1969

Originally released as a double vinyl album, the cover was coated with red velvet.

ODESSA

Words by Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb

This wonderful seven and a half minute epic was considered as a single. Unfortunately, as the Beatles had just released Hey Jude, a single of similar length, the Bee Gees were concerned that people might think they were trying to get onthe bandwagon and decided to release it only as an album track - but, whatever you make of it, its definitely different and well worth a listen.

Fourteenth of February, eighteen ninety-nine,
The British ship Veronica was lost without a sign.
Baa baa black sheep, you havent any wool.
Captain Richardson left himself a lovely wife in Hull.
Cherub, I lost the ship in the Baltic Sea.
Im on an iceberg running free,
Sitting, filing this berg to the shape of a ship,
Sailing my way back to your lips.
One passing ship gave word
You have moved out of your old flat.
You love the vicar more than words can say,
Tell him to pray that I wont melt away
And Ill never see your face again.
Odessa.
How strong am I?
Odessa.
How time goes by.

Treasure, you know the neighbours that live next door?
They havent got their dog anymore.
Breezing, sailing around in the North Atlantic.
Cant seem to leave the sea anymore.
I just dont understand
Why you just moved to Finland.
You love the vicar more than words can say.
Ask him to pray that I wont melt away.
Tell him to pray that I wont melt away
And Ill never see your face again.
Odessa.
How strong am I?
Odessa.
How time goes by.
Fourteenth of February, eighteen ninety-nine,
The British ship Veronica was lost without a sign. 

YOULL NEVER SEE MY FACE AGAIN

Words by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb

Every single word has been spoken.
Its much too late to change your ways.
Far too many vows have been broken.
You cant expect a soul to stay.
You think that you can stand and lie.
It makes me laugh, youve got no friends.
It took a thousand years to find out why.
Youll never see my face again.
You know that youve been left before this night.
Its come my turn to make it over.
I wish that everything was coloured white.
I wish that I could be a rover.
You think that you can stand and lie.
It makes me laugh, youve got no friends.
It took a thousand years to find out why.
Youll never see my face again.
Every single word has been spoken.
Its much too late to change your ways.
Far too many vows have been broken.
You cant expect a soul to stay.
You think that you can stand and lie.
It makes me laugh, youve got no friends.
It took a thousand years to find out why.
Youll never see my face again.
Youll never see my face again.
Youll never see my face again.
Youll never see my face again.
Youll never see my face again.

BLACK DIAMOND

Words by Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb

The words may sound a little strange, but I love it.

Where are you? I love you.
Where are you? I love you.
Where are you, to keep me warm?
I had a dream of a place far away.
I followed a river where the dead man would play.
And Im leaving in the morning
And Im leaving in the morning
And I wont die. so dont cry, Ill be gone.
Those big black diamonds that lie there for me
By the tall, white mountains which lie by the sea,
Can you, a man, whos as tall as the sky?
Follow a river where thousands have died.
He was leaving in the morning.
He was leaving in the morning.
Said "If I come home and my woman has gone,
Those Big black diamonds that lie there for me
By the tall white mountains which lie by the sea."
Aaaaaaaaaa
Say goodbye to Auld Lang Syne.
Say goodbye to Auld Lang Syne.
Say goodbye to Auld Lang Syne.
Say goodbye to Auld Lang Syne.
Say goodbye to Auld Lang Syne.

MARLEY PURT DRIVE

Words by Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb

I always like a song with a twist at the end and this is certainly an unusual one for a group of young pop musicians, as they were at the time. Following some moderate success with his cover single of  And The Sun Will Shine, José Feliciano also covered this song.

Sunday morning, woke up yawning; filled the pool for a swim.
Pulled down the head and looked in the glass just to see if I was in.
Went up the stairs and kissed my women to make her come alive.
Cause with fifteen kids and a family on the skids,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.
Fifteen kids and a family on the skids ,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.

