First Time Hearing The Moody Blues | Nights in White Satin 

Breathe deep the gathering gloom Watch lights fade from every room Bedsitter people look back and lament Another day's useless energy is spent Impassioned lovers wrestle as one Lonely man cries for love and has none New mother picks up and suckles her son Senior citizens wish they were young Cold-hearted orb that rules the night Removes the colors from our sight Red is grey and yellow-white But we decide which is right And which is an illusion

As old as this song is, it never feels dated to me. I think the orchestral accompaniment makes it feel timeless.

The lead singer, Justin Hayward, is 76 and still touring! He’s still got that beautiful voice. I was blessed to have seen him live last year. And, he wrote this song when he was 19 !

This is from their album Days of Future Passed, and it follows a day in the life of someone, starting from morning and ending with this song, and the poem at the end. It’s meant to be heard sequentially. Another song from it is Tuesday Afternoon

The Moody Blues could definitely rock when they wanted to. "I'm Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)" is a certified banger.

This album was made to be listened to in its entirety, like a symphony. This was in the beginnings of the progressive rock era that continued into the 1970s. Great music is timeless.

Moody Blues had the world by the nuts for about 6 years. Their albums were journeys from the 1st song to the last. Some of the very best musicians and song writers of their day. Our local am radio station would play a 15 minute uninterrupted song fest of the Moody Blues every night at mid-night. Pinder, Thomas and Hayward all had beautiful voices. You have no idea how good they were.

They did a live performance at the Royal Albert Hall with a full orchestra that was phenomenal !!! Worth a watch after seeing this studio version.

The Moody Blues are an often overlooked group because they came out the same time as The Beatles and The Stones. But they are great. Some of their classics include: "Ride My See-Saw", "I'm Just A Singer In A Rock And Roll Band", "Tuesday Afternoon" "The Question", "Go Now", The Voice", "Isn't Life Strange", "Story In Your Eyes".

It’s a beautiful song. This is my parents generation, so I’ve heard this song numerous times. I think I appreciate it more the older I get.

That song came out in 1967 or 68. I was 21 in 1968. This is one of the best popular songs ever written. There are people alive today who would not be here but for this song.

I am grateful to my parents for sharing the music they enjoyed with my brothers and I. Both of them appreciate Moody Blues music and we had the privilege of seeing them twice in concert. Magnificent experience and magnificent music.

Lead singer Justin Hayward is genius, one of the more underrated singers. They made the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame finally in 2018

The original studio version is even better. I love this song. I remember about 50 years ago sitting in my car with my girlfriend one night overlooking the ocean listening to this. Sticks in my mind to this day

1967!!!! I remember loving this as a pre-teen!!! So beautiful!!! Justin Hayward (the singer) still has an amazing voice!!!

One of the most beautiful songs ever written.

The song is from the 1967 album called Days of Future Passed. Tuesday Afternoon was another hit song from that album. You reacted to the radio version. The album cut is longer, and includes a spoken poem and a long orchestral section. I think it's the more interesting and dramatic version. You might want to listen to it in your spare time (if you have any). Time by Pink Floyd, the first song you ever reacted to on your channel, is from the concept album Dark Side of the Moon. Other well-known concept albums include Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles, and What's Going On by Marvin Gaye. Some other rock and pop songs that use flute: Living in the Past by Jethro Tull (or just about anything else by them)' Moondance by Van Morrison Undun by The Guess Who California Dreaming by The Mamas and the Papas Color My World by Chicago There Is a Mountain by Donovan Ruby Tuesday by The Rolling Stones Spill the Wine by Eric Burdon and War. Flute is also used in jazz sometimes. Herbie Mann and Hubert Laws specialized in it.

Hi Diane! You've picked a great one here! Highly recommend listening to this entire album, "Days of Future Passed", it's Wonderful! Boop!

This song was released in 1967. There were no violins in this recording. That was a Mellotron, a keyboard instrument that played short audio tapes with recorded orchestral instruments. It had a very distinctive sound, was difficult to play since each tape was an only few seconds long, and it broke down frequently. But it was a fabulous signature sound for the Moody Blues and was also used a lot by the Beatles. I last saw the Moody Blues live in 2018. After being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they retired as a band and Justin and John now tour separately. The Moody Blues are my favorite band, far more than even the Beatles. I am from that time so this is my music. But different people have different tastes and different experiences. If they are not your favorite, that's OK. It seems you do appreciate the artistry, and that's wonderful! I couldn't ask for more! Thanks for making this video!

