Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue? To achieve its color requires more than sunshine alone: when sunlight hits Earth’s atmosphere it gets scattered all directions by gaseous particles; shorter wavelengths like blue tend to get spread more widely than others.
George Strait’s 1996 song, “Blue Clear Sky,” tells of encountering love when least expected and its bittersweet nature. The lyrics describe both an encounter that’s bittersweet in its feelings and sweetness in its expression.
The Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky”
ELO wrote this song in 1977 while leader Jeff Lynne was holed up in a Swiss chalet to write songs for their double album Out of the Blue, yet struggled to come up with new material due to cloudy conditions and was experiencing depression as a result.
But one day he opened his curtains to see the beautiful Alps for the first time and was inspired to write Mr. Blue Sky as one of the first songs written at that time.
“Rock Me Amadeus” has become one of the band’s signature songs and has even been covered by artists like Ed Sheeran. Additionally, it has made several film appearances such as Megamind (2010) and American Dad! (2011) as well as being chosen frequently for TV theme songs.
Music fans might not realize there are some unique nuances about this song that may surprise them. For instance, its final, heavily vocoded segment is often misunderstood as meaning “Mr. Blue Sky-y,” when in reality it refers to flipping a vinyl record over in order to listen to both sides – an amusing nod at those who’ve kept listening!
The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”
The Beatles’ 1967 release “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” is an outstanding example of psychedelic music. A dream-like, meditative tune about utopia with its tangerine trees and marmalade skies; featuring kaleidoscope eyes and rocking horse people; perfect for listening while relaxing in your garden or out for a stroll!
The song’s lyrics were drawn from a drawing done by Julian Lennon at pre-school, depicting one of Julian’s friends flying through a field of stars with her eyes closed – this drawing became known as Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. Many have speculated that this song may refer to LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide); its title references its initials while there are several images such as tangerine trees and marmalade sky in it; plus references to Lewis Carroll as well as skits seen on popular British TV shows like Goon Show that suggest its meaning as well.
But despite some similarities in language style between “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and other songs written about drugs, LIWC analysis reveals no indication that “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” actually addresses LSD; rather it seems more to be about human experience and creating transcendence through spirituality.
Mumford & Sons’ “October Skies”
This track from their 2018 album Delta is a slow and introspective song that contemplates the changing seasons, while at the same time reflecting melancholic feelings towards an ex. Marcus Mumford’s vocal performance takes center stage here as music remains simple.
This song serves as a reflection on life’s cyclical nature, with a narrator questioning whether their journey will end triumphantly or tragically. Additionally, its lyrics express both comfort and importance of cherishing those closest to us.
This song is an emotive ballad that blends electronic elements with the band’s traditional acoustic instruments. With piano melodies and atmospheric vocals giving a distinctive sound – similar to artists such as Coldplay, Snow Patrol or The National. Additionally, its powerful chorus will certainly have you wiping away tears!
Miley Cyrus’ “Midnight Sky”
Miley Cyrus kicked off 2019 by releasing an ethereal, disco-country pop track called “Midnight Sky.” Both its music video and lyrics video were directed by Miley herself and feature her striking poses either laying luxuriously among colorful gumballs or seducing seductively in neon-tinged disco clubs reminiscent of Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett and Debbie Harry who she clearly draws inspiration from as strong female musical icons.
Lyrically, Miley’s lyrics are also quite empowering: in her song she sings about being able to “stand up and speak my mind” and asserting her independence despite attempts by anyone else to control or subjugate her. Additionally, they refer to Miley’s brief romance with Brody Jenner’s ex Kaitlynn Carter – which made headlines after being caught kissing on an Italian yacht.
Overall, Miley Cyrus has released an incredible single that showcases her growth as an artist. No longer the Hannah Montana girl of old, her sound now has more depth that was lacking previously. Perhaps this marks Miley’s major renaissance? We can only wait and see! She recently announced she’s working on a seventh studio album; so watch this space.
Neil Young’s “See the Sky About to Rain”
Neil Young’s classic 1971 album On the Beach features two melancholic tracks; Neil Young’s “See the Sky About to Rain” explores this mood through lyrics that perfectly encapsulate how rainfall falls from blue skies, leaving a sad and somber sentiment behind. Its melancholy theme makes for an appropriate choice as Neil is known for creating emotionally wrenching art; “See the Sky About to Rain” explores this concept beautifully.
This song’s lyrics are an amalgamation of Woody Guthrie lyrics, while its title serves both as an irony and tribute to his death. Additionally, this track features a sample from Curtis Mayfield’s “Move on Up”, which Kanye West used in opening his 2011 hit Touch the Sky.
Jimmy Hill and club director John Camkin never imagined when they first came up with their idea for a Coventry City fan song in 1962 that it would become such an integral part of fan life for nearly 60 years – from escapes from relegation to trips to Wembley – that it would get every Coventry City supporter’s heart pumping faster!
The Afters’ “Light Up the Sky”
This song from The Afters’ 2010 album with the same name explores the sky’s connection between us, God, and life itself. Critics such as Lydia Akinola at Allmusic and Alpha Omega News’ Thomas Jenkins as well as Cross Rhythms’ CCM Magazine editor Scott McCord all gave positive reviews.
The Afters, originally known as Blisse, released two albums before Light Up the Sky became their first chart-topping record. Some listeners may view this success as evidence that they sold out, as its music has taken on more pop elements than their earlier raw rock sound.
“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” by The Beatles, is our next selection. In it, the narrator compares his love to an idyllic diamond-filled sky as an expression of his commitment. Additionally, this song incorporates imagery such as newspaper taxis and kaleidoscope eyes to add an otherworldly quality; these elements give this dreamy piece its dreamy quality and reflect his hopefulness for their future together.
Solange’s “Cranes in the Sky”
Solange’s “Cranes in the Sky” is an emotive song about being a single mother. The song touches upon all aspects of divorce and separation while encouraging its listeners to find peace within themselves rather than turning outside sources for help. Solange has created an exquisite piece of music here with lyrics that will touch many listeners’ lives.
Solange’s 2016 album A Seat at the Table features this track as one of its highlights; additionally, two videos for it were recently released to add even greater depth and soulful meditative soundscape to it.
Solange recently spoke on the Song Exploder podcast about her process for creating “Cherry Wine.” She revealed it was written eight years ago during a difficult period when she struggled with feelings of self-pity and depression; attempts were made to alleviate these emotions through drinking or shopping, but nothing worked effectively.
Solange co-wrote her song with producer Raphael Saadiq and began as a sparse sketch featuring drums, bass, and strings before adding in a toy harp and ultimately keeping it.