"Live and Let Live" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Peter Gabriel | ||||
from the album I/O | ||||
Released | 27 November 2023 | |||
Genre | Progressive pop [1] | |||
Length |
| |||
Label |
| |||
Songwriter(s) | Peter Gabriel | |||
Producer(s) | Peter Gabriel | |||
Peter Gabriel singles chronology | ||||
|
"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". [3]
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." [3] [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
Choir
The 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)
Chart (2023) | Peak position |
---|---|
UK Singles Downloads ( OCC) [6] | 74 |