Music Blog

Out Of The Blue

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Today Jim at Song Lyric Sunday is challenging us to choose a song dealing with mental health. This is a double edged sword; it’s wonderful that there are so many songs about this subject to choose from but it’s a shame that there are so many troublesome issues (and troubled souls) to write songs about.

I chose this one because it’s a tremendously uplifting song, I love the group and I feel a personal connection as well. When you’re talking about a song, it’s great to have something that ties you to it. It may not always be something positive but that’s just the way life is. The beautiful thing about music is there’s something for whatever is going on in your life. I hope you enjoy my selection today.

“Mr. Blue Sky” is a song by the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), featured on the band’s seventh studio album “Out of the Blue” written and produced in 1977 by front man Jeff Lynne. Promotional copies were released on blue vinyl, like the album from which the single was issued. Due to its popularity and frequent use in multiple television shows and movies, it has sometimes been described as ELO’s signature song.

I have loved this song since the first time I heard it. It’s a happy and fun tune about a make-believe superhero, inspired by a silly TV show Jeff Lynne loved as a child. It was recorded with percussion played on a fire extinguisher, for crying out loud, and was so powerful and singable, astronauts would use it as an alarm clock in space! Reaction by critics and the public was a definite thumbs up, calling the tune “truly exhilarating”; the song would go on to be referred to as “the happiest song ever”. Sorry, Pharrell!

In 1977, Jeff Lynne and the other members of ELO rented a place in the Alps to work on music for their new album. Jeff was trying to write songs but the weather was so dark and dreary around him, he went into a funk. So how was it possible for Jeff to have written this fun, happy song?

During a BBC Radio interview, Jeff Lynne gave this account of how it all went down:

“It had been dark, wet and dreary for more than two weeks, and I didn’t come up with a single thing for the new record. I started going to the local pub, getting drunk, and spending more time there than back at the studio with my mates. Here we were in a house in the Alps and I was totally spiritless. I had writer’s block and fell into an ugly depression. Those two weeks felt more like two years! Finally one morning the sun suddenly came out and shone brilliantly. It shook me from my gloom and I felt inspired for the first time in weeks. It was like, ‘Wow, look at those gorgeous mountains, that beautiful sky’! For me that was a sign, a re-awakening, a chance to start over. I was so encouraged and motivated, I wrote “Mr. Blue Sky” and 13 other songs in the next two weeks.”

That’s Jeff’s great story; now here’s my story.

Over a span of 8 years, 2011 to 2019, I had two major surgeries on the same knee. It was not fun but what surgery is?

After operation #1, a total knee revision, I was in a lot of pain and my recuperation did not go well. I fell into a major depression. I lost my appetite, suffered panic attacks and shut myself off from everyone and everything. All I wanted was be left alone and sleep. I was convinced I was going to be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life, unable to play with my young grandchildren. I began seeing a psychologist. And I was taking anti-anxiety meds and pain killers.

My husband Bill was my biggest supporter, a shoulder to lean on, my rock. He took me to physical therapy 3 times each week and stayed with me. He drove me to see the psychologist and sat in the waiting room. He took me out for drives just to get me out of the house. He set up FaceTime with our sons. He arranged for someone from the nail salon to come to the house to give me a mani/pedi. He helped me shower and wash my hair. Family and friends brought over prepared meals which Bill warmed up for me, even though I had little interest in eating. He was worried about me, scared for me but never let it show; he was a saint.

One day Bill came into the bedroom and said he had something to show me. He switched on the TV and inserted a DVD; it was the “Concert for George” and it was the first thing in months that held my attention. That’s the day I started listening to music again. Bill and music were the major factors in getting my mental and emotional recovery into motion. I put on my headphones and listened to all my favorite tunes. I started feeling better and eventually got myself to the point where I felt before the urgent need for surgery …. but I still had nagging pain in my knee. X-rays revealed something wrong with my replacement and I needed to have a total revision …. a complete do-over of the first operation. All that suffering between 2011 and 2019 because of something that could and should have been avoided.

