"Melancholy Man" is a song written by Mike Pinder that was first released on the Moody Blues' 1970 album A Question of Balance.

[1][2] Producer Tony Clarke and engineer Derek Varnals used echo effects to make the song sound brittle and stark.

[1][2]Midder critic Will Fenton described the lyrics as "a reflection on the struggles of life, with a focus on the need for inner peace and hope in the face of adversity.

[1][2]Pinder sings the lead vocal and according to music journalist Geoffrey Freakes he sounds more vulnerable than on any previous song.

[2] Although not released as a single in the US, it became the #3 song in Terre Haute, Indiana on 22 November 1970, behind just "Cry Me a River" by Joe Crocker and "Gypsy Woman" by Brian Hyland.

"[6] Hattiesburg American critic Bruce Garrison called the song "tremendous," saying that "the vocalization and mood set are almost mind-shattering.

A couple of acoustic guitars open it up before Mike Pinder's distinctive voice takes over at a slow pace with a chorus behind and a plodding drum beat comes in.