Psychedelic Rock

Both the song “Go Now” and the group The Moody Blues have had two lives. “Go Now” was composed by Larry Banks and Milton Bennett and was recorded in January 1964 by Banks’ wife, singer Bessie Banks.  The record was produced by the famous songwriting/producing team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller for their Tiger label. It reached #40 on the Cashbox R&B singles chart but failed to become a major hit.

The song got a second life later in 1964 when an English group from Birmingham, England, called The Moody Blues decided to make a cover version of it. Denny Laine (later of Wings) was the guitarist and lead vocalist. “Go Now” went to #1 on the UK Singles Chart in January 1965 and hit #10 on The Billboard Hot 100 the following month.

After “Go Now,” The Moody Blues were unable to duplicate their success and disappeared from the international music scene for two years.  However, in 1967 they got a second life and came roaring back with the classic album Days Of Future Passed. The Moody Blues had suddenly become a superstar progressive rock band. Over the years, The Moody Blues have sold more than 70 million albums worldwide and have been awarded 18 platinum and gold records. As of 2015 they are still active with one member from the original 1964 band (drummer Graeme Edge).

On the 1964 recording of “Go Now,”  the Moody Blues were: Denny Laine ( guitar, vocals), Graeme Edge (drums, percussion, vocals), Ray Thomas (flute, percussion, harmonica, vocals), Mike Pinder( keyboards, vocals), Clint Warwick (bass, vocals).

Here are the lyrics to “Go Now” by The Moody Blues:

“We’ve already said ‘Goodbye’.
Since you’ve got to go
Oh you had better go now.
Go now. Go now. Go now
Before you see me cry.
I don’t want you to tell me
Just what you intend to do now.
‘Cause how many times do I have to tell you
Darling, darling,
I’m still in love
With you now?

We’ve already said ‘So long’
I don’t want to see you go.
Oh you had better go now.

Go now. Go now. Go now
Don’t you even try telling me
That you don’t want me to end this way
‘Cause, darling, darling,
Can’t you see I want you to stay?

We’ve already said ‘Goodbye’.
Since you’ve got to go
Oh you had better go now.

Go now. Go now. Go now

Before you see me cry.
I don’t want you to tell me
Just what you intend to do now.
‘Cause how many times do I have to tell you
Darling, darling,
I’m still in love,
Still in love,
With you now?

I don’t want to see you go
But, darling,
You’d better go now.”

For another song by The Moody Blues: “Nights in White Satin.”

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “Go Now” by The Moody Blues.