Out There (Love album)
"Out There" is the fifth track on the 1968 album Forever Changes by the band Love. Composed by Arthur Lee, the song is a complex and multifaceted piece that explores themes of alienation, paranoia, and societal decay, reflecting the anxieties prevalent in the late 1960s.
Musically, "Out There" is characterized by its intricate orchestration, featuring a prominent use of horns, strings, and acoustic guitar. The song's arrangement is highly dynamic, shifting between delicate, melancholic passages and more aggressive, driving sections. Lee's vocal performance is particularly notable, ranging from hushed whispers to impassioned cries, further emphasizing the song's emotional intensity.
Lyrically, the song is fragmented and impressionistic, creating a sense of unease and disorientation. Lee's lyrics are often interpreted as reflecting a growing sense of disillusionment with the counterculture and a fear of impending doom. Phrases like "They're locking them up today" and "the moon is growing dimmer" contribute to the song's overall sense of foreboding.
"Out There" is widely regarded as one of the highlights of Forever Changes and a key example of Love's unique blend of rock, folk, and orchestral elements. Its complex arrangement, evocative lyrics, and powerful emotional impact have made it a enduring and influential song.