“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“Watching and Waiting” by The Moody Blues is a poignant reflection on longing and the quest for understanding. Co-written by Justin Hayward and Ray Thomas, this symphonic rock piece was released on October 31, 1969, as the lead single from their album “To Our Children’s Children’s Children.”
The song’s gentle melodies and introspective lyrics encapsulate the band’s signature sound, blending acoustic guitar, mellotron, and flute to create an ethereal atmosphere. Hayward’s heartfelt vocals convey a deep sense of yearning, while the mellotron and flute add layers of depth and emotion.
Lyrically, “Watching and Waiting” explores themes of solitude and the anticipation of connection. The imagery of a mole burrowing towards sunlight symbolizes the innate desire for companionship and understanding. The song suggests that beyond our immediate perception lies a world rich with experiences, awaiting discovery.
Despite its beauty, the single did not achieve significant commercial success upon release. Hayward later reflected that the song’s delicate production may have contributed to its underwhelming reception on the radio. Nevertheless, “Watching and Waiting” has endured as a beloved track among fans, appreciated for its introspective nature and timeless appeal.
Over the years, the song has been included in various compilations, such as “This Is The Moody Blues” (1974) and “Anthology” (1998), ensuring its continued presence in the band’s repertoire. Its universal themes and evocative composition have solidified its status as a classic in the progressive rock genre.
“Watching and Waiting” remains a testament to The Moody Blues’ ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences of longing and the search for meaning.
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Lyrics
Watching and waiting
For a friend to play with
Why have I been alone so long
Mole he is burrowing his way to the sunlight
He knows there’s some there so strong
‘Cause here there’s lot of room for doing
The thing you’ve always been denied
Look and gather all you want to
There’s no one here to stop you trying
Soon you will see me
‘Cause I’ll be all around you
But where I come from I can’t tell
But don’t be alarmed by my fields and my forests
They’re here for only you to share
‘Cause here there’s lot of room for doing
The things you’ve always been denied
So look and gather all you want to
There’s no one here to stop you trying
Watching and waiting
For someone to understand me
I hope it won’t be very long