| Live and Let Live | |
| Cover: | Live and Let Live Peter Gabriel.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Peter Gabriel |
| Album: | I/O |
| Released: | 27 November 2023 |
| Genre: | Progressive pop[1] |
| Length: |
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| Label: |
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| Producer: | Peter Gabriel |
| Prev Title: | And Still |
| Prev Year: | 2023 |
"Live and Let Live" is a song by English musician Peter Gabriel, first released on 27 November 2023 as the final single released in promotion of his tenth studio album I/O,[2] four days before the record's release. It is the final track on the record; the dark-side and in-side mixes of the track are also extended by an additional 25 seconds. The artwork for the single was designed by Nick Cave with his piece "Soundsuit".
According to Gabriel, the song is about forgiveness, tolerance, and optimism. The track was described by Gabriel as "a joyous, rousingly-positive, closing note for the album".[3] Elaborating on this, Gabriel stated:
"If we look at what's happening in the Middle East now or in Ukraine, all sorts of places around the world where there's still violence and brutality, to walk around with a bunch of flowers, preaching forgiveness seems trite and pathetic, maybe. But in the long run, I think people have to find a way. 'Peace only happens when you respect the rights of others' is a quote from the Peace University in Costa Rica and I think that's a really important message for me and for my life. You either belong to that hurt or you free yourself and forgiveness is clearly a super effective way of freeing yourself."[4]The track has also been described as a powerful anthem about love and forgiveness, Gabriel has also stated that when writing the track he had Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu in mind.[5]
Orchestra
ChoirThe Soweto Gospel Choir Soprano: Linda Sambo, Nobuhle Dhlamini, Phello Jiyane, Victoria Sithole
Alto: Maserame Ndindwa, Phumla Nkhumeleni, Zanele Ngwenya, Duduzile Ngomane
Tenor: George Kaudi, Vusimuzi Shabalala, Xolani Ntombela, Victor Makhathini
Bass: Thabang Mkhwanazi, Goodwill Modawu, Warren Mahlangu, Fanizile Nzuza
Soloists: Phello Jiyane (Soprano), Duduzile Ngomane (Alto), Vusimuzi Shabalala (Tenor), Fanizile Nzuza (Bass), Victor Makhathini (Male voice Zulu improvisations), Phumla Nkhumeleni (Female ululating and chanting)
| Peak position | |
| German Downloads (Offizielle Download Top 100)[6] | 52 |
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