“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Listening to “How Is It (We Are Here)” by The Moody Blues feels like stepping into a reflective conversation about humanity’s place in the world. It’s a song that doesn’t just play in the background—it makes you pause and think, with its introspective lyrics and the haunting quality of the music that matches them. The Moody Blues were always masters at blending philosophical musings with melodic rock, and this song is no exception. It comes from their 1969 album To Our Children’s Children’s Children, an album inspired by the Apollo moon landing, which tackled themes of time, space, and our existence in the grand scheme of things. You can feel the weight of those questions lingering in this track.
The beauty of “How Is It (We Are Here)” lies in its ability to make the listener question. Right from the start, you’re drawn into a mood of contemplation. The song asks, in its title and throughout its lyrics, how we arrived at this moment, not just physically but morally, spiritually, and socially. It’s a song that feels relevant even today, resonating with anyone who’s ever pondered the state of the world. Are we doing right by each other? Are we living in harmony with nature, or have we lost touch? These aren’t easy questions, and the song doesn’t pretend to offer easy answers—but it does give you space to reflect, which is a powerful thing.
Musically, “How Is It (We Are Here)” is rich and atmospheric, filled with the signature sound of The Moody Blues—a blend of rock and orchestral elements that gives the song an almost ethereal, otherworldly feel. The vocals, delivered with a haunting clarity, complement the weighty lyrics perfectly. The gentle, yet persistent instrumentation supports the reflective tone, wrapping you in a soundscape that feels as expansive as the universe itself. It’s a sound that almost demands you close your eyes and let the music take you on a journey inward.
But what makes this song even more compelling is how deeply it resonates with those who feel disconnected from the fast pace of modern life. It touches on feelings of alienation, loss, and the desire for meaning in a world that sometimes feels indifferent. Yet, there’s also a sense of wonder, of being part of something larger than ourselves, even if we don’t fully understand it.
In a way, “How Is It (We Are Here)” is like a conversation with a friend on a late night, when the world has quieted down, and all that’s left is to ponder life’s bigger mysteries. It doesn’t push you to a conclusion—it lets you sit with the uncertainty. And that’s what makes it so memorable. Whether you’re a fan of The Moody Blues or new to their music, this song has the power to stay with you long after it’s over, like a question that lingers in the back of your mind.
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Lyrics
How is it we are here, on this path we walk?
In this world of pointless fear filled with empty talk
Descending from the ape as scientist-priests all think
Will they save us in the end?
We’re trembling on the brink
Men’s mighty mine-machines digging in the ground
Stealing rare minerals where they can be found
Concrete caves with iron doors bury it again
While a starving, frightened world fills the sea with grain
Her love is like a fire burning inside
Her love is so much higher, it can’t be denied
She sends us her glory
It’s always been there
Her love’s all around us
It’s there for you and me to share
Men’s mighty mine-machines digging in the ground
Stealing rare minerals where they can be found
Concrete caves with iron doors bury it again
While a starving, frightened world fills the sea with grain
How is it we are here?
How is it we are here?
How is it we are here?