Introduction:
Emerging from a period of creative exploration in the late 1990s, the Bee Gees, the legendary Gibb brothers – Barry, Robin, and Maurice, returned to the forefront of the music scene in the new millennium with their 2001 album, This Is Where I Came In. Among the standout tracks on this introspective and sophisticated collection was “Voice In The Wilderness”.
While the Bee Gees had achieved phenomenal success throughout their career, with disco anthems like “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever” dominating the airwaves in the late 70s, “Voice In The Wilderness” marked a shift in their sound. This song leaned towards a more adult contemporary style, showcasing the brothers’ signature tight harmonies against a backdrop of layered instrumentation. Maurice Gibb, the band’s musical architect, crafted a lush soundscape with a prominent piano melody and subtle string arrangements, creating a sense of both urgency and longing.
Thematically, “Voice In The Wilderness” explores the power of human connection and the yearning for love. The lyrics, penned by Barry Gibb and collaborators Ben Stivers, Steve Rucker, and Alan Kendall, paint a picture of a captivating woman who ignites a spark in the narrator’s soul. Lines like “She got the energy to blind the sun / And she make me glow / She sparkle and I see the light” convey a sense of awe and rejuvenation in the face of this captivating presence. However, a melancholic undercurrent runs throughout the song, hinting at the possibility of unrequited love or a missed opportunity. The title itself, “Voice In The Wilderness”, evokes a sense of loneliness and a desperate plea for connection, adding depth and complexity to the emotional landscape of the song.
Despite not achieving the chart-topping success of their disco era hits, “Voice In The Wilderness” resonated with a dedicated fanbase who appreciated the Bee Gees’ artistic evolution. The song’s critical reception was also positive, with reviewers praising the brothers’ ability to craft a mature and emotionally resonant track. “Voice In The Wilderness” served as a testament to the Bee Gees’ enduring talent and their ability to connect with listeners across generations. The song remains a cherished gem in their extensive discography, a beacon of hope amidst the complexities of human connection.
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Lyrics:
It’s another womanHey, it could be me, it could be anyoneYeah, she got the energy to blind the sunAnd she make me glowShe sparkle and I see the lightI miss her every moment she is out of sightShe’s a necessityMy baby keeps rolling me
Watch her glideThis girl is bonafideShe’s got what causes chaos
She’s got the power that I can’t explainBlowing through each other like a hurricaneLook at me, I’m 27 stories highThere may be somebody else, and
I don’t want to live like thatNo, I don’t want to live like thatDon’t want to live like thatNo, I don’t want to live like that, live like thatJust another voice in the wilderness
Stick with me foreverCross my heart and hope to dieYou should give me everything and so will IAnd the world will knowI say I will not lieYou know more lovers than one for some become a necessityMy baby keeps rolling me
Live on stageExposing my jealous rageLife can be complicated
I give you something you could jump aroundLove is like a prison, and you can’t get outThese things are hard to findYou say the world is flat, but
I don’t want to live like thatNo, I don’t want to live like thatDon’t want to live like thatNo, I don’t want to live like that, live like thatJust another voice in the wilderness
Walking through the fireRunning like a river ’til the race is wonI’m risking everything to be someoneI will stick by youWe know but we will not failLifting of the spirit and the flesh prevailsAnd the fight is onBut this love, it keeps rolling on
Watch me flyInto the clear blue skyThis is the age of wonderI am the one
I don’t want to live like thatNo, I don’t want to live like thatI don’t want to live like that, live like thatJust another voice in the wilderness