Hayward was born in Dean Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, England, and educated at Shrivenham School in Berkshire and the Commonweal School in Swindon. He was playing in several bands as early as age 15 when he bought his Gibson 335, a guitar that appears on nearly all of his records throughout his career, and a Vox AC30 amplifier. All previous guitars were "unsatisfactory" and required modification. He performed with local Swindon groups in clubs and dance halls playing mostly Buddy Holly songs. One of Hayward's early groups was All Things Bright, which opened for The Hollies and Brian Poole and the Tremeloes. At age 17, he signed an eight-year publishing contract as a songwriter with the skiffle artist and record producer Lonnie Donegan, a move Hayward later regretted, as it meant the rights to all his songs written before 1974 would always be owned by Donegan's Tyler Music. In 1965 he answered an advertisement in Melody Maker and auditioned as guitarist for Marty Wilde and he went on to work with Wilde and his wife in The Wilde Three.
For the most part, Hayward has used a red Gibson ES-335, though he also uses other guitars in both performing and recording, including a 1955 Martin D-28 "Dreadnought", a James Olson six-string acoustic, a black Guild acoustic, a Squier Stratocaster (essentially an inexpensive Fender Stratocaster, as Squier is a subsidiary of Fender), a Fender Telecaster, a blonde Guild 12-string acoustic (tuned to "open C" for "Question"), and in 1967 a black Gibson Les Paul. Between 1965 and 1968, he was without his Gibson 335 and relied on other instruments, most notably a 1964 Fender Telecaster and a hand-built 12-string guitar he had renovated for Donegan (he eventually bought this guitar from Donegan's widow). However, in an interview included on the Lovely to See You concert DVD (2005), Hayward says the 1963 Gibson 335 has been with him since 1967. Recently, he has played a Collings D3 on stage and on recordings. Among other instruments, Hayward also played mandolin on A Question of Balance and sitar on In Search of the Lost Chord.
Written at the end of one love affair and the beginning of another, the song "Nights in White Satin" was, according to Hayward, "in adoration of all women". Hayward married model Ann Marie Guirron on 19 December 1970. His daughter Doremi, who sings on the track "Raised on Love" on Hayward's 1977 album Songwriter, was born on 3 December 1972.
In 2013, Hayward spoke of his learning Transcendental Meditation in 1967, along with other members of the Moody Blues.
Nearer To You
Justin Hayward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I found that it's true that I'm feeling
Closer, closer by far
I found that we are getting closer
I'm nearer to you
Everyday I'm missing you so
Darling I know how you're feeling
It's strange how I find that I'm moving
Nearer to you
It's strange but it's true
My world would turn blue
Without you
So come what may
I'll stay nearer to you
Nearer to you
Come what may
The things that you do
Everyday
I'm nearer to you
Come what may
Let me love you
Love you tonight
You'll see that I'm right when I'm saying
That love has brought us this far
You know that we are getting nearer
I'm nearer to you
It's strange but it's true
My world would turn blue
Without you
So come what may I'll stay nearer to you
Nearer to you
Come what may
The things that you do
Everyday
Nearer to you
Come what may
Nearer to you
Come what may
It's strange but it's true
All the way
The lyrics to Justin Hayward's song "Nearer to You" convey the feeling of longing and desire for someone who is far away. The title itself is a clear indication of that desire. As the song progresses, we see the singer becoming more and more attached to the person they are missing, coming closer to them, even when they are physically apart. The repetitive nature of the lyrics emphasizes the emotional depth of the longing and the desire to be near the loved one.
The lyrics are characterized by a sense of hope and optimism, even in the face of distance and uncertainty. The singer acknowledges the difficulties that the distance presents but makes it clear that they will stay committed to the relationship, and not let anything get in the way. The song recognizes that distance can be a challenge, but is hopeful that the love they share will conquer all. Overall, the song is a beautiful expression of longing, hope, and love.
Line by Line Meaning
Nearer, nearer to you
I am getting closer physically and emotionally to you
I found that it's true that I'm feeling
I realize that my feelings for you are genuine
Closer, closer by far
We are getting much closer than before
I found that we are getting closer
I recognize that our bond is gradually getting stronger
I'm nearer to you
I feel like I am getting closer to you every day
Everyday I'm missing you so
I think about you all the time and constantly miss you
Darling I know how you're feeling
I understand the emotions you are going through
I see you so clear in my mind
I can vividly imagine you even when you are not physically present
It's strange how I find that I'm moving
I am surprised yet pleased by the progress I am making towards you
My world would turn blue Without you
My life would be empty and unhappy without you
So come what may I'll stay nearer to you
I am determined to stay close to you no matter what happens
The things that you do Everyday
Your actions and behavior towards me every day draws me closer to you
Let me love you Love you tonight
Allow me to express my love for you tonight
You'll see that I'm right when I'm saying That love has brought us this far
You will realize that my love for you has been the reason for our progress so far
So come what may I'll stay nearer to you
Regardless of what happens, I will remain close to you
It's strange but it's true
The progress of our relationship is surprising yet genuine
All the way
Completely and fully committed to you
Contributed by Joshua J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Rosemary Scott
Love this song, I have the CD. All Justin's solo albums are good value
Gill Brown
What a fantastic voice he has and he writes the most wonderful songs.❤️❤️
Matt Dwyer
This is so great, a current favorite! 💙
Jarred H
Saw the Moody Blues perform during their Farewell tour, and it will forever be one of my fondest memories! Such an incredible performance, and Justin Hayward STILL rocks!!
J. Morrison
Of the many great reasons to living in the rural over urban areas, not being close to where concerts are played by my favorite musicians is probably the only drawback.
J. Morrison
Beyond doubt there are more than several love songs that bring me to first true love composed & sung by Justin Hayward/ Moody Blues. This is certainly among them. Each of them brings me back to her, "I know you're out there somewhere".
Kim Crawley
Justin's 65th is coming up and he's STILL rocking. Amazing....every time I see him perform I am struck by how wonderful his voice and guitar skills are. And, yes, I still have a secret crush on him, even after all these years! :-D Thanks for posting this...Love it!
Kim Crawley
@Mari still a well known secret :-)
Mari
@Kim Crawley - It is not a secret anymore !! LOL
Matt Dwyer
This is incredible ! 💙