Story Songs: The Best Things in Life

Recently I rediscovered Mike Pinder, the former keyboardist extraordinaire (especially with the mellotron) for The Moody Blues. 

I downloaded "The Promise/Among the Stars," recordings from the mid-1970s ("The Promise") and "Among the Stars" (mid-'90s).

Pinder penned Moodies' classics such as "Melancholy Man," "(Thinking is) the Best Way (to Travel)," "Lost in a Lost World," and "A Simple Game." 

One of my favorites from the recent download is the upbeat "The Best Things in Life," a wonderful feel-good tune about the the joys in life that money can't buy.

It opens:

"Each time you see your baby smile

Each time you hear that someone is a mother to be

The best things in life are free.

"Each time you hear a waterfall

Each time you see the sunset or the fruit on a tree

The best things in life are free"

And then he sings about the special person in his life:

"The world turns around and around

The moon moves the sea

I'm thinking of you in my life

Getting closer to me"

And it closes:

"Next time you take a breath of air

Remember people everywhere will agree

The best things in life are free"

I believe most of us would agree with Pinder that the best things don't carry a price tag. 

Mike Pinder 

Pinder, who is now 72, left the Moody Blues in 1978 after their "Octave" release. The download also includes two songs by The Pinder Brothers (Michael Lee and Matt), Mike's two sons, accompanied by retired Moody co-founder Ray Thomas on the flute. 

You'll also find some ballads, uptempo songs, and three instrumentals on this two-album release that rekindles some sounds from the "core seven" Moodies' releases while showcasing Pinder's distinctive voice, musicianship, and songwriting.

"The Best Things in Life" lyrics

And a bonus by The Pinder Brothers (Dear Diane):

Until the next time...