The Meaning Behind The Song: The Voice by The Moody Blues
As one of the most influential bands of the 60s and 70s, The Moody Blues wrote many songs about the human condition and the mysteries of life. One of their most famous songs, The Voice, is a haunting tale that explores the power of the human voice and its ability to transcend time and space. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the lyrics of The Voice and its enduring impact on music lovers around the world.
Introduction
Before we delve into the meaning behind the song, let’s take a moment to look at some basic facts about The Voice. The song was released by The Moody Blues in 1981 on their album Long Distance Voyager. The album was a huge commercial success, reaching number one in both the UK and the US. The Voice was also released as a single, and it reached number 15 in the UK charts and number 6 in the US.
The Lyrics of The Voice
The lyrics of The Voice are deceptively simple. They describe a moment when the singer hears a voice that seems to come from nowhere. The voice tells him to “believe in your dreams, come what may” and to “shine on, keep on shining, love will show the way.” The singer is clearly moved by the voice, and he feels that it has the power to heal his wounded soul.
The Meaning of The Voice
At its core, The Voice is a meditation on the power of the human voice to inspire and uplift. The voice that the singer hears represents a higher power, perhaps a guardian angel or the voice of God. The voice reminds the singer that he is not alone in the world, and that he has the power within himself to overcome adversity and pursue his dreams.
The lyrics of The Voice also suggest that the power of the human voice transcends time and space. The voice that the singer hears seems to come from another dimension, a place beyond the physical world. This idea is reinforced by the ethereal quality of the music, which is haunting and otherworldly.
The Music of The Voice
The music of The Voice is just as important as the lyrics in conveying its message. The song begins with a sparse and moody synthesizer riff, which sets the stage for the singer’s introspective musings. As the song progresses, the music builds in intensity, with the addition of drums, guitar, and orchestration.
The combination of the music and the lyrics creates a sense of transcendence that is rare in popular music. The singer’s voice soars over the music, conveying a sense of wonder and awe at the power of the human voice.
The Legacy of The Voice
Despite being released over 40 years ago, The Voice remains a beloved classic of rock music. Its message of hope and perseverance has resonated with generations of fans, and it continues to inspire new listeners today.
In fact, The Voice has been covered by many artists over the years, including Seal, Céline Dion, and John Elefante. Each artist brings their own interpretation to the song, but they all capture its essence of hope and transcendence.
The Moody Blues and Their Influence on Music
As one of the pioneers of progressive rock, The Moody Blues had a significant impact on music in the 60s and 70s. Their music was characterized by lush orchestration, complex arrangements, and introspective lyrics.
The band’s influence can be heard in the work of many modern artists, including Radiohead, Muse, and Coldplay. These bands have carried on The Moody Blues’ legacy of pushing the boundaries of rock music and exploring new musical territories.
The Moody Blues and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Despite their impact on music, The Moody Blues were not inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame until 2018, almost 50 years after their debut album. This delay was seen by many as a snub, particularly given the band’s enduring popularity and influence.
However, the induction finally acknowledged the band’s contributions to music and their legacy as one of the most influential bands of the 60s and 70s.
Conclusion
The Voice is a classic song that explores the power and transcendence of the human voice. Its simple yet profound message of hope and perseverance has touched the hearts of millions of fans over the years, and it continues to inspire new listeners today.
As one of the pioneers of progressive rock, The Moody Blues left a lasting legacy on music, and their influence can be heard in the work of many modern artists. The band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame finally acknowledged their contributions to music, and it cemented their place in music history.
