“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s something magical about songs that seem to speak directly to the soul, bridging the gap between reality and hope. “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” by The Moody Blues is one of those timeless pieces that evokes a sense of longing, nostalgia, and belief that somewhere out there, someone special is waiting. Written by the band’s lead singer Justin Hayward, the song beautifully captures the yearning to reconnect, not just with a person, but with the past and cherished memories. Released in 1988, it serves as a sequel to their 1968 classic, “Your Wildest Dreams.” This track has an enduring charm that blends the emotional pull of a ballad with the powerful rock symphonics characteristic of the band.
About The Composition
- Title: I Know You’re Out There Somewhere
- Composer: Justin Hayward
- Premiere Date: May 1988
- Album: Sur la Mer
- Genre: Rock / Pop-Rock
Background
“I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” emerged two decades after the success of “Your Wildest Dreams,” resonating with a similar theme of searching for a lost love. The Moody Blues crafted the song as a continuation of the original narrative, tying in themes of nostalgia and enduring affection. The song was recorded for their Sur la Mer album, and its release was marked by anticipation among fans who were eager to see how it would compare to its predecessor.
The lyrics evoke a strong sense of hope, urging the listener to believe that, despite time and distance, connections can be reestablished. The song became a significant part of The Moody Blues’ repertoire, embodying a timeless yearning that many can relate to, whether in romantic relationships or in the context of reconnecting with old friends and memories. Upon release, it performed well on the charts and reaffirmed the band’s relevance in the evolving music scene of the late 1980s.
Musical Style
Musically, “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” features a classic Moody Blues blend of rock, pop, and orchestral elements. The arrangement is anchored by Justin Hayward’s emotive guitar work, John Lodge’s steady basslines, and the atmospheric use of synthesizers by Patrick Moraz. The song’s structure builds up to a powerful chorus, layering harmonies that elevate its emotional intensity. The instrumentation is lush yet controlled, allowing Hayward’s vocals to stand out as the song’s focal point, driving home the message of the lyrics.
One of the key techniques used is the song’s recurring motif, a melodic line that subtly echoes “Your Wildest Dreams,” creating a sonic link between the two songs. The mid-tempo rhythm, coupled with the soft rock elements, gives it a dreamlike quality, making it both uplifting and haunting.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” are deeply introspective, exploring the themes of love, hope, and the passage of time. They depict the narrator’s unwavering belief that a lost love is still somewhere out there, waiting to be found. This sentiment is encapsulated in lines like, “I know you’re out there somewhere / Somewhere, somewhere,” which repeat throughout the song, reinforcing the idea of a relentless search for reconnection.
The song’s message is universal, transcending the specifics of romantic love to touch on the broader human experience of longing and the hope of finding what’s been lost. It’s a poignant reminder that, despite time’s passage, the heart can still hold on to the promise of reunion.
Performance History
Upon its release, “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” quickly became a fan favorite and a staple in The Moody Blues’ live performances. Its music video, featuring Justin Hayward as the protagonist, visually continued the storyline from “Your Wildest Dreams,” providing a compelling visual narrative that enhanced the song’s impact. The video was praised for its artistic direction and the seamless blend of past and present, mirroring the song’s lyrical themes.
The band often performed the song during their tours in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and it remains a beloved part of their setlists, cherished by fans who have followed the band’s journey for decades.
Cultural Impact
“I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” not only charted well but also found its way into the hearts of many listeners, thanks to its relatable theme of longing and reunion. The song’s continuation of the narrative from “Your Wildest Dreams” made it unique, offering fans a sense of closure and continuation at the same time. It has been featured in various compilations and retrospectives of The Moody Blues, cementing its status as one of their iconic tracks.
The song’s music video was particularly notable for its innovative use of film to tell a story that spans decades, a technique that influenced other artists and music videos in the years that followed.
Legacy
Decades after its release, “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” still resonates with audiences. Its themes of hope and longing are timeless, and the song continues to be a favorite among Moody Blues fans. The band’s ability to create a sequel to a beloved song and have it stand on its own merits is a testament to their songwriting prowess and emotional depth.
Today, the song is often used as a backdrop in media that explores themes of time, memory, and love. Its enduring popularity is a reminder that great music, like great love, transcends time and place.
Conclusion
“I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” is more than just a song—it’s a journey of hope, love, and the belief that, no matter how far apart we may be, we can always find our way back to those we care about. The Moody Blues captured something truly special with this piece, and it’s no wonder that it continues to touch listeners around the world.
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