“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Blue Guitar by Justin Hayward and John Lodge is one of those songs that transports you into a world of reflection and nostalgia. Released in 1975, this melodic gem resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever picked up a guitar and strummed away their emotions. From the very first note, you can tell this song has a story to tell—a story wrapped in the distinct and soothing voice of Justin Hayward, paired with the delicate strums and mesmerizing harmony of John Lodge.
At its core, “Blue Guitar” isn’t just about a musical instrument; it’s a metaphor. The “blue” in the title hints at sadness, longing, and melancholy, but there’s also a beauty in it—like a gentle, rainy day that invites you to pause and reflect. The lyrics capture that delicate balance between sorrow and solace, speaking to moments of quiet introspection. As the song unfolds, the guitar isn’t just a prop; it’s almost like a confidant, a companion that has seen the highs and lows of life and carries every emotion within its strings.
What’s particularly enchanting is how the song feels like a personal letter written to music itself. There’s a vulnerability in Hayward’s voice that’s almost palpable, as if he’s sharing a private moment with each listener. The melody flows like a river, sometimes calm, sometimes carrying an undercurrent of deeper emotion, and it’s hard not to get swept up in its tranquil beauty. Lodge’s contributions add depth and texture, creating a harmonious blend that showcases why these two musicians have a creative chemistry that’s timeless.
“Blue Guitar” also marks a unique moment in music history. At the time, Justin Hayward and John Lodge were well-established members of The Moody Blues, known for their symphonic rock sound. But this track stands apart as a more stripped-down, acoustic piece. It was recorded outside the band’s usual projects, almost like a whisper of a side conversation, and that intimacy comes through in the music. This wasn’t about pushing boundaries or experimenting with complex arrangements—it was about going back to the simplicity of a man and his guitar, pouring out his soul.
Listening to “Blue Guitar” is like sitting in a dimly lit room, lost in thought, with only the music to keep you company. It’s a song that doesn’t shout for your attention but instead invites you to lean in closer, to feel every note, every word. And by the end, it leaves you with a gentle ache—an ache that makes you want to pick up your own guitar and see if you can coax out the same magic.
Video
Lyrics
Blue Guitar
Blue guitar,
Fortune of my ways
Making of my days.
New chord,
Counting up the ways
Happiness is lazy.
If you don’t know the song,
If you can’t put the words to the tune,
Tell the rhyme from the reason,
What should it matter
To the fool or the dreamer?
New hope,
Travellers in a storm,
Finding love is warm.
New day,
The world has just begun,
Our eyes have seen the sun.
If you don’t know the way,
If you can’t see the wood for the trees,
Taste the wine from the water,
Well, what should it matter,
To the fool or the dreamer?