Departure (The Moody Blues song)
Encyclopedia
"Departure" is a short 1968 song by the progressive rock band The Moody Blues. Written by drummer Graeme Edge
, it was released on the album In Search of the Lost Chord
. The song itself is only 48 seconds long, making it one of their shortest songs.
In Search of the Lost Chord is a concept album about the search for spiritual fulfillment. "Departure" is the opening track and introduces the album's concept, basically leading the "departure" for the search. The lyrics are spoken rather than sung as it is presented in the form of a poem in the mode of the climactic "Late Lament" portion of the "Nights in White Satin
" track on Days of Future Passed
, and they are recited by Graeme Edge, making it one of the very few Moody Blues songs to feature Edge on vocals, or, in this case, narration.
The song begins with the strumming of a tambura
, which is followed by Edge's vocal track over the mellotron. Those two sections are separated by hit of the drums. The vocals begin with a gentle recitation, which gradually gets louder until it becomes hysterical laughter. The end of the laughter then fades into "Ride My See-Saw
", the album's next track.
Graeme Edge
Graeme Charles Edge is best known as the drummer and a songwriter for the Moody Blues, but has also led his own outfit, the Graeme Edge Band.-Biography:...
, it was released on the album In Search of the Lost Chord
In Search of the Lost Chord
-2006 SACD Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks:In Search of the Lost Chord was remastered into SACD in March 2006 and repackaged into a 2 CD Deluxe Edition.Extra tracks on the Deluxe Edition are:#"Departure" – 0:55...
. The song itself is only 48 seconds long, making it one of their shortest songs.
In Search of the Lost Chord is a concept album about the search for spiritual fulfillment. "Departure" is the opening track and introduces the album's concept, basically leading the "departure" for the search. The lyrics are spoken rather than sung as it is presented in the form of a poem in the mode of the climactic "Late Lament" portion of the "Nights in White Satin
Nights in White Satin
"Nights in White Satin" is a 1967 single by The Moody Blues, written by Justin Hayward and first featured on the album Days of Future Passed.It is in the key of E minor Aeolian.-Single releases:...
" track on Days of Future Passed
Days of Future Passed
Days of Future Passed is the second album and first concept album by The Moody Blues, released in 1967. It was also their first album to feature Justin Hayward and John Lodge, who would play a very strong role in directing the band's sound in the decades to come...
, and they are recited by Graeme Edge, making it one of the very few Moody Blues songs to feature Edge on vocals, or, in this case, narration.
The song begins with the strumming of a tambura
Tambura
The tambura, tanpura, or tambora is a long-necked plucked lute . The body shape of the tambura somewhat resembles that of the sitar, but it has no frets – only the open strings are played to accompany other musicians...
, which is followed by Edge's vocal track over the mellotron. Those two sections are separated by hit of the drums. The vocals begin with a gentle recitation, which gradually gets louder until it becomes hysterical laughter. The end of the laughter then fades into "Ride My See-Saw
Ride My See-Saw
"Ride My See-Saw" is a hit 1968 single by the English progressive rock band The Moody Blues. It was written by the band's bassist John Lodge, and was first released on the Moody Blues 1968 album In Search of the Lost Chord...
", the album's next track.
Personnel
- Justin HaywardJustin HaywardJustin Hayward is an English musician, best known as singer, songwriter and guitarist in the rock band The Moody Blues.Hayward was born in Dean Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, England...
: sitar - John Lodge: bass guitar
- Mike PinderMike PinderMichael Thomas "Mike" Pinder is an English rock musician, and is a founding member or the British rock group, the Moody Blues. He left the group following the recording of the band's album, Octave, in 1978...
: tambura, mellotron - Graeme EdgeGraeme EdgeGraeme Charles Edge is best known as the drummer and a songwriter for the Moody Blues, but has also led his own outfit, the Graeme Edge Band.-Biography:...
: narration with the Mad Hatter's greater happy laughing sound, drums, percussion