The band began by playing rhythm and blues music. After some early lineup changes, the band settled on a line-up of Pinder, Thomas, Edge, guitarist Justin Hayward and bassist John Lodge, which would stay together for most of the band's "classic era" through the late 1960s-early 1970s. Their second album, "Days of Future Passed", released in 1967, was a fusion of rock with classical music and established the band as pioneers in the development of art rock and progressive rock. Days Of Future Passed has been described as a "landmark" and "one of the first successful concept albums".
The Moody Blues became known internationally by recordings of songs including "Go Now", "Nights in White Satin", "Tuesday Afternoon", "Question" and "Your Wildest Dreams". The band has been awarded 18 platinum and gold LP’s. The band sold 70 million albums worldwide. The Moody Blues were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
The Moody Blues formed in 1964 in Erdington, a suburb of Birmingham in the county of Warwickshire. Ray Thomas, a young John Lodge and (occasionally) Mike Pinder had been members of El Riot & the Rebels. They disbanded when Lodge, the youngest member, went to technical college and Pinder joined the army. Pinder then rejoined Thomas to form the Krew Cats. Back from a disappointing spell in the Hamburg region a few months later, the pair recruited guitarist/vocalist Denny Laine and band manager-turned-drummer Graeme Edge. Pinder and Thomas initially approached their former El Riot bandmate John Lodge about being the bass player, but Lodge declined as he was still in college. They instead recruited bassist Clint Warwick. The five appeared as the Moody Blues for the first time in Birmingham in 1964. The name developed from a hoped-for sponsorship from the M&B Brewery which failed to materialise, the band calling themselves both "The M Bs" and "The M B Five", and was also a subtle reference to the Duke Ellington song "Mood Indigo". In an interview it was revealed that the band was named "Moody Blues" because Mike Pinder was interested in how music changes people's moods and due to the fact that the band was playing blues at the time. Around this time the band were the resident group at the Carlton Ballroom, later to become rock music venue Mothers on Erdington High Street.
The Moody Blues' "rich symphonic sound" influenced groups such as Yes, Genesis, the Electric Light Orchestra and Deep Purple. They also helped make synthesizers and philosophy "part of the rock mainstream".
The Moody Blues became members of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. In 2013, readers of Rolling Stone Magazine voted for them as one of the ten bands that should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ultimate Classic Rock called them "perennial victims of an unaccountable snubbing" and inducted them into its own Hall of Fame in 2014.
Writing for The Guardian in 2015, Rob Chapman described the band as "psychedelia's forgotten heroes". He stated: "Despite their success, rock critics rarely took the Moody Blues seriously, a pattern that continued for the next 45 years." He also wrote: "Despite the critical disapproval, the best of the Moody Blues music between 1967 and 1970 possessed grace and beauty. Like The Beatles, they understood how pop songs worked as ensemble pieces. None of them were particularly virtuosic or showy as musicians and their music is refreshingly free of the noodling longeurs that characterised the output of their more self-indulgent contemporaries."
In December 2017, the band were announced as inductees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On 14 April 2018, they were inducted as part of the 2018 class. During his acceptance speech in Cleveland, OH, Justin Hayward said, "If you didn't know already, well we're just a bunch of British guys, but of course to us and to all British musicians, this is the home of our heroes and we all know that..." acknowledging the inspirational role of America's rock and roll icons. During the ceremony, Ray Thomas was included as a star that was lost in the past year.
On 11th November 2021 Graeme Edge died. Upon Edge's death, Justin Hayward announced that The Moody Blues had no longer been active since Edge had retired in 2018 (Edge being the only member to remain with the band from formation to ending). Founding member Denny Laine died on 5 December 2023.
What Child Is This
The Moody Blues Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary
The babe, the son of Mary
The babe, the son of Mary
The Moody Blues's rendition of "What Child Is This" is a hauntingly beautiful version of a classic Christmas carol. The lyrics express the wonder and awe of the birth of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of the shepherds and angels who witnessed the event.
The first two lines set the scene: Mary, the mother of Jesus, is holding him in her lap as he sleeps. The second couplet introduces the angels, who greet the baby with "anthems sweet." Meanwhile, the shepherds, who are keeping watch over their flocks, are witnessing this amazing event.
The chorus is a triumphant celebration of the baby's identity. This, the lyrics declare, is Christ the King, the long-awaited savior who will bring hope and salvation to the world. The shepherds and angels both recognize the significance of his birth and are filled with joy and excitement.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this, who, laid to rest On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Who could this sleeping child on Mary's lap possibly be?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet While shepherds watch are keeping
All the while, shepherds keep a watchful eye on this child whom angels sing sweet songs to.
This, this is Christ the King Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
This child is none other than Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels continually sing praises to.
Haste, haste to bring him laud The babe, the son of Mary
Hurry, hurry to offer praise to this babe who is the son of Mary.
The babe, the son of Mary
Once again, it is reiterated that this child, whom everyone is worshipping, is the beloved son of Mary.
Contributed by Sebastian A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
irene
Oh God it couldn't have been done better than this. Made me cry it was so beautiful thank you for this
Damien Whited
Excellent version of the song. Well done by these guys.
Carol Boteler
I love this song and I love that the Moody Blues recorded it. You've done a wonderful job on the video. Very Enjoyable!
Howiesangel45
I've always loved this song, but THIS version...wow! I cry every time I listen to it. It's breathtaking and beautiful. Thank you, God, for gifting Justin Hayward with the voice of an Angel, and Justin for sharing and giving that gift back to all of us!
bubba123475
Great job on the video! This version of this song is the best I've ever heard! Moody Blues rule! Thanks for posting, it is a blessing to us all for Christmas.
Jenna L.
This is my favorite Christmas song I'm blessed to hear Justin singing it ❤❤
oksana price
The Moody Blues singing my favorite Christmas song! It doesn't get any better than this! God bless Justin Hayward and the Moody Blues!
JamieBarnes
I love, love, love it. One of the most wonderful christmas songs ever.
Barbara S
Oh My God! This is so beautiful! I have always loved this song since I was a child. With Justin singing it, I am in tears and overwhelmed with the goodness of our Creator, the beauty of the melody, the gifts He gave to these men, and the wonderful way they have used their gifts. I could listen to this song all day. I wonder where this church is? It is so beautiful. Wonderful job Lisa! Keep up the good work.
c45dude
Great song. Love that Ray Thomas was still around to play the flute in this song.