Song of the Day: When I Was A Boy (28th December 2015)

Today's Song of the Day comes from the band that produced such hits as Mr Blue Sky, Telephone Line and Moment in Paradise. Formed in Birmingham by Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne, it was once known simply as Electric Light Orchestra, or ELO,  but was rebranded as Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra in 2012, as Lynne became the sole remaining member of the original group. ELO's use of synth instruments combined with modern rock styles created a vibe beloved by many, and one which Jeff Lynne was keen to continue in the newest album, 'Alone in the Universe', 2015.

Some may argue that the ELO vibe has become muted over the years; I would agree that the newest album pales in comparison with the likes of 'Zoom', which the band released in 2001, but 'When I was a Boy' is definitely still worth mention (and purchase). 

It is nostalgic, and ridiculously catchy. Lynne's verses will take you back to earlier times where music became the driving force in many people's lives; this is undoubtedly inspired by the bands roots, and it's drive to experiment with modern rock styles. The chorus shines with ELO harmonies and will delight old fans and new listeners. It really is good that the ELO legacy will continue, even if Lynne is now free to make it entirely his own.

You can take a listen on YouTube below:

Lyrics:

When I was a boy, I had a dream, all about the things I'd like to be

Soon as I was in my bed, music played inside my head

When I was a boy, I had a dream

When I was a boy, I learned to play, far into the night and drift away

Don't want to work on the milk or the bread, I just want to play my guitar instead

When I was a boy, I had a dream

And radio waves, kept me company

In those beautiful days, when there was no money

When I was a boy, I had a dream

When I was a boy, I had a dream, finding out what life could really mean

Don't want a job cause it drives me crazy, just wanna sing, "Do you love me, baby?"

When I was a boy, I had a dream

And radio waves kept me company

In those beautiful days, when there was no money

When I was a boy, I had a dream

When I was a boy