In The Beginning (The Moody Blues Song)
"In the Beginning" is a 1969 song by the progressive rock band The Moody Blues. Written by drummer Graeme Edge, it was released as the opening track on the album On the Threshold of a Dream.
On the Threshold of a Dream is a concept album about dreams, and "In the Beginning" introduces this theme. The track begins with a high-frequency electronic sound, which appears repeatedly on the album. As it begins, the mellotron provides an ascending orchestral sound, which ends abruptly when the verses begin.
The lyrics are spoken rather than sung, and it is the only Moody Blues spoken track to feature multiple members reciting the lyrics. The first part is recited by Justin Hayward, whose character is trying to figure out the meaning of life, says "I think, I think I am. Therefore, I am, I think." The next part, recited by Graeme Edge, who portrays the antagonist from a computer-dominated world, tries to lure the main character into a world of little human interaction due to technology running every aspect of life. Edge's vocal piece also features the sound of heavy machinery in the background.
Hayward's character then returns, refuting this lifestyle with "I'm more than that! I know I am. At least, I think I must be." The final part, recited by Mike Pinder, who is the inner self of the main character, convinces the main character to "keep on thinking free", which is part of the album's concept. The song ends by fading into the next track "Lovely to See You."
Read more about In The Beginning (The Moody Blues Song): Personnel
Famous quotes containing the words beginning, moody and/or blues:
“Brute force crushes many plants. Yet the plants rise again. The Pyramids will not last a moment compared with the daisy. And before Buddha or Jesus spoke the nightingale sang, and long after the words of Jesus and Buddha are gone into oblivion the nightingale still will sing. Because it is neither preaching nor commanding nor urging. It is just singing. And in the beginning was not a Word, but a chirrup.”
—D.H. (David Herbert)
“Well, something for a snowstorm to have shown
The countrys singing strength thus brought together,
That though repressed and moody with the weather
Was nonetheless there ready to be freed
And sing the wild flowers up from root and seed.”
—Robert Frost (18741963)
“Holly Golightly: You know those days when youve got the mean reds?
Paul: The mean reds? You mean like the blues?
Holly Golightly: No, the blues are because youre getting fat or maybe its been raining too long. Youre just sad, thats all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly youre afraid and you dont know what youre afraid of.”
—George Axelrod (b. 1922)