About the song
“Talking Out of Turn” is a standout track by The Moody Blues, featured on their 1981 album Long Distance Voyager. This song embodies the band’s characteristic blend of thoughtful lyrics and rich, melodic sound that has captivated audiences for decades.
The album Long Distance Voyager marked a significant period in The Moody Blues’ career, as it was their first release after a hiatus that had lasted several years. The album was a commercial success, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart, and “Talking Out of Turn” played a pivotal role in this achievement. The track’s introspective lyrics and lush arrangements reflect the band’s ability to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots.
John Lodge, who composed the song, is known for his lyrical depth and emotional resonance. In “Talking Out of Turn,” he explores themes of communication and personal connection, using a sophisticated yet accessible approach. The song’s melody is characterized by its gentle, flowing rhythm and poignant instrumental arrangement, which includes a prominent use of synthesizers—a hallmark of early 1980s production.
The track was well-received by fans and critics alike, although it did not achieve the same level of chart success as some of the band’s earlier hits. Nonetheless, it remains a cherished part of The Moody Blues’ repertoire, appreciated for its reflective nature and the skillful way it captures the band’s signature sound during this era.
Overall, “Talking Out of Turn” is a testament to The Moody Blues’ ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining their distinctive style. Its placement on the Long Distance Voyager album underscores the band’s successful return to prominence and their continued ability to create music that resonates deeply with listeners.
Video
Lyrics
When I took a little loving from you
Oh, I never thought about the hurting inside
But I took a little more than I should
Oh, I can’t explain that I would ever
Let you slip through my fingers
Let you escape like yesterday
I would appreciate you knowing
I thought your love had come to stay
Talking out of turn
Shot to pieces
When will I learn?
Talking out of turn
Shot to pieces
When will I learn?
But I took a little more of you each day
When I didn’t see that I was breaking you apart
With angry words of love I didn’t mean
Oh, I can’t believe that I would ever
Talk myself out of tomorrow
Talked like a fool to yesterday
And as the evening loses color
Your love began to fade away
Talking out of turn
Shot to pieces
When will I learn?
Talking out of turn
Shot to pieces
When will I learn?
Talking out of turn
Talking out of turn
If I upset you, I didn’t mean to hurt you
I didn’t mean to make you cry
I don’t need an alibi
To start me talking out of turn
When I took a little loving from you
Oh, I can’t believe that I would ever
Let you slip through my fingers
Let you escape like yesterday
I would appreciate you knowing
I thought your love had come to stay, yeah
Talking out of turn
Shot to pieces
When will I learn?
Talking out of turn
Shot to pieces
When will I learn?
Talking out of turn
Shot to pieces
When will I learn?
Talk, talk, talk, talking out of turn
Talk, talk, talk, talking out of turn