“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
When I first heard “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere,” I was struck by its timeless feeling of hope. There’s something about the song that evokes nostalgia and anticipation all at once, a call across the void of time and space. The Moody Blues have a way of making music that feels both personal and cosmic, and this track encapsulates that in a deeply emotional way. It’s not just a song—it’s a message in a bottle, sent out to someone you’re certain exists, even if you can’t see them.
About The Composition
- Title: “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere”
- Composer: Justin Hayward
- Premiere Date: Released May 1988
- Album: Sur la Mer
- Genre: Rock, Art Rock, Progressive Rock
Background
“I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” was composed by Justin Hayward, one of the prominent members of The Moody Blues. It served as a sequel to their 1986 hit “Your Wildest Dreams.” Hayward’s inspiration for the song came from the idea of eternal connection and the possibility that even if someone is physically distant, there’s a spiritual or emotional bond that transcends that distance. Released as the lead single from Sur la Mer in 1988, the song quickly became a standout in The Moody Blues’ repertoire. The single was a commercial success, reaching No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. Critics praised its uplifting lyrics and signature Moody Blues sound, blending rock with classical orchestration.
Musical Style
Musically, “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” retains The Moody Blues’ signature progressive rock sound, but with a more polished and pop-oriented production. The song is driven by layered synths and guitars, giving it a dreamy and expansive feel. Hayward’s vocals carry a hopeful tone, with the lyrics expressing a deep belief in reconnecting with someone important. The melody is memorable and uplifting, perfectly matching the song’s theme of hope and reunion. The sweeping instrumentation, including lush string arrangements and harmonized backing vocals, adds to the song’s grand emotional impact.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” tell a story of longing and belief in destiny. The central theme revolves around the certainty that the speaker will one day reunite with a lost love or connection, even if they are separated by time or distance. It’s a hopeful message, wrapped in nostalgia and faith. The lyrics create a universal resonance—whether it’s about a romantic relationship or a more abstract sense of connection, it speaks to anyone who has ever felt like there’s someone out there meant to find them again.
Performance History
Since its release, “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” has been a staple in The Moody Blues’ live performances, and it continues to be a fan favorite. The song has seen various renditions over the years, with performances in notable venues during their world tours. Its music video, which visually continues the narrative from “Your Wildest Dreams,” helped solidify the song’s place in popular culture, and its radio airplay ensured its longevity in the classic rock genre.
Cultural Impact
The song’s themes of distance, longing, and reunion have struck a chord with many listeners, making it a soundtrack for personal stories of lost love and reconnection. Its enduring popularity has made it a staple in the soft rock and adult contemporary radio formats. The song is frequently used in television and film to evoke a sense of emotional reunion or hope, and its place in The Moody Blues’ discography has helped solidify their influence on both progressive rock and the wider music scene.
Legacy
“I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” continues to be one of The Moody Blues’ most iconic songs. It has found a lasting place in the hearts of fans and has been passed down through generations as a classic. Even decades after its release, the song’s message of hope and connection resonates, and its inclusion in their live performances ensures that it remains a beloved piece of their catalog. The legacy of the song, much like its lyrics, transcends time, reminding us that some connections are destined to be, no matter the distance.
Conclusion
“I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” is more than just a song—it’s a message of hope wrapped in beautiful melodies and thoughtful lyrics. It speaks to the longing we all feel at some point, the belief that somewhere out there is a person or moment that will make everything come full circle. If you haven’t experienced this song yet, or if it’s been a while since you last heard it, I encourage you to give it a listen. For a particularly emotional experience, seek out a live performance or watch the music video that ties it to its predecessor, “Your Wildest Dreams.” It’s a journey you won’t forget.
Video
Lyrics
I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere, somewhere
I know I’ll find you somehow
And somehow I’ll return again to you
The mist is lifting slowly
I can see the way ahead
And I’ve left behind the empty streets
That once inspired my life
And the strength of the emotion
Is like thunder in the air
‘Cause the promise that we made each other
Haunts me to the end
I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere, somewhere
I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere you can hear my voice
I know I’ll find you somehow
Somehow, somehow
I know I’ll find you somehow
And somehow I’ll return again to you
The secret of your beauty
And the mystery of your soul
I’ve been searching for in everyone I meet
And the times I’ve been mistaken
It’s impossible to say
And the grass is growing
Underneath our feet
I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere, somewhere
I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere you can hear my voice
I know I’ll find you somehow
Somehow, somehow
I know I’ll find you somehow
And somehow I’ll return again to you
You see, I know you’re out there somewhere
Oh yes, I know you’re out there somewhere
You see, I know I’ll find you somehow
Oh yes, I know I’ll find you somehow
The words that I remember
From my childhood still are true
That there’s none so blind
As those who will not see
And to those who lack the courage
And say it’s dangerous to try
Well they just don’t know
That love eternal will not be denied
I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere, somewhere
I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere you can hear my voice
I know I’ll find you somehow
Somehow, somehow
I know I’ll find you somehow
And somehow I’ll return again to you
Yes I know it’s going to happen
(I know it’s going to happen)
I can feel you getting near
(I feel you getting near)
And soon we’ll be returning
To the fountain of our youth
And if you wake up wondering
(If you wake up wondering)
In the darkness I’ll be there
(You know I’ll be there)
My arms will close around you
And protect you with the truth
I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere, somewhere
I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere you can hear my voice
I know I’ll find you somehow
Somehow, somehow
I know I’ll find you somehow
And somehow I’ll return again to you