“Life Is For Living” — A Melodic Affirmation of Hope Amidst Life’s Inevitable Shadows
In the rich tapestry of British progressive rock, Barclay James Harvest carved out a unique space, known for their orchestral arrangements, layered harmonies, and a deeply melodic sensibility that set them apart from their more bombastic contemporaries. While they might not have garnered the same headline-grabbing fame as some of their peers, their music resonated profoundly with a dedicated global fanbase, particularly in mainland Europe. Among their many enduring compositions, “Life Is For Living” stands as a beacon of optimism, a gracefully uplifting anthem that, through its gentle power, reminds us of the inherent beauty and resilience within the human spirit, even when faced with adversity.
Released in 1980 as a single from their album, Turn of the Tide, “Life Is For Living” became a significant international success for Barclay James Harvest, especially on the European continent. While it only achieved a modest peak of number 61 on the UK Singles Chart, spending three weeks there, its impact was far greater in territories like Germany and Switzerland, where the band enjoyed considerable popularity. In Germany, the song impressively climbed to number 2 on the singles chart, and in Switzerland, it reached the pinnacle, hitting number 1. The album Turn of the Tide itself was a commercial success, reaching number 2 in Germany and number 1 in Switzerland, further underscoring the band’s strong foothold in these markets. This disproportionate success in Europe highlighted the band’s unique appeal and the profound connection they forged with audiences who embraced their more reflective, symphonic rock sound. For many across the continent, this song wasn’t just a track; it was a hopeful mantra that played on the radio, offering solace and encouragement in uncertain times.
The story behind “Life Is For Living” is rooted in a pivotal, and somewhat challenging, period for Barclay James Harvest. The song was primarily written by bassist and vocalist Les Holroyd, who, along with drummer Mel Pritchard, continued as the core of the band after the departure of founding member John Lees in 1979. This transition led to the formation of two distinct entities, “Barclay James Harvest” (led by Holroyd) and “John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest.” “Life Is For Living” emerged during Holroyd’s period leading the main band, signifying a fresh chapter and a renewed sense of purpose. Its creation was also notably inspired by a free concert the band performed in front of the Reichstag in Berlin on August 30, 1980, which attracted an estimated 250,000 people. This monumental event, serving as a thank you to their fervent German fanbase, undoubtedly imbued the song with a sense of collective spirit and hope, reflecting a desire to look forward despite personal and professional changes. The setting of the concert, with the Berlin Wall still very much a tangible presence, lent a poignant backdrop to the song’s message of perseverance and the pursuit of freedom.
The meaning of “Life Is For Living” is an affirmation of resilience in the face of adversity, a gentle yet firm reminder to embrace life’s journey despite its inherent difficulties. It speaks to the recognition that while the world may often present challenges, sorrows, and uncertainty, there is an enduring beauty and purpose to existence that compels us to continue. The lyrics, delivered with Holroyd’s characteristic warmth, encourage a perspective of hope and perseverance. It’s a song that acknowledges the “rainy days” and “stormy weather” but ultimately pivots to the strength found in pushing through, in reaching for the sun, and in understanding that joy and meaning are always within reach. The phrase “life is for living” itself is a simple yet profound declaration, cutting through cynicism to arrive at a fundamental truth about human experience: that even amidst struggle, the act of living, of experiencing, and of hoping, is a valuable end in itself.
For older listeners, “Life Is For Living” holds a particular resonance, serving as a gentle soundtrack to decades of personal triumphs and tribulations. It evokes memories of navigating life’s complexities, of learning to embrace both the light and the shadow, and of finding strength in moments of doubt. It’s a nostalgic journey back to a time when symphonic rock provided a thoughtful, melodic escape, offering solace and encouragement rather than simply a catchy tune. The song’s enduring message of perseverance and quiet optimism can prompt reflection on our own journeys, reminding us of the wisdom gained from having weathered various storms and the profound understanding that, indeed, life, in all its messy glory, is truly for living. It’s a comforting, almost paternal, assurance that no matter the challenges, there is always a reason to keep moving forward, to find beauty in the everyday, and to cherish the precious gift of existence.