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Dr. Livingstone, I Presume (song)
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Wikipedia article
"'Dr. Livingstone, I Presume'" is a 1968 song by the English rock band the Moody Blues. It was written by the band's flautist Ray Thomas, although he does not play the flute in the song. First released in June 1968 on the B-side of "Voices in the Sky," "Dr. Livingstone, I Presume" is one of Ray Thomas's signature child-themed songs, much like his first composition "Another Morning."
"Dr Livingstone, I Presume" was primarily written about Dr. David Livingstone. The lyrics in the opening verse describe the accomplishments of Dr. Livingstone, who was a Scottish missionary and explorer in central Africa. In a similar manner, the lyrics in later verses describe the accomplishments of Captain Robert Falcon Scott, and Christopher Columbus.
"Dr. Livingstone, I Presume" was later released on the Moody Blues' 1968 album 'In Search of the Lost Chord', where it was the third track. The band performed the song on the UK television programme 'Colour Me Pop' on 14 September 1968.
The chorus, with the repeated line "We're all looking for someone", was used in the title sequence of the 1968 Thames Television series 'The Tyrant King', in which a trio of children follow a mysterious character around London.
Personnel
* Ray Thomas lead vocals, tambourine
* Justin Hayward electric guitars, 6 and 12-string acoustic guitars, backing vocals
* John Lodge bass, backing vocals
* Mike Pinder Mellotron, piano, backing vocals
* Graeme Edge drums
References
Category:1968 songs
Category:The Moody Blues songs
Category:Songs written by Ray Thomas
Category:Songs about Africa
Category:Cultural depictions of David Livingstone
Category:Cultural depictions of Henry Morton Stanley
Category:Cultural depictions of Robert Falcon Scott
Category:Cultural depictions of Christopher Columbus
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