“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
The Moody Blues are known for weaving music that feels like poetry set to sound, and The Balance is no exception. Nestled as the closing track on their 1970 album A Question of Balance, this song embodies the philosophical heart of the record. Its themes of harmony, introspection, and the quest for inner peace make it a standout, not just musically but spiritually.
What makes The Balance so special is its poetic narration, delivered with a calm, almost meditative tone. It opens with Graeme Edge’s spoken-word reflections, rich with imagery and metaphor. His words feel like a guidebook to self-awareness, urging listeners to consider the interplay of forces within themselves—the balance between darkness and light, ego and empathy, the physical and the spiritual.
The instrumental arrangement is minimal yet deeply emotive, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. The tranquil soundscape complements the lyrics perfectly, inviting listeners to pause, breathe, and reflect. The melody, paired with Edge’s narration and a hauntingly serene choral backdrop, resonates like an inner voice reminding you of life’s simple truths.
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Balance is its message of unity—not just within oneself but with the world around us. In a time when the world was grappling with social and environmental upheavals, The Moody Blues created a song that called for mindfulness and connection, a theme that remains as relevant today as it was then.
For fans of the band, this track is a quiet reminder of their ability to infuse their music with deeper meaning. It’s not just a song—it’s an experience, a meditation, and a gentle nudge toward self-discovery. Listening to it feels like stepping into a world of calm amidst the chaos, where every note and word works together to remind you of the beauty in finding your own balance.
So, whether you’re revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, take a moment to immerse yourself fully in its message. Close your eyes, let the music wash over you, and see if you can find a little more balance in your own life.
Video
Lyrics
After he had journeyed
And his feet were sore, he was tired
He came upon an orange grove
And he rested
And he lay in the cool
And while he rested, he took to himself an orange and tasted it
And it was good
And he felt the Earth to his spine and he asked
And he saw the tree above him
And the stars
And the veins in the leaf
And the light
And the balance
And he saw magnificent perfection
Whereon he thought of himself in balance
And he knew he was
Just open your eyes and realize the way it’s always been
Just open your mind and you will find the way it’s always been
Just open your heart and that’s a start
And he thought of those he angered
For he was not a violent man
And he thought of those he hurt
For he was not a cruel man
And he thought of those he frightened
For he was not an evil man
And he understood, he understood himself
Upon this he saw that when he was of anger or knew hurt or felt fear
It was because he was not understanding
And he learned compassion
And with his eye of compassion
He saw his enemies like unto himself
And he learned love
Then he was answered
Just open your eyes and realize the way it’s always been
Just open your mind and you will find the way it’s always been
Just open your heart and that’s a start
Do you, do you, do you, do you realize?
Just open your eyes and realize the way it’s always been
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Just open your mind and you will find the way it’s always been
Just open your heart
Just open your heart and that’s a start