In the 1950's, Thomas joined the Birmingham Youth Choir. He began singing with various Birmingham blues and soul groups, including the Saints and Sinners as well as the Ramblers. Taking up the harmonica, he then started bands with keyboardist and future Moody Blues bandmate Mike Pinder. The two performed together in such bands as El Riot and the Rebels and the Krew Cats in Hamburg, Germany, at times opening for a then-little-known band called The Beatles.
Thomas and Pinder then recruited Guitarist Denny Laine along with drummer Graeme Edge and bassist Clint Warwick to form a new, blues-based band. The name of the band, chosen by Pinder, was "The Moody Blues." The name was a subtle reference to Duke Ellington's "Mood Indigo."
Their first album yielded a #1 UK hit (#10 in the US) with "Go Now." Following this album, Laine and Warwick left the band. Thomas suggested an old bandmate, bassist John Lodge, as a replacement for Warwick and also recruited Justin Hayward to replace Denny Laine.
The band then released 7 successful albums, and became known for a pioneering orchestral sound. Some of Thomas' compositions on these albums are "Another Morning" and "Twilight Time" (from Days of Future Passed), "And the Tide Rushes In" (from A Question of Balance), "Legend of a Mind" (from In Search of the Lost Chord), "Floating" (from To Our Children's Children's Children), "Nice to Be Here" (from Every Good Boy Deserves Favour) and "For My Lady" (from Seventh Sojourn).
The band then took a hiatus (reported at the time as a breakup), during which the members all did solo projects. Thomas released two solo albums during this period, From Mighty Oaks and Hopes Wishes and Dreams. It was during this period that he earned his nickname "The Flute." Within the band he is also know as "Tomo" (pronounced tOm-O).
The band then reformed (largely minus Mike Pinder who was only with them for the first album after the reformation) and continued to release albums throughout the '80s, with Thomas' "Veteran Cosmic Rocker" being prominently featured on the album Long Distance Voyager. This song has often been regarded as a theme song for the band itself as a whole and for Thomas in particular.
Although he most commonly plays flute, Thomas is actually a multi-instrumentalist, playing various other woodwind instruments, such as the oboe on the album In Search of the Lost Chord, and baritone saxophone on the hit song "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock & Roll Band)".
Thomas retired at the end of 2002. The Moody Blues - now consisting only of Hayward, Lodge and Edge - have released one album, December, since his departure from the band.
Thomas died on 4 January 2018 of prostate cancer, at his home in Surrey, at the age of 76.
One night stand
Ray Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The scene is set we're here to sell our wares
And we know that truth is an ever guiding light
So we sing our songs each and every night
Do you know can you feel it do you understand
What it's like to be living in a rock 'n roll band
Up and down the land on a one night stand
Well I've sworn that I'd been in this place before
Yes I wrote my name on the dressing room wall
It was another band on a one night stand
And it's all for the music
Love is in the band
And freedom we command
On a one night stand
(One night stand)
(One night stand)
And it's all for the music
Love is in the band
Freedom (freedom) we command
On a one night stand
The lights go down the band prepares
The scene is set we're here to sell our wares
And we know that truth is an ever guiding light
So we sing our songs each and every night
Do you know can you feel it do you understand
What it's like to be living in a rock 'n roll band
Up and down the land on a one night stand
Well I've sworn that I'd been in this place before
Yes I wrote my name on the dressing room wall
It was another band on a one night stand
(Up and down the land on a one night stand)
(Up and down the land on a one night stand)
Yes it's all for the music (up and down the land on a one night stand)
Love is in the band (up and down the land on a one night stand)
(Up and down the land on a one night stand)
It's all for the music (up and down the land on a one night stand)
Love is in the band (up and down the land on a one night stand)
The lyrics of Ray Thomas's song "One Night Stand" depict the life of a traveling rock band. The song begins by setting the scene of a concert, as the lights go down and the band prepares to perform. The band members know that their truth and passion for music is their ever guiding light, which is why they sing their songs every night. The chorus talks about the experience of living in a rock 'n roll band, going up and down the land on a one night stand. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the transient nature of the band's lifestyle, always moving from one city to the next, constantly performing for a new audience.
The second verse is reflective, as the songwriter thinks about all the other bands who have been in this place before. As a testament to their presence, he wrote his name on the dressing room wall- a classic symbol of the touring musician's life. The repetition of the chorus ties the song together, as it emphasizes that it's not just about the music, but also the love and freedom felt within the band.
Overall, "One Night Stand" paints a picture of the excitement and unpredictability of touring, as well as the connection felt between bandmates. The chorus drives home the sense of unity and purpose felt within the band, while the reflective second verse emphasizes the history and camaraderie of musicians who have come before.
Line by Line Meaning
The lights go down the band prepares
The band gets ready as the lights dim to begin their performance.
The scene is set we're here to sell our wares
The band is ready to showcase their music to the audience.
And we know that truth is an ever guiding light
The band believes in honesty and authenticity as the foundation of their music.
So we sing our songs each and every night
The band performs their music every night with passion, regardless of the size of the audience.
Do you know can you feel it do you understand
The band wants the audience to connect with their music emotionally and intellectually.
What it's like to be living in a rock 'n roll band
The band reflects on what it means to live and perform as rock musicians.
Up and down the land on a one night stand
The band travels extensively and often performs at one-night gigs.
Well I've sworn that I'd been in this place before
The lead singer reminisces about playing at similar venues in the past.
Yes I wrote my name on the dressing room wall
The lead singer left their mark in the dressing room as a memorable moment.
And it's all for the music
The band emphasizes that their love for music guides their performances.
Love is in the band
The band members care for each other and their music as a unit.
And freedom we command
The band values their creative independence.
The lights go down the band prepares
The band prepares again as the lights dim for another performance.
The scene is set we're here to sell our wares
The band is always ready to showcase their music and connect with their audience.
And we know that truth is an ever guiding light
The band emphasizes that they will always stay true to themselves and their music.
So we sing our songs each and every night
The band continues to perform their music every night with passion and dedication.
Yes it's all for the music
The band repeats that their music is their purpose and motivation.
Love is in the band
The band reiterates their strong bond and passion for music.
Freedom (freedom) we command
The band asserts their creative independence and control over their music.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RICHARD DAVID SMITH, KARL HYDE, ALFIE THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind