Tags
A Question of Balance, Atmospheric music, feelings, In the Search of the Lost Chord, music, On the Threshold of a Dream, origins, poetry, reflections, spirituality, The Moody Blues
“There you go man, keep as cool as you can – Face piles of trials with smiles. It riles them to believe that you perceive the web they weave. Keep on thinking free.” ~ “In the Beginning” by The Moody Blues
Hello fellow intangibles! Are you ready to embark upon this sojourn with me as we explore my second origin artist? If you missed my first post regarding this topic, please click here to be transported safely to that destination. Ok, here we go…
The music of The Moody Blues have been expanding my mind since I was a child, and their music and lyrics remain very spellbinding. With album titles such as Days of Future Passed, In the Search of the Lost Chord, On the Threshold of a Dream, A Question of Balance, and Seventh Sojourn, how could I not help but be entranced? It especially helped that the album artwork matched the titles so well. I was their captive audience (and still am) – and I never want to be freed.
I consider The Moody Blues’ music to be atmospheric music – what that means to me is that the music creates a different atmosphere, realm, existence, etc. for me because of the layered and complicated quality of the music and lyrics. The music is lush and verdant – transcendental. They use copious amounts of instruments and sounds to tantalize your aural sense. This type of music almost makes itself tangible to me (and no special treats are needed to achieve this effect *clears throat* you know what I mean).
“Visions of Paradise” from In the Search of the Lost Chord (1968) is an excellent example: “The sounds in my mind just come to me – Come see, come see – And the call of her eyes makes waterfalls – Of me, of me…”
I just adore the flute in that song – ethereal. I always reveled in their intertwining of spoken poetry and songs too. The poems consistently were the perfect introductions to the songs – like getting a quick glimpse at a beautiful picture before you have the chance to truly devour the details. Here is your glimpse…
“The Dream”
When the white eagle of the North is flying overhead
The browns, reds, and golds of autumn lie in the gutter, dead.
Remember then, that summer birds with wings of fire flaying
Come to witness spring’s new hope, born of leaves decaying.
As new life will come from death, love will come at leisure.
Love of love, love of life, and giving without measure
Gives in return a wondrous yearn of a promise almost seen.
Live hand-in-hand and together we’ll stand on the threshold of a dream.
This video is actually a shortened melding of “Have You Heard (Part 1)”, “The Voyage”, and “Have You Heard (Part 2) from On the Threshold of a Dream (1969). The poem “The Dream” is spoken before this suite of songs on the album. For some reason, I always feel impelled to exhale deeply throughout this song – breath therapy.
In 1999, I was able to see The Moody Blues live for the first time with my Dad and husband. It was a magical moment to be able to share that experience with my father – the man who introduced this band to me. Unfortunately, it occurred 10 days after my best friend tragically died in a car accident – I was 22 years old (and so was she). At first I wasn’t sure if I should still attend the concert – was it right, proper, decent? Yes, I should – she would’ve wanted it. Their music permeated pass my numbness and encapsulated me in its warmth – I could start grieving…
A Question of Balance (1970) gave me “Melancholy Man” – “All the world astounds me and I think I understand – that we’re going to keep growing, wait and see.” This song has a tumultuous quality to it – a storm brewing beneath the surface, growing in strength – blustery and impassioned yet melancholic.
I am not capable of expressing how much this band has influenced and shaped my life – how they have enriched and invigorated my soul. They will eternally enthrall, enlighten, and engulf me. Do you have an artist that evokes strong emotions within you? Do you want to listen to more of The Moody Blues now? Well, you know my answer… Jam on intangibles…
“Between the eyes and ears there lie the sounds of color and the light of a sigh. And to hear the sun, what a thing to believe, but it’s all around if we could but perceive.” ~ “The Word” by The Moody Blues