“In The Skies” (1979)

This is the title track of Peter Green’s brilliant 1979 album “In The Skies,” which was Green’s first recording after 9 years of silence.

Divine Blues

Around 1970, Green had turned to religion and spent years in a commune, leading some to proclaim that this comeback album was “gospel” music. Indeed, Green’s strikingly beautiful lyrical imagery might be enough to convince us that we are surrounded by divinity, but that does not necessarily mean that the music is gospel.

But it's still the blues. Green’s gentle guitar is pure blues, and his soulful vocals are pure blues. Well, maybe “divine blues.” It’s enough to make us wonder if there might be some radiant, divine, creative entity in the skies. Or, maybe, in our souls.

Quintessential Blues

In fact, I’d call this quintessential blues – blues in its purest expression. The kind that, even though it’s sad, melancholy, and even sorrowful, remains eternally optimistic

Peter Green

In the 1960s, Green had played with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, and later co-founded Fleetwood Mac. In 1970, he left Fleetwood Mac, and essentially faded into oblivion.

During the 1970s, Green remained inactive and obscure, withdrawing into an “elitist commune,” practicing ascetism, and indulging in powerful hallucinogenic drugs. But what had started as a blissful “spiritual” experience for Green turned into a hell of schizophrenia, lethargy, and even occasional violence.

From Black 'n' Blue to Greater Green

Nevertheless, Green made it through the 1970s, and continued to release more solo work after this “comeback” album.

Green has received accolades from various great guitarists, including Eric Clapton and BB King. On Rolling Stone magazine’s list of greatest guitarists, Peter Green ranks 38th. _{(Image source)}

Oh, there’s a way to keep the dark from the light

And there’s a way to take the cold out of night

And when I see its glow

The sun and moon are shadowed

By the everlasting day

When I reach up my hand

To the loving son of man

The bread of life will keep my soul alive

There’s a place where rivers flow in the street

Where fruit and healing leaves are seen on a tree

Where emerald walls shine clear

And golden streets run far and near

Behind the gates where his angels names appear

When I reach up my hand
To the loving son of man
The bread of life will keep my soul alive
And he will wipe away the tears from our eyes
As we watch this old world fade when it dies
And a new one shall come
And it will be heaven
And it’s waiting for us there in the skies
In the skies
   [4x]   _{(Image source)} _{Lyrics by Peter Green, Jane Green, courtesy of – YouTube

Reference – Wikipedia

Reference – Wikipedia

Reference – YouTube.com

Reference – RollingStone.com

Into your ears … through 5 channels

The various posts are categorized into 5 channels _{(Right-Click to see details)}

         1 – “Music to Your Ears” (MTYE)

         2 – “Cover Versions”

         3 – “Honor Roll”

         4 – “Documentaries”

         5 – “Mock’n’Roll”

More “Music to Your Ears” ...

          Previous posts in this series – "MTYE posts 1–20"

Links to my other series ...}

Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 1"
Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 2"