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destiny


composers
Composers: Kerr / Burchill
Authors: Kerr / Burchill


publisher
© EMI Music Publishing Limited: (1979 - 2007)
© JKMC-Bucks Music Group Ltd / Hornall Music: (2008 - 2014)
© BMG Rights Management (UK) Ltd: (2015 -)


background
During the second half of 1978, Simple Minds would open the show with a massive sprawling belter of a song called Sweet Things. Its extended intro allowed the band to warm up, get into their stride and get the audience going, before dropping the tempo and sliding into the slower, steadier more structured part of the track.

It was this second half which was rescued during the Life In A Day sessions, given more structure, given new lyrics and completely toned down. It was recored at The Townhouse on the 28th January 1979 when Simple Minds realised they were running low on tracks and required more than was recorded at Farmyard Studios.

It was even recorded under its original title, which was corrected later:



Final mixes (including some very similar out-takes) were committed to tape on the 3rd March 1979.

It was never a popular song, already relegated to the subs' bench before the album was recorded, and only managed to hang on for the 1979 tour. It was quickly dropped as the new songs destined for Real To Real Cacophony started appear in the set.


lyrics
Look at the world outside.
Beware its evil tide.
Too many endless days.
Cold streets and alleyways.
The poor come crawling out.
They speak but never shout.
I think you'd rather be alone.
You're hiding in a shell.
So easy I can tell.
Can you sell me some thoughts?
Though drugs just can't be bought.
Tell me is it some crime,
To wait a long time?
I think you'd rather be alone.
Can you hear me?
Can you see?
I don't want this destiny.
To be destined.
Destiny.
Something's been happening here,
Don't touch.
Don't come so near.
Don't ask me to reply.
Can't think of no more lies.
The hand that reaches out,
Can crush without a doubt.
I think you'd rather be alone.

Oh much is left unexplained.
It's getting to my brain.
Yet still you wear that smile.
Then walk your crooked mile.
Some day you're bound to learn too late.
There's no return.
I think you'd rather be alone.

Can you hear me?
Can you see?
I don't want this destiny.
To be destined
Destiny



discography
Album Version (3:36)
Producer: John Leckie
Engineer: John Leckie
Arrangement: Simple Minds/John Leckie

Life In A Day Promo LP Life In A Day LP Life In A Day MC Chelsea Girl 7" Australian single Life In A Day LP (Virgin Mid-Price Reissue) Life In A Day MC (Virgin Mid-Price Reissue) Life In A Day LP (Virgin Budget Reissue) Life In A Day MC (Virgin Budget Reissue) Life In A Day CD Compact Collection Life In A Day Reissue CD Life In A Day Disky CD Life In A Day Remaster Promo CD Life In A Day Remaster Limited Edition CD Life In A Day Remaster CD X5 Life In A Day Promo CD X5 The Vinyl Collection (79,84)



live history
Simple Minds: 1978
Life In A Day Tour: 1979
Real To Real Cacophony Tour: 1979-1980