Mr. Blue Sky

Electric Light Orchestra

Vissionary Jeff Lynne is still with us — going strong, still touring at 74 in 2023!

The man seemed to have a crystal ball in the early seventies, embracing electronic music in a new way — mixing classical music with Beatlesque pop/rock and technology. Mostly though, he was an amazing songwriter, singer and a terrific collaborator who embraced spectacle and performance. These early music videos I’ve linked are the proof.

With all those superstars around him, it’s ironic he was the most important Wilbury. The MVP. It wouldn’t have happened without him.

Too many songs to mention when I think of Lynne. CAN’T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD was a favorite of mine as a small child. So much so, that hearing it now brings to mind Sesame Street and the little house I grew up in on Tarpon Street in Foster City. 🏡

TELEPHONE LINE too — it’s like a great number in a dramatic musical. So good it should be on stage facing existential darkness head on.

Don't you realise the things we did were all for real?
Not a dream
I just can't believe they've all faded out of view
Blue days, black nights
I look into the sky
The love you need ain't gonna see you through
And I wonder why
The little things you planned ain't coming true

But then he could write a song like this beauty. In a way, it’s an answer to that call in TELEPHONE LINE. Mr. Blue answers it.

It’s not only the perfect treadmill song — I dare you not to pick up your pace at runnin’ down the avenue…but it’s also a game-changer kind of track that has turned my day around more than once. But you have to play it and listen with undivided attention. I dare you to give in to it’s magic. One of the greatest singles of all time. ♥️

Sun is shinin' in the sky
There ain't a cloud in sight
It's stopped rainin' everybody's in the play
And don't you know
It's a beautiful new day, hey hey

Runnin' down the avenue
See how the sun shines brightly in the city
On the streets where once was pity
Mr. Blue Sky is living here today, hey hey

Mr. Blue Sky please tell us why
You had to hide away for so long (so long)
Where did we go wrong?

Mr. Blue Sky please tell us why
You had to hide away for so long (so long)
Where did we go wrong?

Hey you with the pretty face
Welcome to the human race
A celebration, Mr. Blue Sky's up there waitin'
And today is the day we've waited for

Oh Mr. Blue Sky please tell us why
You had to hide away for so long (so long)
Where did we go wrong?

Hey there Mr. Blue
We're so pleased to be with you
Look around see what you do
Everybody smiles at you

Hey there Mr. Blue
We're so pleased to be with you
Look around see what you do
Everybody smiles at you

Mr. Blue, you did it right
But soon comes Mr. Night creepin' over
Now his hand is on your shoulder
Never mind I'll remember you this
I'll remember you this way

Mr. Blue Sky please tell us why
You had to hide away for so long (so long)
Where did we go wrong?

Hey there Mr. Blue (sky)
We're so pleased to be with you (sky)
Look around see what you do (blue)
Everybody smiles at you