Horizontal (song)

"Horizontal"
Song

"Horizontal" is a ballad recorded by the Bee Gees. Written mainly by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb in 1967. Released as the last track on the album of the same name in early 1968. Lead vocals by Barry and Robin Gibb. The song was also included on The Studio Albums 1967-1968.

Barry Gibb sings the lead on the first, second and third verse, while Robin Gibb sings the refrain in third times.

Background and recording

Robin Gibb's reaction to this song was this song 'is a very interesting track because it's mysterious and can't really be classified [as] any kind of style except probably psychedelic, It had a dream effect to it, [taking] people to a different level, rather than any kind of musical classification. I like the haunting melody ideas that go on behind the vocals. A lot of artists today just use one voice and a backing, but they never play around either with the harmonies or the background vocals, which I kinda miss. It's a dimension that technology [can't provide]. That's why a lot of older records actually appeal to young people, because there's an emotion in them which they don't hear on newer records."

On this song, Maurice plays pianos, bass and mellotron while both Barry and Robin deliver existential lyrics to Maurice’s finest whiny backing vocals. It was recorded in September 7 and October 28 with "Lemons Never Forget". Vince Melouney's guitar riffs was also heard at this song. On the outro, Barry and Robin sings "ahhh" as the song fades out. Maurice's mellotron sounds like an orchestral backing.

Chords and lyrics

The song's chord was E on the intro when Barry sings the first line, the chord was became A and D they did the following chords on the rest of the song.

The first singer (Barry) tells that he is lying under a pillow of dreams, and his feeling moments of swimming in cream, while the second singer (Robin) sings that this is the start of the end and the singer says goodbye, and the flowers facing his life and dying. The first singer (Barry) tells that he has a good friend and friendly as good friends can be, and the father of the singer's bestfriend wants son or daughter? to live on his knees.

As for the lyrics, Robin explains: "It's not meant to be a down song. It's the end of sorrow, the end of bad stuff. It does have a positive message somewhere in there. I just love the atmosphere of the whole song.

Personnel

• Barry Gibb — lead vocal
• Robin Gibb — lead vocal
• Maurice Gibb — piano, mellotron, bass
• Vince Melouney — lead guitar

Cover versions

• The Breetles covered this song released on the album Writerscamp.
• Michael Nold also covered "Horizontal" Released on Melody Fair: Songs of the Bee Gees By.