“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Listening to “Nice To Be Here” feels like stepping into a whimsical daydream, where life slows down and nature comes alive with a sense of childlike wonder. Written by Ray Thomas and featured on The Moody Blues‘ 1971 album “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour,” this track stands out as a heartfelt ode to the beauty of the simple things in life.
Ray Thomas, known for his poetic lyricism and soulful melodies, created a song that feels almost magical. The lyrics describe a serene forest gathering of animals, as though you’re invited to a gentle party in the woods. This playful imagery, paired with the soft and melodic instrumentation, creates an atmosphere that is both enchanting and deeply calming. The song evokes the innocence of a storybook tale but carries the subtle depth and emotion that fans of The Moody Blues have come to cherish.
Musically, “Nice To Be Here” blends acoustic guitar, gentle percussion, and lush orchestration, creating a soundscape that transports listeners to a place of tranquility. Ray’s warm and earnest vocals amplify the sense of connection, almost like a reassuring friend reminding you to pause and appreciate the world around you.
What makes this song even more poignant today is its role as a testament to Ray Thomas’s enduring legacy. As a founding member of The Moody Blues, Ray contributed not just his unmistakable voice but also his ability to infuse songs with heart and imagination. In the wake of his passing in 2018, “Nice To Be Here” feels like a tribute to his talent and his vision—a reminder of the joy he brought to countless fans.
At its core, the song resonates because it captures a universal truth: sometimes, it’s the smallest, quietest moments that matter most. Whether it’s the rustling of leaves, the gentle chatter of animals, or the simple pleasure of being present, “Nice To Be Here” reminds us to celebrate life’s fleeting, beautiful moments.
If you’ve never listened to it, give it a try. Let its soft rhythm and Ray’s tender voice guide you to a place where everything feels just a little lighter and a lot more magical. And if you’re already a fan, listening again might feel like revisiting an old friend.
Video
Lyrics
Nice to be here hope you agree
Lying in the sun
Lovely weather, must climb a tree
The show has just begun
All the leaves start swaying
To the breeze that’s playing
On a thousand violins
And the bees are humming
To a frog sat strumming
On a guitar with only one string
I can see them they can’t see me
I feel out of sight
I can see them they can’t see me
Much to my delight
And it seems worth noting
Water rats were boating
As a lark began to sing
The sounds kept coming
With Jack Rabbit loudly drumming
On the side of a biscuit tin
I can see them they can’t see me
I feel out of sight
I can see them they can’t see me
Much to my delight
Silver minnows were devising
Water ballet so surprising
A mouse played a daffodil
A mole came up blinking
Underneath an owl who’s thinking
How he came to be sat on a hill
I can see them they can’t see me
I feel out of sight
I can see them they can’t see me
Much to my delight
I know you won’t believe me
But I’m certain that I did see
A mouse playing daffodil
All the band was really jumping
With Jack Rabbit in there thumping
I found that I couldn’t sit still
I just had to make it with them
Cause they played my kind of rhythm
And the bees hummed in harmony
And the owl played his oboe
Then the frog’s guitar solo
It was all just too much for me
I know you won’t believe me
But I’m certain that I did see
A mouse playing daffodil
All the band was really jumping
With Jack Rabbit in there thumping
I found that I couldn’t sit still