MOONLIGHT SONGS: "MOONLIGHT DRIVE" AND OTHER EXAMPLES
Throughout the history of music, moonlight has inspired countless
lyrics; it is a natural element capable of suggesting metaphysical excursions
and romantic leaps of the imagination.
Jim Morrison was also susceptible to its allure, dedicating the title of
a wonderful song to this natural element: "Moonlight Drive", included
on The Doors' second LP, "Strange Days", released in September 1967.
The lyrics of this song clearly depict moonlight as a symbol of freedom
to be regained. This can be achieved by freeing ourselves from external
limitations on our happiness, such as those imposed by the dominant culture. We
can also reach freedom by letting go of the constraints originating within
ourselves, such as fears and insecurities.
Moonlight illuminates this track, unfolding its marvellous, catchy
groove and allowing listeners to distinguish its wonderful sound details in the
silvery half-light created by our magical satellite.
As mentioned earlier, many artists have been attracted to moonlight and
have translated its mysterious and benevolent charm into their music. Here are
two examples predating "Moonlight Drive" that also feature moonlight
as their main theme.
The first is "What a Little Moonlight Can
Do" (written by H. Woods), sung by Billy Holiday in her 1935 version (link here).
With her sweet, floating voice, the singer tells us that uncertainties
and shyness in love can be overcome when illuminated by the poetic light of the
moon.
This fast-paced composition is complemented by short solos on the
clarinet, tenor saxophone and trumpet, played in a swing style. The small
orchestra accompanying Holiday adds an intimate touch to the atmosphere that
would have been lost with a full swing big band.
Another great jazz vocalist who used this
technique was Ella Fitzgerald with her rendition of "Moonlight Becomes
You" (link here),
In this case, the backing band consists of more than ten musicians, but
the arrangement is unobtrusive, leaving Fitzgerald's incomparable voice in the
foreground.
Even after a twenty-five-year career, her voice remains unaltered,
retaining its clear, sensual purity.
The song unfolds languidly, staying true to the swing genre, although
its warmest developments often touch on the pop genre of that period.
In this track, the moonlight makes the image of the beloved even more
romantic and seductive, surrounding him with its subtle brightness.
The transformative effect of the moonlight is the thread that ties these
three compositions together. This transformation is induced by the magical
properties of the light emitted by the moon.
The moon thus becomes the bearer of positive change for the individual. In the case of "Moonlight Drive" by The Doors, it shows everyone the way to a truly free and expressive life.
P.S.: My book "The Doors Through Strange Days"- The most comprehensive journey ever made through The Doors' second LP, is available on Amazon.com, .uk, .mx, .it, etc.
Here’s a link:
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