About the song
“Question” is a 1970 single by the English progressive rock band The Moody Blues, showcasing the immense talent of guitarist Justin Hayward, who not only wrote the song but also provided the lead vocals. Released in April 1970, “Question” quickly captured the attention of audiences with its compelling mix of urgency and introspection, making it one of the band’s most iconic tracks. It achieved significant commercial success, reaching number two on the UK charts and remaining there for 12 weeks, marking it as the band’s second-highest charting single in their home country. Across the Atlantic, it also resonated with American audiences, peaking at number 21 on the Billboard Top 40.
The song’s unique structure can be attributed to its origins, as Hayward combined two unfinished songs to create “Question.” This blending of two separate pieces is evident in the song’s dynamic shifts, where it transitions from an energetic, questioning pace to a more reflective, balladic section. Hayward himself has recounted how the song came together almost spontaneously, being conceived and recorded in a matter of hours for a session that was already scheduled. This quick creation process did nothing to diminish its impact, as “Question” has become one of the band’s most enduring songs, frequently appearing in their compilations and live performances.
The song opens with a powerful guitar riff that has been compared to the style of The Who, immediately drawing listeners in. Cash Box, a respected music publication of the time, noted how the song “churns up instant listener interest from the start” and then seamlessly transitions into “a brilliantly presented ballad” that stays true to The Moody Blues’ signature style. This change in tempo and mood is one of the reasons the song has remained so popular over the decades, as it captures a wide range of emotions within its five-minute runtime.
Critics have consistently praised “Question” as one of The Moody Blues’ finest works. Nick DeRiso of Ultimate Classic Rock considers it the band’s greatest song, citing how the merging of two unfinished pieces results in a perfectly balanced emotional experience. Classic Rock critic Malcolm Dome places it as the third greatest Moody Blues song, emphasizing its powerful message that continues to resonate with listeners even today. Brian Kachejian from Classic Rock History also lauds the song, particularly highlighting the acoustic guitar opening as one of the greatest in classic rock history. He also notes the significance of Graeme Edge’s drum fill after the poignant line, “Why do we never get an answer when there’s knocking at the door,” which he believes helped cement the song’s status in rock history.
The song’s influence extends beyond The Moody Blues’ own discography, with notable covers by artists like Fish, the former Marillion singer, who included it on his 1993 album *Songs from the Mirror*. In 2010, Nada Surf also paid tribute to the track with their cover on the album *If I Had a Hi-Fi*, demonstrating how “Question” continues to inspire musicians across different genres and generations.
In summary, “Question” is not just a song; it’s a powerful statement that has stood the test of time. Its blend of poignant lyrics, dynamic musical shifts, and heartfelt delivery makes it a standout track in The Moody Blues’ impressive catalog, and its legacy continues to influence both fans and fellow musicians alike.
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Lyrics
Why do we never get an answer when we’re knocking at the door
With a thousand million questions about hate and death and war?
‘Cause when we stop and look around us, there is nothing that we need
In a world of persecution that is burning in its greed
Why do we never get an answer when we’re knocking at the door?
Because the truth, it’s hard to swallow, that’s what the war of love is for
It’s not the way that you say it
When you do those things to me
It’s more the way that you mean it
When you tell me what will be
And when you stop and think about it
You won’t believe it’s true
That all the love you’ve been giving
Has all been meant for you
I’m looking for someone to change my life
I’m looking for a miracle in my life
And if you could see what it’s done to me
To lose the the love I knew could safely lead me through
Between the silence of the mountains
And the crashing of the sea
There lies a land I once lived in
And she’s waiting there for me
But in the grey of the morning
My mind becomes confused
Between the dead and the sleeping
And the road that I must choose
I’m looking for someone to change my life
I’m looking for a miracle in my life
And if you could see what it’s done to me
To lose the love I knew could safely lead me to
The land that I once knew
To learn as we grow old the secrets of our souls
It’s not the way that you say it
When you do those things to me
It’s more the way you really mean it
When you tell me what will be
Why do we never get an answer when we’re knocking at the door
With a thousand million questions about hate and death and war?
‘Cause when we stop and look around us, there is nothing that we need
In a world of persecution that is burning in its greed
Why do we never get an answer when we’re knocking at the door?