Thats how they are, so I grabbed out the car;convertible fifty-nine.
Headed for the freeway; tried to find the Pasadena sign.
Ten miles and three quarters more I wasnt feeling any more alive.
Cause with fifteen kids and a family on the skids,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.
Fifteen kids and a family on the skids,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.

I used to be a minstrel free with a whole lot of bread in my bag.
I used to feel that my life was real, but the good Lord threw me a snag.
Now Im gonna be the same as me, no matter how I try.
Cause with fifteen kids and a family on the skids,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.
Fifteen kids and a family on the skids,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.

Turned round the car and headed for home; I guess I realised my fate.
Ten miles and three quarters more I pulled up outside the gate.
Twenty more kids were stood inside and that made thirty-five.
Cause with an orphanage full of thirty-five kids,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.
An orphanage full of thirty-five kids ,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.

Sunday morning woke up yawning; filled the pool for a swim.
Pulled down the glass and looked in the mirror just to see if I was in .
Went up the stairs and kissed my women to make her come alive.
Cause with an orphanage full of thirty-five kids ,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.
And orphanage full of thirty-five kids,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.

EDISON

Words by Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb

A nice tribute to the great inventor

He made electric lights to read. 
He gave us light today. 
He gave us cinemas to please. 
When Edison came to stay. 
Edison came to stay. 

Edison set the world on fire. 
He really made the day. 
Station to station ; many wires. 
Edison came to stay. 
Edison came to stay. 

Oh, how, look at us now. 
Weve still got a lot to learn. 
But its someone elses turn. 
Edisons here to stay. 
Edisons here to stay. 

All of the world can taste his glory. 
All of the people say,
"Youll be the man to write his story." 
Edisons here to stay. 
Edisons here to stay. 

Oh, how, look at us now. Weve still got a lot to learn. 
But its someone elses turn. 
Edisons here to stay. 
Edisons here to stay. 

He made electric lights to read. 
He gave us light today. 
He gave us cinemas to please, 
When Edison came to stay. 
Edison came to stay.
Edison came to stay.
Edison came to stay. 

Youll be the man to write his story. 
Edison came to stay. 
Edison came to stay. 
All of his world can hear his story. 
Edison came to stay. 
Edison came to stay. 
Edison came to stay. 
Edison came to stay .. 
Edison came to stay 
(keep repeating and fade out ) 

MELODY FAIR

Words by Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb

This song was used in the Motion Picture Melody, also know as S.W.A.L.K, David Putnams first film, about a very young couple falling in love.

Who is the girl with the crying face,
Looking at millions of signs.
She knows that life is a running race.
Her face shouldnt show any lines.
Melody fair, wont you comb your hair?
You can be beautiful too.
Melody fair,
Remember youre only a woman.
Melody fair,
Remember youre only a girl.
Aaaaaaaaaaaa.
Who is the girl at the window pane,
Watching the rain falling down?
Melody, life isnt like the rain.
Its just like a merry-go-round.
Melody fair,
Remember youre only a woman.
Melody fair,
Remember youre only a girl.
Aaaaaaaaaaaa.
Who is the girl with the crying face,
Looking at millions of signs.
She knows that life is a running race.
Her face shouldnt show any lines.
Melody fair, wont you comb your hair?
You can be beautiful too.
Melody fair,
Remember youre only a woman.
Melody fair,
Remember youre only a girl.
Aaaaaaaaaaaa.

SUDDENLY

Words by Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb

How can you tell by looking at me?
How can you tell you like what you see?
Suddenly theres a boy in the rain alone.
Suddenly theres a girl in the rain alone.
Oh yeah!
How can you tell if humans are real?
How can you tell if you like what you feel?
Suddenly theres a girl in your heart, oh boy!
Suddenly theres a boy in your heart, oh boy!
How______________________________________
How______________________________________
How______________________________________
Yeah!
How can you tell by looking at me?
How can you tell you like what you see?
Suddenly theres a boy in the rain alone.
Suddenly theres a girl in the rain alone.
How______________________________________
How______________________________________
How______________________________________
How______________________________________
How______________________________________
How______________________________________

WHISPER WHISPER

Words by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb

Whisper, whisper. What have you got ?
I got something that you need a lot .
Stop me and buy one.
You can see better but you better not.