The 2nd surgery was in early December 2019, just before Covid. I had great hope this time around but my recovery turned into the perfect storm. A visiting nurse came to see me five times and Bill brought me to have my staples removed. I started physical therapy but that lasted only about two weeks before everything came to a halt. I was left to my own devices as far as physical therapy was concerned and I had a wave of anxiety wash over me thinking “here we go again” …. but this time I sort of knew what to expect. I had an exercise routine from my first round of PT 8 years earlier which I did on my own as best I could. Being your own physical therapist after major surgery is far from ideal. By the grace of God, I did not hurt myself or fall into another depression. Once again music and Bill were my constant companions. I’d also begun to write again.

Long story even longer, when lockdown was lifted, I went back to therapy. That’s how I met the therapist who literally saved my life and I still see him when I have a flare up. Besides being a great therapist, he’s an incredibly good person who loves what he does …. helping people recover and feel better. And he always has music playing during his sessions! If I didn’t have him and Bill, I don’t know where I would be right now. And I’m also no longer taking meds.

Depression is serious business. As hard as it may be, we need to try to let people into our life. We need to talk to someone, anyone who will listen and be a good friend. There’s no shame in being depressed; it’s an illness and needs to be treated as one …. not covered up like a dirty secret.

I’m one of the lucky ones and I have music, my therapist and Bill to thank for helping me on the road to recovery.

Take good care of yourselves, my friends, and try to listen to music every day. Don’t underestimate it’s powers. It’s a balm for your body, mind, heart and soul. It could also mean a new lease on life.

National Depression Hotline – 866-629-4564 for free help, treatment options and support. Call 24/7.

This is “Mr. Blue Sky” by ELO

LYRICS

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

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

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

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Jeff Lynne
Mr. Blue Sky lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

  • Jeff Lynne–lead and backing vocals, lead and rhythm guitars, orchestral and choral arrangements 
  • Bev Bevan– drums, various percussion instruments, cymbals, backing vocals, fire extingjuisher
  • Richard Tandy– piano, electric piano, synthesizer, vocoder, orchestral and choral arrangements
  • Kelly Groucutt– bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Mik Kaminski– violin
  • Hugh McDowell – cello
  • Melvyn Gale – cello
  • Lewis Clark – orchestral and choral arrangements, orchestra conductor
Mental Stability

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This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

43 thoughts on “Out Of The Blue”

  2. Pingback: Out Of The Blue – SHERIFF.DAVID

  3. Very good song. I always liked their songs. Sorry you had those problems with your knee replacements and how awful you were feeling after. I’m glad music helped you get to a better mind set. Music, lyrics … they are powerful. 🙂

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  4. I think we have discussed this before… I have been on that same journey though I was recovering from a broken back! My hubby and the boys were great like yours. I saw a therapist who suggested I start writing my feelings out. I have included some of those early poems in my SLS post. I also became addicted to pain killers.. though I am no longer. We need to tell people our stories so they know they are not alone. I am proud of you 💜💜💜 Mr Blue Sky is one of my go to pick me up songs 💜💜💜

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    1. You are so so kind, Willow. I am proud of you, too! 💙
      Life is not easy; I remember reading your story and cringing.
      At the risk of sounding maudlin, I remember something my father used to say often; I think it was his favorite saying: ‘I cried because I had no shoes; then I met a man who had no feet”.
      Blessings on you, Willow! 💙🙏🏼

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  6. Nancy, I appreciate your sharing your personal experience with “mental illness” and included specific remedies that you sought out and applied to help you heal.

    That album is one of my favorites and I’ve used it as a pick-me-up many times over the years. There is such positive energy flowing out of it. Thanks, Jeff & Crew! Sounds like Jeff got a jolt of heavenly energy when the clouds opened up and Mr. Blue Sky arrived.

