“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s something magical about a live performance, isn’t there? It’s like stepping into the artist’s world for a moment, feeling every note and lyric as if it’s being sung just for you. That’s exactly the kind of experience Justin Hayward delivers in Bless The Wings (Live at Bennett Studios 2004). This isn’t just a song—it’s a heartfelt journey, a quiet reflection on love, loss, and the bittersweet beauty of life.
Justin Hayward, the legendary voice of The Moody Blues, has always had a way of weaving stories into his music. Bless The Wings is no exception. Originally part of The Moody Blues’ 1991 album Keys of the Kingdom, the song carries a tender, almost ethereal quality. It’s a ballad that feels like a gentle breeze, brushing against your soul with its poignant lyrics and Hayward’s unmistakable voice. But in this live version, recorded at Bennett Studios in 2004, the song takes on an even deeper resonance. Stripped down and intimate, it feels raw and personal, as if Hayward is sharing a piece of his heart with the audience.
The song itself is a meditation on love that transcends time and space. It speaks of longing and the enduring connection between two souls, even when they’re apart. Lines like “Bless the wings that bring you back across the shore” evoke a sense of hope and yearning, painting vivid imagery of someone waiting for a loved one to return. It’s the kind of song that makes you pause and reflect, perhaps even bringing a tear to your eye as you think about the people you hold dear.
What makes this live version so special is the way Hayward’s voice carries the weight of the song’s emotions. There’s a vulnerability in his performance, a quiet strength that draws you in. The acoustic arrangement highlights the purity of the melody, allowing the lyrics to shine even brighter. You can almost hear the room breathing with the music, every note resonating with a sense of intimacy that’s hard to capture in a studio recording.
And let’s not forget the setting—Bennett Studios, known for its warm acoustics and rich history, provides the perfect backdrop for this performance. It’s as if the space itself becomes a part of the song, amplifying its emotional depth and creating an atmosphere that feels timeless.
Listening to Bless The Wings (Live at Bennett Studios 2004) is like sitting down with an old friend who knows exactly what to say to touch your heart. It’s a reminder of the power of music to connect us, to heal us, and to remind us of what truly matters. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Justin Hayward or discovering his music for the first time, this performance is a must-listen. It’s not just a song—it’s an experience, a moment of quiet beauty in a noisy world.
Video
Lyrics
Like the rose that blooms in the wintertime
As it reaches up through the snow
The more life keeps apart
The more love will grow
Like the seed that grows in the darkness
As it reaches up to the sun
I will always reach out for you
Cause you are the one
I bless the wings that bring you back to me
Back across the shore
If I could touch you now my darling
And love you just once more
If I could hold you, hold you, hold you
I know you’d understand
I know you’d understand
As I cross the bridge by the waterfall
As I make my way by the stars
There’s a shadow walking beside me
Here in my heart
Like the restless wind in the tree tops
Like a whispered voice in my ear
I will always be there for you
I’ll always be here
I bless the wings that bring you back to me
Back across the shore
If I could touch you now my darling
And love you just once more
If I could hold you, hold you, hold you
I know you’d understand
I know you’d understand
In a far off wonderland
That flashes past my eyes
The kiss of inspiration that was mine
The dust of many centuries
Has blown across this land
But love will not be scattered by the sand
Like the sunrise over the mountainside
Like the bird that has to be free
There’s a part of you that will always be
Part of me
Like the seed that grows in the darkness
I will always reach out for you
Cause you are the one
I bless the wings that bring you back to me
Back across the shore
If I could touch you now my darling
And love you just once more
If I could hold you, hold you, hold you
I know you’d understand
I know you’d understand
I know you’d understand
I know you’d understand