In the Beginning (The Moody Blues song)
Encyclopedia
"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
."
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
band The Moody Blues. Written by drummer Graeme Edge
Graeme Edge
Graeme Charles Edge is best known as the drummer and a songwriter for the Moody Blues, but has also led his own outfit, the Graeme Edge Band.-Biography:...
, it was released as the opening track on the album On the Threshold of a Dream
On the Threshold of a Dream
On the Threshold of a Dream is the fourth album by The Moody Blues, released on the Deram label in 1969. It was their last album to be released by the band before they formed their own record label, Threshold, to be distributed by Decca Records....
.
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
Justin Hayward
Justin Hayward is an English musician, best known as singer, songwriter and guitarist in the rock band The Moody Blues.Hayward was born in Dean Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, England...
, 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
Graeme Edge
Graeme Charles Edge is best known as the drummer and a songwriter for the Moody Blues, but has also led his own outfit, the Graeme Edge Band.-Biography:...
, 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
Mike Pinder
Michael Thomas "Mike" Pinder is an English rock musician, and is a founding member or the British rock group, the Moody Blues. He left the group following the recording of the band's album, Octave, in 1978...
, 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
Lovely to See You
"Lovely to See You" is a 1969 song by the progressive rock band The Moody Blues. It was written by the band's guitarist Justin Hayward, and was recorded and released in 1969 on the Moody Blues Album On the Threshold of a Dream....
."
Personnel
- Justin HaywardJustin HaywardJustin Hayward is an English musician, best known as singer, songwriter and guitarist in the rock band The Moody Blues.Hayward was born in Dean Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, England...
: vocals - Mike PinderMike PinderMichael Thomas "Mike" Pinder is an English rock musician, and is a founding member or the British rock group, the Moody Blues. He left the group following the recording of the band's album, Octave, in 1978...
: vocals, mellotron - Graeme EdgeGraeme EdgeGraeme Charles Edge is best known as the drummer and a songwriter for the Moody Blues, but has also led his own outfit, the Graeme Edge Band.-Biography:...
: vocals