About the song
The Moody Blues have always been known for their unique blend of orchestral rock and philosophical lyrics. Their 1981 track “The Voice”, featured on the album Long Distance Voyager, marks a notable moment in their career as it represents a shift towards a more contemporary sound while retaining their signature style.
Released during a period of resurgence for the band, Long Distance Voyager is often seen as a reinvention of their classic sound, infused with modern production techniques of the early 1980s. “The Voice” exemplifies this transition with its lush instrumentation and thought-provoking lyrics.
The song was penned by Justin Hayward, one of the band’s principal songwriters. Hayward’s songwriting is a crucial part of The Moody Blues’ identity, and “The Voice” is a testament to his skill in creating songs that resonate on an emotional level. The track explores themes of communication and understanding, reflecting the band’s enduring concern with human experience and connection.
“The Voice” enjoyed considerable success upon its release. It peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant achievement for the band in the 1980s. This success demonstrated the band’s ability to adapt to changing musical trends while staying true to their unique style.
The album Long Distance Voyager was also a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 8 on the US Billboard 200. The album’s success, coupled with “The Voice”‘s strong performance on the charts, helped solidify The Moody Blues’ position in the rock genre during the 1980s.
Overall, “The Voice” remains a cherished part of The Moody Blues’ discography. Its reflective lyrics and innovative sound capture the essence of the band’s evolution while maintaining the depth and emotion that have always defined their music.
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Lyrics
Won’t you take me back to school
I need to learn the golden rule
Won’t you lay it on the line
I need to hear it just one more time
Oh, oh, won’t you tell me again
Oh, oh, can you feel it?
Oh, oh, won’t you tell me again, tonight
Each and every heart it seems
Is bounded by a world of dreams
Each and every rising sun
Is greeted by a lonely one
Oh, oh, won’t you tell me again
Oh, oh, can you feel it?
Oh, oh, won’t you tell me again, tonight
Tonight
‘Cause out on the ocean of life my love
There’s so many storms we must rise above
Can you hear the spirit calling
As it’s carried across the waves?
You’re already falling
It’s calling you back to face the music
And the song that is coming through
You’re already falling
The one that it’s calling is you
Make a promise, take a vow
And trust your feelings it’s easy now
Understand the voice within
And feel the change already beginning
Oh, oh, won’t you tell me again
Oh, oh, can you feel it?
Oh, oh, won’t you tell me again, tonight
Oh, oh, won’t you tell me again
Oh, oh, can you feel it?
Oh, oh, won’t you tell me again, tonight
Tonight
And how many words have I got to say?
And how many times will it be this way?
With your arms around the future
And your back up against the past
You’re already falling
It’s calling you on to face the music
And the song that is coming through
You’re already falling
The one that it’s calling is you
Each and every heart it seems
Is bounded by a world of dreams
And each and every rising sun
Is greeted by a lonely, lonely one
Won’t you tell me again
Oh, oh, can you feel it?
Oh, oh, won’t you tell me again, tonight
Oh, oh, won’t you tell me again
Oh, oh, can you feel it?
Oh, oh, won’t you tell me again, tonight
Tonight
Oh, oh, can you feel it, tonight?
Oh, oh, won’t you tell me again, tonight?