Listen mister can you help me ?
Its my sister . Show her how to fly.
Stop me and try one.
You can see evrything blowing by.

Whisper whisper. Keep it quiet.
If you like it you can try it too.
Stop me and buy one.
I am illegal that means so are you

Whisper whisper what have you got?
I got something that you need a lot.
Stop me and buy one.
You can see better but you better not.
Whisper, whisper, whisper, whisper

I am man and you are women.
Who needs marriage? We are humans all.
If I could please you, arouse and ease you ,
then it would please you if I should call.
Doesnt matter what your name is.
I can do a million things to you .
No explanations; sexual patience.
Most of the nations doing it too.
No no no no no

LAMPLIGHT

Words by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb

This song, with Robin singing lead vocal, was originally expected to be the A-side of the single First of May, but, at the last minute, Robert Stigwood decided that First of May, sung by Barry, should be the A-side. This was the last straw for Robin, who had for some time been trying to assert himself and was instrumental in triggering off the 15-month break-up of the brothers. Im not sure if my interpretation of the French is accurate. It seems to be a very literal translation, but it certainly adds a certain charm to the song. Im not even sure if Ive got all the English lines right, but Ive tried:o)

A nous viens encore, cherie.
Jattendrais an après an
Sous la lampe dans la veille avenue.

Then I may end, she had things to buy.
I close my eyes, yet I dont know why
I take her money. Said she knew someone
And she said she wont be long.

Lamplight keep on burning,
While this heart of mine is yearning.
Lamplight keep on burning,
Till this love of yours is mine.

I sat alone with my thoughts and laughed,
Then saw your face in an old photograph.
I didnt think that I could live without you,
But what am I to do?

Lamplight keep on burning,
While this heart of mine is yearning.
Lamplight keep on burning,
Till this love of yours is mine.

Come home again dear,
I have waited year after year
Under the lamp in our old avenue.

If all in the world thats laughing,
Why should it make me cry?
Aaaaaaa
Aaaaaaa
Aaaaaaa
Aaaaaaa
Aaaaaaa
Aaaaaaa
Aaaaaaa

SOUND OF LOVE

Words by Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb

A great soulful sounding song with Barry at his best, I think.

See the children play the ball. 
See them play along the hall. 
It makes me cry to see them smile. 
I see the moon; I see the sky. 
I see reflections in my eye. 
And theres no one to share my life. 
I need a life to go my way. 
So evry night I pray. 
Just give me someone for my life. 
I feel a clown. 
People try to play me down . 
And theres one thing I never found . 
The sound of love. 

See the old man walk the lane. 
See him walk along in pain. 
It makes me cry to see them smile. 
I watch the moon; I watch the sky. 
I see reflections in my eyes. 
And theres no one to share my life. 
I need a life to go my way . 
So evry night I pray. 
Just give me someone for my life. 
I feel a clown. 
People try to play me down . 
And theres one thing I never found . 
The sound of love. 

The sound of love .
Evrybody loves the sound of love. 
Evrybody loves the sound of love. 
Evrybody loves the sound of love.
Evrybody loves the sound of love.
Oh Evrybody loves the sound of love.
Evrybody loves the sound of love.

GIVE YOUR BEST

Words by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb

A delightfully light-hearted  number with ad-libs and accompaniment to give all the atmosphere of  English country dancing.

(Spoken:)
Its a square dance, Mr. Marshall,
Its a square dance on the floor.
Its a square dance, Mr. Perkins.
Its a square dance to be sure.
To be sure.
Mrs. Riley - Dancing partners!

Im just a clown that used to run around.
I used to have a million friends.
I used to start where everybody ends,
But I just give my best to my friends.

Ive done my shows; everybody knows
I nearly sold all my clothes.
One man can give, another has to lend,
So I just give my best to my friends.

And so you should.

