Friday, May 29th, 2026

The Eighties Archive

Song Number 0074
In 1985, English singer-songwriter and synthesizer pioneer Howard Jones released Life in One Day, a vibrant and philosophically grounded track that perfectly captured the optimistic yet reflective spirit of mid-1980s pop. Issued as the third single from his highly successful second studio album, Dream into Action, the song solidified Jones’s position as a leading figure in the synth-pop movement. Produced by Rupert Hine, the track blended infectious electronic melodies with a rhythmic, reggae-inflected bounce, showcasing Jones’s ability to marry complex philosophical ideas with accessible, radio-friendly arrangements. The song became a significant commercial success, climbing into the top twenty on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100.
At its core, Life in One Day is a musical antidote to the fast-paced, high-pressure consumer culture of the 1980s. The lyrics serve as a gentle, reassuring reminder to slow down, practice patience, and appreciate the present moment. Jones addresses the human tendency to rush toward future goals, reminding listeners that you cannot live your whole life in a single day.

The songwriting encourages a mindful approach to existence, suggesting that true success and happiness are built incrementally rather than achieved in a frantic burst of ambition. This message of emotional well-being and balance stood out in an era often defined by material excess and corporate hustle, offering listeners a grounded perspective on modern life.

Musically, the song is notable for its rich, layered production and its departure from the more somber tones of some of Jones’s earlier work. It features bright synth brass stabs, a prominent and playful bassline, and distinctive backing vocals provided by Afrodiziak, which added a soulful, uplifting depth to the chorus. The track’s cheerful, sunny disposition intentionally mirrors its lyrical message, creating a sonic environment that feels both celebratory and relaxing. Jones’s vocal performance is warm and inviting, delivered with a casual confidence that makes the song’s advice feel like a conversation with a wise friend rather than a lecture.
The accompanying music video further emphasized the song’s themes of authenticity and simplicity. It featured colorful, slightly surreal imagery and poked gentle fun at commercialism, reinforcing Jones’s artistic identity as a thoughtful, socially conscious musician. Decades after its release, Life in One Day remains a standout track in Howard Jones’s discography and a definitive artifact of 1985 pop culture. It exemplifies a unique era where synthesized music was infused with profound human warmth and positive ethics. The track continues to resonate with modern audiences, serving as a timeless, catchy reminder that life is a journey to be savoured one step at a time, rather than a race to be won overnight.
The song peaked at No. 14 in the UK charts on 6th July 1985.
Howard Jones - Life In One Day - Eighties Archive Promo Image
Howard Jones - Life In One Day - UK 7'' Cover - Front
Howard Jones - Life In One Day - UK 7'' Cover (Front)
Howard Jones - Life In One Day - UK 7'' Cover - Back
Howard Jones - Life In One Day - UK 7'' Cover (Back)
A-Side Life In One Day (3:39)
(Howard Jones)
Produced By Rupert Hine
B-Side Boom Bap Respite (2:45)
(Howard Jones)
Produced By Howard Jones
UK Top 40 Chart Run [5 Weeks] – 29th June 1985 – 27th July 1985
22
14
17
22
27

Officially Released Versions

Life In One Day (Single Version) (3:39)
Life In One Day (Part One) (6:50)
Life In One Day (Part Two) (7:14)

See ALL releases of ‘Life In One Day’ on Discogs.

Lyrics

The old man said to me
Said don’t always take life so seriously
Play the flute
And dance and sing your song

Try and enjoy the here and now
The future will take care of itself somehow
The grass is never greener over there
Time will wear away the stone
Gets the hereditary bone

Don’t try to live your life in one day
Don’t go speed your time away
Don’t try to live your life in one day
Don’t go speed your time away

The old man said to me
Said you can’t change the world single-handedly
Raise a glass enjoy the scenery
Pretend the water is champagne
And fill my glass again and again
While the wolves are gathering round your door
Time will wear away the stone
Gets the hereditary bone

The old man said to me
Said don’t always take life so seriously
Play the flute
And dance and sing your song

Try and enjoy the here and now
The future will take care of itself somehow
The grass is never greener over there
Time will wear away the stone
Gets the hereditary bone

I tried to live my life in one day
Don’t go speed your time away

I bit off more than I can chew
Only so much you can do

Wolves are gathering round my door
Ask them in and invite some more

I tried to live my life in one day
Don’t go speed your time away

Written by Howard Jones

Howard Jones - Life In One Day - Promo Advert

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Howard Jones
Life In One Day
Howard Jones - Life In One Day - UK 7'' Cover - Front
Howard Jones - Life In One Day - VIT Album

Date Released

17th June 1985

Highest Chart Position

No. 14

Genre

Electronic, Pop, SynthPop

Date Of UK Top 40 Entry

29th June 1985

Record Label

WEA RECORDS

Catalogue Number

HOW 8

Other Songs In Archive

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