Electric Light Orchestra – Mr. Blue Sky (Official Video)
Inspiration Behind Mr. Blue Sky:
Jeff Lynne was in the Swiss Alps, staying in a chalet when the concept of Nr. Blue Sky came to him. The week prior to the sun appearing was a combination of dark clouds with a slight mist. Thinking the weather might not change, a clear and sunny blue sky was a refreshing sight for Jeff. This instant change in weather transformed Jeff’s creativity, writing an additional 13 songs in rapid succession.
Biblical Application:
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse, Romans 1:20.
Exegesis of Mr. Blue Sky:
Morning! Today’s forecast calls for blue skies
A sudden change in the weather calls for a celebration.
The sun is shining in the sky
There ain’t a cloud in sight
It’s stopped raining
Everybody’s in the play
And don’t you know, it’s a beautiful new day
Hey, hey, hey!
A song highlighting a beautiful day. After days of rain, locals are coming out of their homes to enjoy this day.
Running down the avenue
See how the sun shines brightly in the city
All the streets where once was pity
Mr. Blue Sky is living here today!
Hey, hey, hey!
A glimpse of Spring has uplifted the spirits of the people living in the Alps. A sunny day made a huge difference in Jeff’s attitude about visiting Switzerland.
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?
Jeff suggests that bad weather may serve as punishment for something done in the past. Meanwhile, Jeff treats the sun like a person, asking questions about why he has been gone for so long. Was it our fault?
Hey, you with the pretty face
Welcome to the human race!
A celebration
Mr. Blue Sky’s up there waiting
And today is the day we’ve waited for
Ah, ah, ah
Jeff sees the sunshine on a pretty face, This calls for a celebration, what Jeff has been waiting to see.
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
Weather affects how people act. Long winters or extended days of clouds and rain wear on a human’s psyche. Yet when the weather improves, allowing individuals to go outside, people tend to be happier.
Hey there Mr. Blue!
We’re so pleased to be with you
Look around, see what you do
Everybody smiles at you!
A repetitive chorus reminds Jeff of the sun’s impact of people’s moods.
Mr. Blue Sky
Mr. Blue Sky
Mr. Blue Sky
Human beings often love sunny days.
Mr. Blue, you did it right
But soon comes Mr. Night
Creeping over, now his hand is on your shoulder
Never mind, I’ll remember you this
I’ll remember you this way!
This day is coming to an end. As the sun is about to set behind the mountains, darkness replaces Mr. Blue with Mr, Night.
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
Jeff uses logic and reason, hoping for another sunny day tomorrow.
Please turn me over
Either a reference to tanning or wanting another visit from Mr. Blue Sky in the morning.
Final Thoughts:
During my last 2 years of living in Delaware before moving to South Carolina, Newark had become the Seattle of the East Coast, raining almost every Saturday for over a month. This bad weather made it easy to leave, without many reasons to stay. As families make plans to travel this summer, the weather will shape how much you like or disliked an area. This is what Mr. Blue Sky helped remind me.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 