Rhythm guitarist Dave Pritchard, bass guitarist Greg Masters and drummer Roger Spencer were the core of a band initally known as Billy King and the Nightriders, then later known as Mike Sheridan and the Nightriders and briefly as just The Nightriders.
In 1966 they advertised for a new guitarist/vocalist, Jeff Lynne applied and joined the band. After releasing one single they changed their name to Idle Race. Under Jeff Lynne's leadership they released two albums that sold poorly, despite support from John Peel and Kenny Everett.
In 1970, Jeff Lynne decided to join The Move so he and Roy Wood could work on what would eventually become Electric Light Orchestra
The remaining members of The Idle Race recruited 2 new members and released one further album. After Greg Masters left the group they became The Steve Gibbons Band.
Pie In The Sky
The Idle Race Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who's to say why it won't happen
Mountains of dreams
Floods like a stream running down them
Through rocky glades
We'll find a way
We want to, so maybe we may
Never say die and keep trying
Mountains of dreams
Eyes brightly gleam and you're sighing
We made it then
Needn't say when
I want you again and again
Pie in the sky
Words that imply something stupid
Mountains of dreams
Loving you seemed so illusive
Still we kept on
Nothing went wrong
Together we proved love is strong
Pie in the sky
Who's to say why it won't happen
Mountains of dreams
Floods like a stream running down them
Through rocky glades
We'll find a way
Forever, together we'll stay
The song 'Pie in the Sky' by The Idle Race can be interpreted as a song of hope, resilience and faith in love. The phrase 'Pie in the sky' is often used to describe an idea or a hope that is unlikely to happen or unrealistic. The song starts with this phrase indicating that even though there might be doubts about whether their dreams would come true or not, they are still hopeful and willing to give it a try. The idea of 'mountains of dreams' expresses the magnitude and importance of their aspirations, while 'floods like a stream running down them' points to the abundance of their hopes and dreams.
The second part of the song talks about the struggles, obstacles and challenges they might face in achieving their dreams. However, they are determined to keep trying and not give up. The lines 'We made it then, Needn't say when, I want you again and again' suggest that they have been successful in the past and aim to achieve it again, and that they have a strong emotional connection with their partner. Their love for each other is not 'pie in the sky' or unrealistic, but something that they have proven to be strong and enduring.
Line by Line Meaning
Pie in the sky
A dream or hope that seems impossible to achieve
Who's to say why it won't happen
No one can predict the future, so don't give up hope
Mountains of dreams
Endless possibilities and aspirations
Floods like a stream running down them
Unlimited potential and opportunities
Through rocky glades
Despite obstacles and challenges
We'll find a way
We will persevere and overcome difficulties
Never say die and keep trying
Persistence and determination lead to success
Eyes brightly gleam and you're sighing
Excitement and anticipation for possibilities
We made it then
We achieved our goal in the past
Needn't say when
Timing isn't important; what's important is that we did it
I want you again and again
I want to keep striving for success with you
Words that imply something stupid
Skepticism and negativity towards ambitious dreams
Loving you seemed so illusive
Fulfilling a difficult dream such as love can seem unreachable
Still we kept on
Continued pushing forward despite obstacles
Nothing went wrong
Success and accomplishment in the face of adversity
Together we proved love is strong
Overcoming challenges reinforced the strength of our love
Forever, together we'll stay
Our bond and shared goals will last indefinitely
Contributed by Lillian K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.