If you want to see the strings, check out the version of this same song they did at the Royal Albert Hall - It's amazing. Great song from an album that was foundational in the formation of progressive rock. Check out "Question" or "Story In Your Eyes" for some other Moodies songs and thanks for doing this one.

Hey Diane, as @Jeff_Lucthman mentioned the album version has a spoken poem at the end of this song. Worth listening to. "Breath deep the gathering gloom, Watch lights fade from every room, Everyday people look back and lament, Another day's useless energy spent, Empassioned lovers wrestle as one, Lonely man cries out for love and has none, New mother picks up and suckles her son, Senior citizens wish they were young. Cold hearted orb rules the night, removes the color from our sight. But we decide which is right. And which is illuision."

I've always enjoyed this song. I think it's the calming, melodic sound that I appreciate.

I was never a concert goer, but I did happen to see the Moody Blues. Loved the "Days of Future Passed" album and played it a lot. "Tuesday Afternoon" off the same album is good, and of course there are live concert videos. This is from 1967, as rock was first maturing and developing an experimental side. The flower power hippy culture was just starting, and there was a new interest in the beauty of nature, personal spirituality, and magical fantasy. So the concept for the album "Days of Future Passed" is a poem about the phases of a day, seeing it as a cycle of life with a dash of mystical meaning.

The Moody Blues were inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. No surprise with their large catalog of music. They were one of my favorite groups in the 60s and 70s. Fun review, Diane.

This version was filmed in Paris in 1967. As someone else commented it was the radio version which did not include the spoken poem at the end which is on the album version. You can listen to that here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gqaiS-sDQyY.html The song was originally released in 1967 when I was 7 and I immediately fell in love with the sound. Of course I didn't really get the lyrics until I was in my teens. You are correct that they are great live. Here is their live performance at the Royal Albert Hall on May 1, 2000. It doesn't have the poem at the end but the music and vocals are phenomenal. In my opinion they only improved with age since this performance is 33 years after the song was originally released. Great reaction Diane! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MjUqfRrWwcM.html

Yes, please watch and listen to the same song done decades later with a full live orchestra. Compare the two. It is amazing. The song and the artist matured immensly.

I got to see them live. That was the most technically perfect concert. They sounded perfect live, just like the studio albums.

Diane, as a 63yo lover of 60’s-80’s rock-n-roll, now sitting here longing for days gone by I guess, I love how your reactions instantly take me back in time and remind me of how I felt the first time or, even the 100th time, hearing certain songs. I think some of us actually feel a little younger seeing that there is now another, younger generation, at least in appearance, that appreciates these songs that so touched our lives in so many different ways so many years ago. Thank you for your reactions to these songs, no judgements, just honest reactions and feelings. Thanks for making me feel young again a few minutes at a time.

A masterpiece of complete musicianship from the writing through to the production . It’s a timeless classic so chilled and relaxing. There is a live version which is also awesome. Great reaction especially when the flute comes in.

My very favorite band of all time and their classic song! Thanks for reacting to it. The Wikipedia intro paragraph you read was accurate, but the missing key information is that Denny Laine and Clint Warwick were replaced by Justin Hayward and John Lodge respectively in 1966, and these two guys would go on to define much to most of the bands sound for the rest of their career. The violin you referred to is actually a Mellotron, a keyboard that has a piece of tape recording of an orchestra playing that note for every key on the keyboard. They probably felt for the purposes of this promotional video that it was impractical to include such a large instrument in the shot. It was played by Mike Pinder, and later, by Patrick Moraz in 1978. I have seen them live three times, and yes, they kicked absolute ass. I also had a forth row seat at one of Justin Hayward’s solo concerts four years ago. It’s true “Your Wildest Dreams” would be the next one to cover because it was a Billboard #1 in 1986. They also have a lot of very moving deep album cuts. The Present album from 1983 is my favorite one lately. Thanks and Slainte!!

This song is so beautiful. Who cares what genre! It makes me emotional. It was a very chaotic time in the world when this came out.

Tuesday Afternoon! That's also a Moody Blues song. Great to listen to. ESPECIALLY on a Tuesday afternoon. 😊

Such a great song! There is a great live version of this song. Great reaction.

Truly a great song. To see them with a full orchestra is mesmerizing!

