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Doctor Livingstone, I Presume Lyrics

Doctor Livingstone, I presume,
Stepping out of the jungle gloom
Into the midday sun.
What did you find there?
Did you stand awhile and stare?
Did you meet anyone?
“I've seen butterflies galore,
I've seen people big and small.
I've still not found what I'm looking for.”

We're all looking for someone
We're all looking for someone.
We're all looking for someone.

Captain Scott, you were so bold,
Now you're looking rather cold
Out there in the snow.
What did you find there?
Did you stand awhile and stare?
Did you meet anyone?

“I've seen polar bears and seals
I've seen giant Antarctic eels.
I've still not found what I'm looking for.”

We're all looking for someone.
We're all looking for someone.
We're all looking for someone.

Columbus, where are you bound?
So you think the world is round.
Sail off in the blue.
What did you find there?
Did you stand awhile and stare?
Did you meet anyone?

“There are Indians by the score
In many places that I saw.
I've still not found what I'm looking for.”

We're all looking for someone.
We're all looking for someone.
We're all looking for someone.
1 Meaning

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Cover art for Doctor Livingstone, I Presume lyrics by Moody Blues, The

So many people go through life saying "when..." "WHEN I find the right mate..." Or, "when I get out of college and find a good job with a good company..." Or, "when I make a million bucks...THEN I'll be happy and life will be great!"
Then, they fail to live, while waiting for those things to come to fruition.

And, when they DO accomplish their goals, they find that it only makes them happy for a day or two. Then, they are just as empty and unhappy as they were before. Only now, they're disappointed and disillusioned, as well.

To me, this song is saying that, even the most successful among us, even those who find that for which they were searching, or accomplish that which they set out to achieve...are just as empty and unfulfilled on the inside as everyone else.

I spent most of my life, as this song says, "looking for someone"...only to be disappointed. I went from one woman to another, one relationship to another...and no one could fill the void. (At least, not for more than a few days or weeks...or hours.) God is the only One Who can give meaning and fulfillment on any permanent basis.

My Interpretation
 
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