About the song
**Father of Day, Father of Night** is a live recording by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, a progressive rock group known for their innovative blend of rock, blues, and jazz. This particular performance, captured in Stockholm in 1973, showcases the band’s unique ability to create a sonic tapestry that is both powerful and ethereal.
Manfred Mann, the band’s namesake and keyboardist, has been a prominent figure in the British music scene since the 1960s. His Earth Band incarnation, formed in the early 1970s, marked a significant departure from his previous work. The band’s sound was characterized by its progressive nature, incorporating elements of electronic music and science fiction themes.
“Father of Day, Father of Night” is a classic example of the Earth Band’s signature style. The song begins with a hypnotic, repetitive riff that sets the stage for a journey through cosmic landscapes. Mann’s keyboard playing is both melodic and rhythmic, creating a sense of depth and complexity. The band’s tight ensemble playing, featuring Chris Thomas on bass, Mick Rogers on guitar, and Bill Bruford on drums, provides a solid foundation for the music.
The lyrics of the song explore themes of time, existence, and the interconnectedness of all things. The title references the dual nature of reality, with the “Father of Day” representing creation and light, while the “Father of Night” symbolizes destruction and darkness. The song suggests that these two forces are not opposing but rather complementary aspects of the universe.
The live recording of “Father of Day, Father of Night” adds a raw and energetic quality to the performance. The audience’s enthusiastic response can be heard throughout the song, creating a palpable sense of excitement. The band’s musicianship is on full display, with each member contributing to the overall sound.
In conclusion, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band’s “Father of Day, Father of Night” is a timeless piece of progressive rock that continues to resonate with audiences today. The song’s blend of powerful music and thought-provoking lyrics makes it a must-listen for fans of the genre.
Video
Lyrics
Father of night, Father of day
Father who take the darkness away
Father who teacheth the birds to fly
Builder of rainbows up in the sky
Father of day, Father of night
Father of black, Father of white
Father who builds the mountains so high
Shapeth the clouds up in the sky
Father of loneliness and pain
Father of night, Father of day
Father of grain, Father of wheat
Father of cold, Father of heat
Father of air, Father of trees
Dwells in our hearts in our memories
Father of night, Father of day
Father who take the darkness away
Father who teacheth the birds to fly
Builder of rainbows up in the sky
Father of loneliness and pain
Father of night, Father of day
Father of night and Father of day
Father who take the darkness away
Father of black and Father of white
Father who turneth the rivers and streams
Father of night, Father of day
Father who take the darkness away
Father who teacheth the birds to fly
Builder of rainbows up in the sky
Father of grain, Father of wheat
Father of cold and Father of heat
Father of minutes, Father of days
Father of whom we most solemnly praise
Father of loneliness and pain
Father of night, Father of day