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 woman
Hey, it could be me, it could be anyone Yeah, she got the energy to blind the sun And she make me glow She sparkle and I see the light I miss her every moment she is out of sight She’s a necessity My baby keeps rolling meWatch her glide
This girl is bonafide She’s got what causes chaosShe’s got the power that I can’t explain
Blowing through each other like a hurricane Look at me, I’m 27 stories high There may be somebody else, andI don’t want to live like that
No, I don’t want to live like that Don’t want to live like that No, I don’t want to live like that, live like that Just another voice in the wildernessStick with me forever
Cross my heart and hope to die You should give me everything and so will I And the world will know I say I will not lie You know more lovers than one for some become a necessity My baby keeps rolling meLive on stage
Exposing my jealous rage Life can be complicatedI give you something you could jump around
Love is like a prison, and you can’t get out These things are hard to find You say the world is flat, butI don’t want to live like that
No, I don’t want to live like that Don’t want to live like that No, I don’t want to live like that, live like that Just another voice in the wildernessWalking through the fire
Running like a river ’til the race is won I’m risking everything to be someone I will stick by you We know but we will not fail Lifting of the spirit and the flesh prevails And the fight is on But this love, it keeps rolling onWatch me fly
Into the clear blue sky This is the age of wonder I am the oneI don’t want to live like that
No, I don’t want to live like that I don’t want to live like that, live like that Just another voice in the wilderness