Credits
PERFORMING ARTISTS
Jethro Tull
Vocals
Ian Anderson
Flute
John Evan
Piano
Jeffrey Hammond
Bass Guitar
Barrie Barlow
Drums
Martin Barre
Electric Guitar
Patrick Halling
Orchestra Leader
Dee Palmer
Orchestra Conductor
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Ian Anderson
Songwriter
Dee Palmer
Orchestrator
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Ian Anderson
Producer
Robin Black
Engineer
Terry Ellis
Producer
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Meanwhile back in the year one, when you belonged to no one
You didn't stand a chance, son, if your pants were undone
'Cause you were bred for humanity and sold to society
One day you'll wake up in the present day
A million generations removed from expectations
Of being who you really want to be
[Verse 2]
Skating away, skating away, skating away on the thin ice of a new day
Hey
[Verse 3]
So, as you push off from the shore, won't you turn your head once more
And make your peace with everyone?
For those who choose to stay, will live just one more day
To do the things they should've done
And as you cross the wilderness a-spinning in your emptiness
You feel you have to pray, looking for a sign that the universal mind
Has written you into the passion play
[Verse 4]
Skating away, skating away, skating away on the thin ice of a new day
Hey
[Verse 5]
And as you cross the circle line, well, the ice wall creaks behind
You're a rabbit on the run
And the silver splinters fly in the corner of your eye
Shining in the setting sun
We'll do you ever get the feeling that the story's too damn real
And in the present tense?
Or that everybody's on the stage
And it seems like you're the only person sitting in the audience?
[Verse 6]
Skating away, skating away, skating away on the thin ice of a new day
Hey
Skating away, skating away, skating away
Written by: Ian Anderson