How much is I love this song I really enjoy Tuesday afternoon

The album this is from they recorded with an orchestra, which is why you don't see a violinist. The full version is phenomenal, and is easily one of the top 10 songs of all time. Fun Fact: It was used at the beginning of Tim Burton's Dark Shadows movie (from 2012)...they played a large percentage of the song which is rare. Love the band, love love love this song. If you put it in your playlist, it'll grow on you. Thanks for sharing! ~Be Blessed

❤❤❤ Thanks for listening. When this song came out, there were two versions. AM radio ruled the airwaves with Top 40, and FM was alternate rock. Top 40 songs were generally single 45 rpm and short. 3 minutes or less so sponsors could get as much ad revenue per hour as possible. FM was new and looking to change how people listened to music. They were famous for playing the longer 33 and a third rpm lp album cuts in stereo. Music talent liked this approach and began producing longer pieces, some taking up the entire side of an album. The album version of Nights is outstanding, at over 9 minutes. There is a great live version from the late 2000s at a mere 7 minutes. That was like the 40th anniversary of this song. I can't make you watch, but I think you should. Love your work,Diane.

One of my Moody Blues favorites was Ride My Seesaw. They did a wonderful job of fusing classical instruments with rock, as well as coming up with some crazy melodies.

A most hauntingly beautiful work.

Diane, so great that you've discovered the 'Moodies'! I grew up listening to them as one of my very favorite groups, they were about as big as any band in the late 60s and early 70s, and it's quite the rabbit hole I have a feeling you're about to go down with them even if you were somewhat ambivalent about this particular song or video! Especially for five solid years they were incredibly prolific with seven straight albums, all of them notable. "Starting" around 1967 or so, after they took on their ultimate configuration, band members wise, that would stand for the next decade +, with Denny Laine leaving but adding Justin Hayward and John Lodge as the lead singers (and guitarist and bassist respectively), and eventually most prolific songwriters--especially Hayward. And this song, "Nights...," was their first hit from their first album in that form as a group, Days of Future Past, the "concept album" referred to. (Earlier, with Danny Laine, they had a mild hit called "Go Now," but the group didn't sound at all like they did from DOFP-onward, (so I see that original/earlier group and song as almost unrelated to what most people came to know as The Moody Blues) ...and DOFP was uniquely recorded with an orchestra,...but all their following albums would be "just" with the band and, likely also, studio musicians, though you often felt like it was still with orchestra because the sound was so full. They carried on with that sound even live. Over the past several years, a couple of their original (DOFP) main members passed away, but until recent years the remaining members with a substitution or two have been recording occasionally and touring off and on all these decades--in other words they never really went completely away and, unlike most "oldies groups," always / still played to big audiences. For the past 15 years or so, Justin Hayward has also toured with his own small, mostly acoustic quartet where they play a lot of the famous Moody Blues songs, as well as his solo compositions. If you want to listen to the Moody Blues live, check out their concert at Royal Albert Hall (in 2000), which also was very nostalgically in front of an orchestra. I think you will like the live version of "Nights..."! The entire 2+ hour show is on RU-vid. (One video is mislabeled 2008. Look for the one with no year in the title.). In the meantime, two great "typical but entirely different" example studio songs to check out--a "rocker" and one more of a ballad--are Story In Your Eyes and Land of Make Believe. The video of "Nights..." that you presented was likely done behind (ie using the audio of) the original studio version of Nights in White Satin. You can tell by listening to the original in full, or most any live version, that this one cuts off at the end,...but originally it continues on for a little bit, especially the orchestra version live, to a great building-crescendo ending. The Moody Blues' best years, IMO, are their first seven or eight albums. Actually, culminating appropriately in the Seventh Sojourn, after which they broke up for a couple years...but what I call their "8th," Justin Hayward and John Lodge did on their own - a great album called 'Blue Jays,' but being MB's frontmen it really sounds very recognizable and full and lush like a lot of The Moody Blues' songs, to the extent that only casual fans or listeners actually think it's the MBs.. A couple years later, the Moodies re-formed with their actual 8th album as the "full" MBs, also appropriately called "0ctave." More than you asked! (Later edit: someone(s) I think correctly pointed out that the version of "Nights..." in this video was very likely done with the slightly shorter radio cut vs the Days of Future Passed album version.)

Diane, you need to react to the live version. Trust me, it's a masterpiece as they include a full orchestra in the concert.

