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Northern Lights (song)
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Wikipedia article
"'Northern Lights'" is a song by the English progressive rock band Renaissance, released in 1978 from their album 'A Song for All Seasons.' It was the band's only hit single, reaching No. 10 on the UK Singles Chart.Romano, Will (2010). 'Mountains come out of the sky: an illustrated history of prog rock' (1st Ed.). Montclair, NJ: Blackbeat Books. p. 133.
Composition
There is no actual reference to the Aurora Borealis in the lyrics; it is merely a play on words in the title. The first verse begins with: "Destination outward bound, I turn to see the northern lights behind the wing..." suggesting a different meaning. Songfacts.com quoted lead singer Annie Haslam as commenting:
The song is about leaving the Northern Lights of England... and Roy Wood behind, when I was working over in the U.S.[http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=12122 Songfacts.com "Northern Lights" entry.] Retrieved 21 September 2014.
Wood is known for having been a founding member of The Move, the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), and Wizzard. Haslam and Wood had a four-year relationship. Lyricist Betty Thatcher-Newsinger wrote about the feelings of loneliness and separation Haslam was experiencing whilst she was on tour, based on the personal conversations between the two. Hence, the lines "though it's hard away from you" and "I'm missing you near me" accentuate the theme. Earlier songs such as "Ocean Gypsy" and "Trip to the Fair" were similarly founded in Haslam's life experiences and friendships, the latter also involving Wood.
Charts
"Northern Lights" entered the UK singles charts on 15 July 1978 and remained there for 11 weeks, peaking at No. 10.[http://www.polyhex.com polyhex.com UK singles chart runs 1952-2014] Retrieved 20 September 2014. It was at No. 7 on 'Melody Maker's' Top 30 Singles chart on 19 August 1978.
Renaissance performed "Northern Lights" live on 'The Mike Douglas Show' on 4 May 1978 in the U.S.[http://www.tv.com/shows/the-mike-douglas-show/may-4-1978-1308421/ 'The Mike Douglas Show'] 4 May 1978 listing. TV.com. Retrieved 30 September 2014. The single was featured on 'Top of the Pops' on 13 July 1978,[http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b036fc2k 'Top of the Pops'] 13 July 1978 listing. BBC One. Retrieved 28 September 2014. and 10 August 1978.[http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b037kmgr 'Top of the Pops'] 10 August 1978 listing. BBC One. Retrieved 28 September 2014. It was awarded a Silver disc on 1 September 1978 by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
Personnel
* Annie Haslam lead and backing vocals
* Jon Camp bass, backing vocals
* Michael Dunford acoustic guitar (6 and 12 string), electric guitar
* John Tout keyboards
* Terry Sullivan drums, percussion
* Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
* Harry Rabinowitz conductor
* Barry Griffiths leader of the orchestra
References
Category:1978 songs
Category:1978 singles
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