    Music and writing are two of the biggest healers I’ve used over the years. That and time shared with loved ones.

    Great choice of tunes today!

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    1. Thanks so much for your beautifully penned endorsement of music and for your kind wishes regarding my good health. I’m one of the lucky ones; my heart aches for all the lonely and desperate people who feel like they have nowhere to turn.
      As soon as I found out what the theme was for today, I knew this was going to be my song choice. Truly, just about anything from ELO or the Wilburys would have worked …. they’re so upbeat and fun …. but this one was it for me! So glad to know you love it too!

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  12. My, if anyone can vouch for the power of music, it’s you after what you’ve been through.
    You’ve done it again, you’ve featured an all-time favourite song of mine! I always sing along to it when I need to raise my spirits!

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  14. A good choice for today, especially as you have such a personal connection to the song and what it stands for. I’m very sorry to hear that you went through so much physical and mental pain, but it is great that you have come through it all 😊

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    1. Thanks, Clive. There are certainly deeper, more profound songs that address Jim’s challenge, and we have seen some very good ones today. My responses always contain a personal message, as you know by now, and to overlook this song would have been wrong.
      I’m grateful for the good things that have come about since my botched surgery; looking back only helps to put things in perspective. Nothing will change as a result, at least not for me. I’m very lucky for the people in my life who helped bring me through this; my heart goes out to people who is still suffering with pain and depression.
      Kudos to Jim for hosting this challenge today; this is something that should be done every day. People need to know they are never truly alone, that there is help. Thank you for your very thoughtful words, Clive.

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      1. I think the personal element is vital for you, and totally get why you shared the song. Your understanding of what it has all meant for you is to be applauded. As I think you know, I began my blog on mental health and it is never far from my thoughts. That message that we aren’t alone needs to be continually shared.

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    1. This is is such a profound video, Ivor. The music fits the images perfectly and words are not necessary. What I see here reflects what I was feeling during my own personal “perfect storm”. Thank you for this excellent piece and for the amazing prose and music you consistently share every day on your own website. I don’t thank you enough for that and I should. Spreading the joy and healing benefits of music cannot be stressed enough. Thank you!

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      1. Thank you for your lovely words about my articles … I enjoy searching the world of music to go with my poems, and yes I believe music is a important part of the healing process … for it was listening to Leonard Cohen’s marvellous songs 😊🌏🎶😍

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  16. Your story, Nancy, is, unfortunately, neither fictitious nor rare.
    I will not touch the subject of the ill-practised first knee replacement because then WP will flag my comment as extreme profanity; not only they let you wrestle with a bad surgery but they failed to provide you the knowledge of the importance of post-surgery rehabilitation.
    Even if the surgery was excellent, physical therapy immediately after the procedure is the only way to secure the benefits of knee arthroplasty.
    The second time around you started physical therapy but… pandemic.

    During these series of events you have not only discovered the healing power of music but the total support Bill ( the Man) provided without a moment of hesitation… [well, except the times you didn’t like the color of the man/pedi he arranged for you at home 😆 ]… and the strength of your soul’s fabric.

    It is good that you shared your story. You never know when or where someone might find in your words just the necessary amount of hope and light, so that they can truly believe there can be light at the edge of darkness.

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    1. Si, caro. We have talked about this many times and you know what I went through. I am not surprised by your reaction today because what happened to me was negligence, totally unnecessary and completely avoidable. Sadly, there are other people who have gone through similar scenarios, so I’m really not very special and there’s no good looking over my shoulder at what might have been. You are correct …. if sharing my story with one person helps, then I am pleased.
      I’ve already talked enough about Bill, here and in other blogs; I feel like people know him! I have a good man who has been through hell with me and would do so again. We are here for each other in this journey. We pick each other up when we fall.
      Music has been in my life since the day I was born. I can’t imagine being without it; it is a very dear friend.
      Mille grazie infinite, caro. ❤︎

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