Their "Threshold of a Dream" album is amazing. They were the first to really utilize entire orchestras for songs. And their album art was cutting edge.

The Moody Blues were revolutionary and way ahead of their time. Anyone who loves music, no matter their age, has heard of and knows this song. I find it hard to believe that you haven't heard the song or the band for someone who covers music.

Classic Moody Blues , hats off for the Brits. 💕😍

Love the Moody’s! One of those bands I’ve been lucky enough to see many times. This is actually the second iteration of the band. The first featured Denny Laine and the breakout song “Go Now”. Graeme Edge died fairly recently and will be hugely missed.

Thanks Diane! I always thought that this song came out in the 80’s, so I was obviously very wrong. VERY romantic, a great song to share with someone, a bit depressing if alone. Take care.

Nice to see a younger generation discover music from mine. So much for you to discover and learn from the 50s 60s 70s Enjoy!

My parents are big Moody Blues fans. I took them to see them play about 15 years ago when they played near us. They are a great live band but they have a concert video at Red Rocks, playing with a full orchestra. It is worth checking out. Tuesday Afternoon is another of my favorites.

Diane listens to Nights in White Satin and thinks it’s grand She might prefer I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band) It’s a bit more upbeat, much like Question and The Voice A live version of Isn’t Life Strange, would also be a good choice Departure/Ride My See-Saw is trippy and I would also advise That you check out my favorite: The Story in Your Eyes

The lead singer wrote this song about a maid at a hotel they stayed at for a few weeks. He had a crush on her, but never got the courage to ask her out

The ending on the extended version is even more fantastic.

Diane, If you've ever (luckily) seen them play live, they always manage to make this song come out of nowhere during their set. It never ceases to haunt when played.

Oh nooo. I just found out I'm not the best video quality (I'm really old)😅. Hop a plane to Paris anyone?

This song was released in the US twice. The first time in late 1967, it didn't do so well, failing to crack the top 100. It was reissued in 1972 and this time it was a big hit, making it to #2 on the charts. I remember it from this second time around. In 1967, I was only 9 years old and it wasn't played on Top 40 radio. In 1972, I was old enough to appreciate it, plus it got a lot more airplay. While I don't dislike the song, it is a bit ponderous for my tastes, especially the longer album version which has a spoken word poem called "Late Lament" tacked onto the end. It kind of gives me the same sort of depressing vibe as "When the Music's Over" by The Doors. I prefer some of the band's more lively tunes, like "I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock n' Roll Band)" and "The Story in Your Eyes." Still, it is probably useful for you to hear things "Like Nights in White Satin" that fall outside the more stereotypical classic rock feel, so you don't think everything was Beatles, Stones, and Hendrix back then.

I saw them twice, 1981 in Illinois and about 1994 in Texas. Great shows.

This song comes at the end of the 2nd greatest theme album in the rock catalog. The first being The Wall. All of the songs are about diifferent times of the day, e.g., morning, afternoon, evening, and Nights In White Satin. Brilliant album. Saw the MB's in concert around 20 years ago. Excellent.

Enjoyed the reaction, Diane. Somewhat disappointed you reacted to the short version without the beautiful poem at the end and orchestra section. That's the best part of the song!

I bought the album in 1967 when I was being drafted in the Army and gave it to a girfrriend I had at the time. Great Music.

The Moody Blues were a band out of the UK and popular in the 70's and 80's. Their Greatest Hits album is very good and great to listen to. Their song "Question" is one of my favorites of theirs.

I was fortunate to see them live about 10 years ago. They still sounded great.

This song was the anthem of a generation.

They were awesome live. I just saw Justin in June and he’s still incredible.

One of my mother’s favorite songs. She turns 71 this year.

Another brilliant video Diane! Loved Chewie falling asleep on his little bed behind you 😍🥰!!! Please stay safe and enjoy the rest of your week! Excelsior! Heff

First time a rock group and a symphony ever had produced an album together! Don't know of one since. The album was called, "Days of future passed"

One of most iconic songs ever great reaction thank you wild bill aka puffandstuff13 pogo

Now this is a real Golden Oldie. Very good band with a unique style and sound. Nice reaction to this tune. Keep on rocking! 😊🎉❤

At the top of my favorite groups. I was lucky enough to meet Justin Hayward in the mid-1990's at a small bookshop in Atlanta when he was beginning to move more of his work. He was very personable and humble. The six or seven concerts I attended never disappointed. They will always be legendary.

