Turn to Stone

"Turn to Stone" by Electric Light Orchestra, featured on the Burning Bright compilation, is a vibrant track from their 1977 double album Out of the Blue. Written by Jeff Lynne during a two-week creative burst in a Swiss chalet, the song was inspired by the disco grooves popular at the time. Lynne has called it one of his favorite songs, praising its "primary and simple" yet "evocative" nature, with a shuffle beat he loved. The track’s complex layering, including Lynne’s Moog bassline and swirling string lines, required tapes to replicate its sound live. It earned a BMI Million-Air certificate in 2008 for over one million airplays. Fans might recognize it from the 2006 Doctor Who episode "Love & Monsters" or the 1999 film Detroit Rock City. Lynne’s disco influence is evident, as he noted in an interview, “Disco was popular around this time, and I loved the strictness of it. It really helped the group because I could really get a good punch going.”

Another layer of intrigue comes from fan interpretations. On SongMeanings, some fans see the song as a heartfelt lament, with lyrics like “I turn to stone when you are gone” reflecting the paralysis of lost love. Others offer whimsical takes, like a user suggesting it’s about a dog left at home, with the “dancing shadows on the wall” evoking a pet’s perspective. Lynne himself has been cryptic about the lyrics’ meaning, telling Rolling Stone in 2016 that his songs often take on new meanings each time he sings them. The song’s chart performance was solid but not stellar, peaking at No. 18 in the UK and No. 13 in the US, making it the only single from Out of the Blue not to crack the UK top ten.

Electric Light Orchestra began in Birmingham, England, in 1970, founded by Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood, with drummer Bev Bevan joining soon after. The band emerged from the ashes of The Move, a group Lynne and Wood were part of, with a vision to blend rock, pop, and classical elements. Their goal was to create modern songs with orchestral overtones, a sound Lynne honed after Wood left in 1972 to form Wizzard. Lynne, inspired by The Beatles, took the helm as ELO’s primary songwriter and producer, crafting hits like “Evil Woman” and “Mr. Blue Sky.” His early musical journey started in 1963 with the Andicaps, followed by the Chads, and from 1966 to 1970, he was a key member of The Idle Race. Lynne’s reluctance to embrace rock-star flamboyance—he preferred studio work over nightlife—shaped ELO’s meticulous, polished sound. By the mid-1970s, ELO’s elaborate live shows and string-heavy arrangements made them a global sensation.

Stay connected with Jeff Lynne’s ELO official website for the latest news and tour updates. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes content and fan interactions. Fans can dive deeper at sites like ELO World or join communities such as the Jeff Lynne’s ELO Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for ELO’s timeless sound.