Song of Life (song) explained

Song Of Life
Cover:Song Of Life.jpg
Caption:CD single cover
Type:single
Artist:Leftfield
Album:Leftism
Released:30 November 1992
Recorded:Rollover Studios, London
Length:4:17
Label:Hard Hands
Producer:Leftfield
Prev Title:Release the Pressure
Prev Year:1992
Next Title:Open Up
Next Year:1993

"Song of Life" is the fourth single released by English electronic group Leftfield and the first on a CD single release. The song was released on 12" and CD on 30 November 1992. The sleeve of the single had the footnote "dedicated to the memory of Steve Walters whose support, friendship and encouragement will never be forgotten".[1] It reached #59 in the UK charts. The song was also used as the backing track for Channel 4's Dispatches programme. The Remix 12" featured two remixes by British electronic music then-trio Underworld: "The Lemon Interrupt Mix", as well as the "Steppin' Razor Mix", which both feature on Sasha & John Digweed's mix album . The track appears in the movie and its soundtrack.[2]

Critical reception

Iestyn George from NME wrote, "Leftfield's nine-minute opus is the pick of the bunch, magnificently constructed with a distinctly Eastern feel."[3]

Impact and legacy

British DJ and record producer John Digweed picked the song as one of his favourites in 1996, adding, "Another classic record from 'Reneissance'. I've got lots of good memories of the track. I still play it today and it still goes down really well."[4]

Track listing

  1. "Song of Life" - 9:13
  2. "Dub of Life" - 5:08[5]
  3. "Fanfare of Life" - 6:08
  1. "Song of Life" (Radio Edit) - 4:18
  2. "Song of Life" (Extended Version) - 8:44[6]
  3. "Fanfare of Life" - 6:05
  4. "Release the Dub" - 5:45
  1. "Song of Life" (Steppin' Razor Mix) - 8:24
  2. "Release the Horns" - 6:08
  3. "Song of Life" (The Lemon Interrupt Mix) - 10:21

Charts

Chart (1992)Peak
position
UK Singles (OCC)59
UK Dance (Music Week)[7] 1

Notes and References

  1. News: More Than I Know . Not Forgotten - The UK Leftfield Web-site . 2006-11-05.
  2. Web site: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) - IMDb. IMDb.
  3. Iestyn. George. Singles. NME. 1992-11-28. 17. 2023-03-29.
  4. Jock On His Box. Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). 1996-06-01. 5. 2021-08-18.
  5. Web site: Leftfield – Song of Life (1992, Vinyl). Discogs.
  6. Web site: Leftfield – Song of Life (1992, CD). Discogs.
  7. Top 60 Dance Singles . . 1992-12-12 . 20 . 2020-09-30.