I love these reaction video, keep it up Diane!

In 1971 I saw the Moodys on St Louis MO, USA. They were definitely awesome. I'm now retired and living in Maine. Sill love the Moodys and listen to them often. Glad you enjoyed them. Mike from Maine.

I was at Moody Blues concert at Pittsburgh Civic Arena (the Igloo) on October 25, 1973. Accompanied by Pittsburgh Philharmonic I think, maybe Pittsburgh Symphony. It was OUTSTANDING!!! 50th Anniversary next week.

I grew up with this ..nice to see her reaction

I had a two month road trip to Canada and Alaska earlier in the year. I enjoyed the whole MB catalog twice during the trip. Great traveling music.

❤ I like your videos and reactions. Keep em coming.

Yes, you're just a regular person, darlin' dear, who regularly elevates my mood, among others. This is a great song, and I have heard it was AWESOME live.😘💖💖😎

I spent hours listening to this song. I wore out my 33 lp.

This song was the theme of my Senior Prom in 1976. So, yes, it's old and not just made to look old.

I listened to this beautiful song in concert and cried. It was so emotional for me.

my brother is 10 years older than me. He grew up in the 70s and I in the 80's. He was a big fan and I ended up loving all their songs. They made a resurgence in the 90's, It makes me sad that people say they have never heard of them.

My wife and I were lucky enough to see them live with our local symphony orchestra. What a great concert!

one of the best love songs! ♥ they need to bring back the flute solo

My wife and I bought this album after we were married, still have the copy. Love how you can play the whole album all the way through, and the thread of the poetry ties it all together. 43 years later and I will still drop everything when one of the songs from that album comes on. My wife and I had to really hide this album when our sons moved out, because they like it so much. Our middle son had a habit of ACCIDENTALLY mixing our music with his. Got to give him credit for trying, he introduced me to Metallica, and found out 15 yrs later that Hetfield is a year older than me. ;) Best I heard them live was at the Gorge in Oregon back in the 90's.

I saw the Moody Blues in concert in Southern California in the mid 1990s. Fantastic! One of the best concerts I ever saw. Have been a fan since the early 1970s.

Their albums are so much fun to listen end to end.

Brings back memories of this song echoing at Pope Paull VI Highschool's gym in Jersey on a Saturday night. Had to be slow dancing to this!

"Threshold of a Dream" is a masterpiece! Not mentioned much in light of their later mega hit singles and albums. It is an hour spent journeying into wonder, mystery and beauty.

Aww 🥰 I get all in the feels‼️ My prom song💃

One of my favorite groups of all time. Moodies were one of the first rock groups to use full orchestra and each played multiple instruments, composed songs, and sang. Saw the live twice and last year saw Justin Hayward perform in Aspen. Still one of the finest voices in rock history.

When I was young, I imagined knights on horses wearing white satin.

A CLASSIC from 1967, but the version you're listening to is the short version for AM radio at that time. The album version that we all heard years later on FM radio would really blow you away.

"Unexpected flute playing!" --- Flute was fairly common in the folk/rock/blues scene of the late 60's and early 70's. I was just a tot when this song came out and the sound was just so unique, it has been a favorite of mine ever since.

Excellent song, and band. Was introduced in the mid 90's.

My aunt had this Album in a cassette tape. Not for sure did she bought it late 60’s. I heard it early 70’s when i was a young kid. Since then i have like that old Moody Blues. She had also 2 more Moody Blues cassette tapes. Part of my youth as well this music.

The flute player, wow, that's cool

I’ve seen the Moody Blues 3 times in concert (once with an orchestra-it was amazing!) and have listened to this great song hundreds of times, and just noticed it’s a waltz. Go figure! If you go back and listen to their first hit, “Go Now,” through the rest of their albums, you’ll see how their music evolved and became much more complex. Ray Thomas (the flautist) unfortunately didn’t live to see his deserving band’s induction to the R&R Hall of Fame.

It wasn;t just a violin, it was a whole orchestra, several violins and an assortment of horns. Love the channel, Dianne, from Cape Cod.

Really like the bass. They were great

Born in 1948 I’ve seen and heard ALL of the phases of music and regard the 60s and 70s as the finest time for great music !

I was only 14 when I saw them in '86. It was my first concert. It was at a theme park in NC. I have to rank them near the top of my concert experiences.

The Moody Blues was and. Is my favorite band since I was a teenager when they were first formed.