Released 25 April 1969 Length 2:08 Writer(s) Graeme Edge | Recorded 29 January 1969 Label Deram Records | |
Genre avant-garde, musique concrète, spoken word, poetry | ||
"In the Beginning" is a 1969 song by the progressive rock band The Moody Blues. Written by drummer Graeme Edge, it was released as the opening track on the album On the Threshold of a Dream.
On the Threshold of a Dream is a concept album about dreams, and "In the Beginning" introduces this theme. The track begins with a high-frequency electronic sound, which appears repeatedly on the album. As it begins, the mellotron provides an ascending orchestral sound, which ends abruptly when the verses begin.
The lyrics are spoken rather than sung, and it is the only Moody Blues spoken track to feature multiple members reciting the lyrics. The first part is recited by Justin Hayward, whose character is trying to figure out the meaning of life, says "I think, I think I am. Therefore, I am, I think." The next part, recited by Graeme Edge, who portrays the antagonist from a computer-dominated world, tries to lure the main character into a world of little human interaction due to technology running every aspect of life. Edge's vocal piece also features the sound of heavy machinery in the background.
Hayward's character then returns, refuting this lifestyle with "I'm more than that! I know I am. At least, I think I must be." The final part, recited by Mike Pinder, who is the inner self of the main character, convinces the main character to "keep on thinking free", which is part of the album's concept. The song ends by fading into the next track "Lovely to See You."