About the song
“Shine on Silver Moon” by Marilyn McCoo & The 5th Dimension is a stunning showcase of the group’s signature blend of soul, pop, and soft rock, enriched by McCoo’s warm, elegant vocals. Released in the late 1970s, this song captures the romantic, dreamy essence that defined much of their music while reflecting the evolving musical landscape of the time.
The 5th Dimension was known for their lush harmonies and sophisticated arrangements, and “Shine on Silver Moon” is no exception. From the first notes, the song exudes a sense of gentle nostalgia and quiet yearning, with its smooth instrumentation and graceful melody drawing the listener into a world of moonlit romance. McCoo’s voice, as always, is effortlessly expressive, carrying a mix of soft melancholy and hopeful devotion that gives the song its emotional weight.
Lyrically, the song uses the moon as a metaphor for love and longing, a classic theme in popular music. The celestial imagery creates a sense of timeless romance, reinforcing the song’s elegant and soothing quality. The arrangement, featuring soft orchestration, a steady rhythm, and delicate vocal layering, gives the track a serene, almost hypnotic feel, making it a perfect example of the smooth, sophisticated sound that made The 5th Dimension stand out.
While it may not be as instantly recognizable as some of the group’s biggest hits like “Up, Up and Away” or “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” “Shine on Silver Moon” remains a hidden gem within their catalog. It embodies the group’s ability to blend pop accessibility with deeper emotional resonance, proving once again why Marilyn McCoo & The 5th Dimension were among the most distinctive vocal groups of their era.
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Lyrics
Somethin’ comes over my lady
In a moonlit night
Turnin’ her into my loverTill the morning light
That’s when she needs to know my love
And feel it deep inside
Just as long as there’s a moon above
She just can’t be satisfiedShine on (Shine on), shine on (Shine on)
Silver moon (You’ve got to shine on silver moon)
Shine on (Shine on), shine on (Shine on)
Silver moon (You’ve got to shine on silver moon)Nobody knows that the moonlight
Makes me need my love
Strangely affectin’ my baby
That old moon up aboveThat’s when his lips start burnin’ mine
He quivers so and then
I give all my love to him
Over and over and over againShine on {Shine on}, shine on {Shine on}
Silver moon {You’ve got to shine on silver moon}
Shine on {Shine on}, shine on {Shine on}
Silver moon {You’ve got to shine on silver moon}Shine on, shine on
Silver moon (You’ve got to shine on silver moon)That’s when his lips start burnin’ mine
He quivers so and then
I give all my love to her
Over and over and over and over againShine on (Shine on), shine on (Shine on)
Silver moon (You’ve got to shine on silver moon)
Shine on (Shine on), shine on (Shine on)
Silver moon (You’ve got to shine on silver moon)Shine on {Shine on}, shine on {Shine on}
Silver moon {You’ve got to shine on silver moon}
Shine on {Shine on}, shine on {Shine on}
Silver moon {You’ve got to shine on silver moon}Shine on, shine on (Shine on)
Silver moon (You’ve got to shine on silver moon)
Shine on, shine on (Shine on)
Silver moon (You’ve got to shine on silver moon)Shine on {Shine}, shine on {Shine}
Silver moon {You’ve got to shine on silver moon}
Shine on {Shine on}, shine on {Shine on}
Silver moon {You’ve got to shine on silver moon}Shine on (Shine on), shine on (Shine on)
Silver moon