Close Menu
    Friday, May 29th, 2026
    Login
    Howard Jones - Life In One Day - UK 7'' Cover - Front
    1985 Howard Jones Singles

    Howard Jones – Life In One Day

    3 Views1 Min Read

    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

    Amazon Afflilate Links

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please think of buying some items from our links as it will help pay for the hosting costs and keep our site live.

    The 12” Album + 12”ers Vol. 2
    Bestseller #1

    The 12” Album + 12”ers Vol. 2

    £18.57
    Dream Into Action 2024 New Stero Mix Remix
    Bestseller #2

    Dream Into Action 2024 New Stero Mix Remix

    £23.99
    Dream Into Action
    Bestseller #3

    Dream Into Action

    £19.99
    Human's Lib
    Bestseller #4

    Human’s Lib

    £22.79
    Human's Lib
    Bestseller #5

    Human’s Lib

    £10.49
    Celebrate It Together - The Very Best Of Howard Jones 1983-2023
    Bestseller #6

    Celebrate It Together – The Very Best Of Howard Jones 1983-2023

    £27.99
    Best: 1983-2017
    Bestseller #7

    Best: 1983-2017

    £19.99
    Celebrate It Together - The Very Best Of Howard Jones 1983-2023
    Bestseller #8

    Celebrate It Together – The Very Best Of Howard Jones 1983-2023

    £13.99
    The Platinum Collection
    Bestseller #9

    The Platinum Collection

    £16.99
    ORIGINAL STUDIO ALBUMS 1984-1992
    Bestseller #10

    ORIGINAL STUDIO ALBUMS 1984-1992

    £42.46
    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

    About Eighties Archive

    LogoClear

    We hope this will be your one stop shop for enjoying your Eighties music nights. There are over 3,500 chart entries to add to this site, so call in often, as we will be adding entries every day. We will be adding more features to the site as time goes on. But for now, enjoy!

    Share.