Status Quo have produced quite a variety of songs over the years. Running to 3 minutes 54 seconds, "Living On An Island" is a ballad grounded firmly in reality. In the 1960s and on into the '70s, UK tax rates for high-earning musicians and actors were so extortionate that many became tax exiles. Among the first were James Bond author Ian Fleming and the multitalented Noël Coward, who both took up residence in Jamaica; the Woking-born Rick Parfitt chose an island paradise much closer to home, Jersey. Parfitt, who supplied the lead vocal, co-wrote "Living On An Island" with Bob Young.
The Cruxie referred to in the song is band manager Alan Crux; curiously his name was replaced in a later recording by "Someone." The reference to Rick getting high when his friend comes needs no explaining here.
"Living On An Island" was track 5 on the 1979 Whatever You Want album; the single was released on the Vertigo label in November 1979 backed by "Runaway." >>>
Suggestion credit:
Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 3

Comments: 2

Colin from Greater London'Cruxie' was replaced by 'Someone' due to the allegation of embezzlement by members of the Status Quo management team.
David from Carlin How, North Yorkshire The first verse deals with fame and the public's perception v. the reality and the resulting depression, due to loneliness.

-The second verse is more optimistic, with Parfitt, not sounding depressed, but bored.

-The third verse however, is positive; talking about the fun the two men are currently having. Although the storyteller indicates that he knows that this will be short lived, as his friend won't stay long.

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Blinded By The LightBruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen wrote "Blinded By The Light," which was a #1 hit for Manfred Mann's Earth Band. The "Madman Drummers" line is a reference to Springsteen's first E-Street drummer, Vinnie "Mad dog" Lopez.

Free BirdLynyrd Skynyrd

The opening lines to "Free Bird," "If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?" came from the girlfriend of Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins, who asked him that question during an argument.

Girl, You'll Be A Woman SoonNeil Diamond

Neil Diamond got a big boost in 1994 when Urge Overkill's cover of his song 'Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon" was used in the movie Pulp Fiction. His catalog sales ramped up, and suddenly he was cool.

Lifestyles Of The Rich And FamousGood Charlotte

The first Good Charlotte hit, "Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous," is a send-up of celebrity culture, but the group's leaders, Joel and Benji Madden, both married celebrities: Nicole Richie and Cameron Diaz, respectively.