And when you think that your life isnt right,
You know the day isnt always that nice,
Youve had your peace now its time for you to fight.
Just give your best to your friends.

Im just a clown that used to run around.
I used to have a million friends.
I used to start where everybody ends,
So I just give my best to my friends.


And when you think that your life isnt right,
You know the day isnt always that nice,
Youve had your peace now its time for you to fight.
Just give your best to your friends.


And when you think that your life isnt right,
You know the day isnt always that nice,
Youve had your peace now its time for you to fight.
Just give your best to your friends.
And just give your best to your friends.

SEVEN SEAS SYMPHONY

Composed by B R & M Gibb

Instrumental

WITH ALL NATIONS (INTERNATIONAL ANTHEM)

Composed by B R & M Gibb

Instrumental

I LAUGH IN YOUR FACE

Words by Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb

This song was recorded in 1968, originally intended for the Idea album.

The circus is coming to see you;
The elephant smiles.
Everybody can hear you
Say "Thats out of style".
My brother is friendly for reasons,
If I am the same.
Just for four hundred seasons
We all lived in rain.
So I laugh in your face.
Youre only one race.
Yes, I laugh in you face
And Im right.
You lie just like the rest,
But theres nobody best,
So I laugh in your face
And Im right.
Ill pull out your plug,
So youre small.
Youll slide down the drain.
On the steps of St. Peters
You all look the same.
So I laugh in your face.
Youre only one race.
Yes, I laugh in you face
And Im right.
You lie just like the rest,
But theres nobody best,
So I laugh in your face
And Im right.
The circus is coming to see you;
The elephant smiles.
Everybody can hear you
Say "Thats out of style".
So I laugh in your face.
Yes I laugh in your face.
You lie just like the rest,
But theres nobody best,
So I laugh in your face
And Im right.

NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN

Words by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb 

Your lips could never show a smile. 
You never tried you just put me in a file. 
I never lived inside your hole, child. 
I thought you needed me I never had no style. 

Never say never say never again . Never say never say never again. 
You said goodbye; I declared war on Spain. 
Never say never say never again 

Your eyes could never show a grin. 
You never tried you just put me in a tin. 
I never lived inside your boat, child. 
You know I needed you. And look at the shape Im in. 
Never say never say never again.
Never say never say never again. 
You said goodbye I declared war on Spain. 
Never say never say never again. 

Your lips could never show a smile. 
You never tried you just put me in a file. 
I never lived inside your hole child. 
I thought you needed me. I never had no style. 
Never say never say never again. 
Never say never say never again. 
You said goodbye I declared war on Spain. 
Never say never say never again. 

Never say never say never again 
Never say never say never again 
You said goodbye I declared war on Spain.
Never say never say never again.
Never say never say never again.
You said goodbye I declared war on Spain.
Never say never say never again.
Never never never never 

FIRST OF MAY

Words by Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb

This ones always been a great favourite of mine - quite a tear jerker. For ages, I was puzzled about the significance of the date, especially as the songs about Christmas trees. For those of you who are still in the dark, the 1st of May was the birthday of the dog owned by Barry and his wife, Lynda, when they first set up home together. 

When I was small
And Christmas trees were tall,
We used to love while others used to play.
Dont ask me why
The time has passed us by.
Someone else moved in from far away.

Now we are tall
And Christmas trees are small
And you dont ask the time of day.
But you and I,
Our love will never die,
But guess wholl cry come first of May. 

The apple tree
That grew for you and me.
I watched the apples falling one by one
Then I recall
The moment of them all.
The day I kissed your cheek and you were gone.

Now we are tall
And Christmas trees are small
And you dont ask the time of day.
But you and I, 
Our love will never die.
But guess wholl cry on the first of May.

When I was tall
And Christmas trees were small,
Do do do do do do do do do.
Dont ask me why
The time has passed us by.
Someone else moved in from far away.

THE BRITISH OPERA

Composed by B R & M Gibb

Not really an opera at all, as there are no words, but very enjoyable.

Instrumental