“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
In the quiet corners of a London studio in 1981, John Lodge of The Moody Blues captured something universal in “Nervous” – that nagging feeling of uncertainty that follows us through life’s journey. This introspective folk gem from the band’s chart-topping album “Long Distance Voyager” speaks to anyone who’s ever felt lost while searching for connection.
A Song Born from Transition
When John Lodge penned “Nervous,” The Moody Blues were at a pivotal moment. After a lengthy hiatus in the mid-70s and lineup changes (including the departure of founding keyboardist Mike Pinder), the band was reinventing itself for a new decade. As Lodge himself explained about the album: “The whole idea is we are the same as we were a hundred years ago, two hundred years ago. It’s about people and situations and feelings.”
The song emerged during sessions at the band’s own Threshold Studios – custom-built for them but destined to produce only this single album before being disbanded. Perhaps this transient creative space perfectly mirrored the song’s themes of impermanence and searching.
The Emotional Landscape
“Why am I so nervous? Please explain to me why I can’t sleep,” Lodge sings in the opening lines, immediately establishing the song’s vulnerable core. The lyrics paint a portrait of someone adrift in their own mind, seeing a loved one “everywhere, but we don’t speak,” trying desperately to connect but finding them “always out of reach.”
The song’s power lies in its honesty about human disconnection. Lodge’s plaintive vocals are supported by delicate acoustic guitar work and the New World Philharmonic’s string arrangements, creating a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive – like thoughts echoing in an empty room.
The Journey Continues
“It seems to me I’ve been a long time on this road,” Lodge reflects in the chorus, wondering if he’s missed important signs along the way. This sentiment of questioning one’s path resonates deeply with listeners navigating their own life journeys.
The repeated refrain “Gotta keep movin’, gotta keep movin’ on” transforms from a statement of resignation into one of determination as the song progresses. By the time we reach the bridge with its call to “Bring it on home – your love,” there’s a sense that even amid uncertainty, connection remains possible.
Legacy and Impact
While “Nervous” wasn’t released as a single like the album’s hits “Gemini Dream” and “The Voice,” it has endured as a fan favorite and showcase for Lodge’s songwriting depth. The song demonstrates why Lodge has been recognized as not just a foundational bassist (voted among the top ten of all time by Bass Player magazine) but a songwriter of remarkable emotional intelligence.
Decades later, Lodge would revisit “Nervous” in live performances, including a poignant version on his “Live from Birmingham” album in 2017, proving the song’s timeless resonance.
In a world that often moves too fast for reflection, “Nervous” remains a beautiful reminder that our questions, doubts, and yearnings connect us all as we navigate our parallel journeys through life.
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Lyrics
Why I am so nervous?
Please, explain to me
Why I can’t sleep
I close my eyes to shelter
In the dark I try to hide
If you leave me on my own
I’m worried I could lose my way
In my mind confusion
I see you everywhere, but we don’t speak
I try so hard to touch you
But you’re always out of reach
If you walked right by, would I see in it your eye?
Would you turn away?
Seems to me, I’ve been a long time on this road
Has there been a sign, another way and I’ve passed it by?
I don’t know what it is that drives me on
Gotta keep movin’
Gotta keep movin’ on
Bring it on home
Let’s bring it on home – your love
Bring it on home
Let’s bring it on home – your love
Bring it on home
Let’s bring it on home – your love
Down parallel lines
Don’t question faith
Don’t answer lies
Tell me why I’m nervous
Please, explain to me
Why I can’t sleep
Please, explain to me
Why you’re always out of reach
If the water ran dry, would I see it in your eye?
Would you walk away?
It seems to me I’ve been a long time on this road
And I wonder why
Has there been a sign that points another way and I’ve passed it by?
I don’t know what it is that drives me on
Gotta keep movin’
Gotta keep movin’ on
Bring it on home (Straight lines before my eyes)
Let’s bring it on home – your love
Bring it on home (Straight lines before my eyes)
Let’s bring it on home – your love
Bring it on home (Straight lines before my eyes)
Let’s bring it on home – your love
Down parallel lines
Don’t question faith
Don’t answer lies
You know you gotta keep movin’
Bring it on home – your love (Straight lines before my eyes)
Bring it on home (Straight lines before my eyes)
Bring it on home – your love
Bring it on home (Straight lines before my eyes)
Bring it on home – your love
Bring it on home (Straight lines, straight lines before my eyes)
Bring it on home – your love
Bring it on home (Straight lines, straight lines)
Bring it on home – your love
Bring it on home (Straight lines, straight lines before my eyes)
Bring it on home – your love