Renaissance - Northern Lights (3rd TOTP appearance, 1978) HD

"Northern Lights," a song by the English progressive rock band Renaissance, captures the essence of longing and reflection. Released in 1978 from their album "A Song for All Seasons," it became the band's only hit single, reaching No. 10 on the UK Singles Chart.

The song is a poignant homage to Roy Wood, a founding member of The Move, ELO, and Wizzard. Annie Haslam, the lead singer of Renaissance, and Wood shared a four-year relationship, and the song's lyrics, penned by Michael Dunford and Betty Thatcher-Newsinger, reflect Haslam's feelings of loneliness and separation while touring in the U.S., away from Wood and the 'Northern Lights' of England.

This was the third of three Top of the Pops appearances for Renaissance with Northern Lights. This performance aired on August 10, 1978.

Desination outward bound
I turn to see the northern lights behind the wing
Horizons seem to beckon me
Learned how to cry too young
So now I live to sing

The northern lights are in my mind
They guide me back to you
Horizons seem to beckon me
Learned how to cry too young
So now I live to sing

Though it's hard away from you
Travelling roads and just passing through
It's not for money and it's not for fame
I just can't explain, sometimes it's lonely

Marking the space between the days
Early hours pass away
I sing to you of northern lights
I sing for you of northern nights

Past or future, here or there
Shelter comes in words from you, so talk to me
I hear your voice, it comforts me
In morning dreams I take your hand
You walk with me

The northern lights are in my mind
They guide me back to you
Peace enfolds the still night air
Home again I look for you and find you there

Desintation homeward now
Take the easy way, bring me down
Making the hard way now I see
Hard to be really free, I'm missing you near me

Marking the space between the days
Early hours pass away
I sing to you of northern lights
I sing for you of northern nights

The northern lights are in my mind
They guide me back to you
The northern nights are in my eyes
They guide me back to you

*Written by Michael Dunford and Betty Thatcher-Newsinger

#renaissance #roywood #elo

[gerardmackay]

This song, Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street and Genesis with ‘Follow You Follow Me’ were three absolutely beautiful songs my 16 year old self adored in 1978.

[CarlAshcroft-mbpp]

I remember this when I was a kid a lifetime ago. It makes me feel warm and safe and happy, even in this mad, dangerous and screwed up world.

[AlanHall-ws]

No matter how I'm feeling, watching this timeless video makes me feel better. Annie Haslam is absolutely beautiful!

[andydidcott]

Love this class track, brings tears to my eyes and sends a shiver down my whole body.

[ianbrown]

I never tire of this song, what a voice!Kids today don't know what they've missed out on.

[KeithMather-rg]

I feel so incredibly blessed to have lived during the days when I was able to listen to beautiful music such as this, what a great time to be alive ! ☺️💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜🙏

[casagra]

This clip takes us back to a time when Annie Haslan was the virtual girlfriend of every progressive rock lover. And Renaissance was also the favorite band of all young girls who were just starting out in the world of rock, with their ballads full of harmony and poetry.

[petealdridge]

An absolutely beautiful song. Those vocals just soar. RIP Jon Camp, a fine musician.

[Davidgoldenswan]

She is enough to brighten any mans day❤🌹😍🔥😁👍

[scopex]

I rushed out and bought the single of this incredible song. Annie Haslam was stunningly beautiful with a voice to match. I still listen to this every night before bed! TIMELESS CLASSIC. It makes me so angry that TOTP used to fade the songs out BEFORE the end! If you get a chance to listen to the FULL SONG the end fade is a beautiful harmony and counter singing between Annie and the rest of the band truly still spine tingling!

[garybecker]

This brings back some really happy times musically.

[robertwilkinson]

She was beautiful with the voice of an angel

[neorich]

What a beautiful song. And, what variety we had in the charts back then. Along with some utter dross, there was punk/new wave and disco, all sorts! 😉😉

[fritzzapatak]

One day in my life, i found an old record of Renaissance, lied down and listened for hours. I felt so quiet and fresh in my mind, unforgettable moment. So just try, it is magic!

[jimmyoconnell]

I love this number timeless Annie haslam got a beautiful voice

[peterbeavis-gowr]

Annie thankyou for being in my memory. my angel annie.

[Asa-uc]

Great tune, beautiful singer. Perfect song.

[wildbillfirehands]

I saw Renaissance live at a hundred year old theater in the mid 70's. Yes, I was high, Yes, the effected the rest of my life. Two of my favorites are "Running Hard", and "Thinking About Things I don't Understand" (Turn Of The Cards) Words don't explain . . . . .

[chalk]

Beautiful..i was only 14...we were all young..X

[Marksleftboot]

I remember this like it was yesterday, such a fabulous sound!