Just three of us did the backing track, and I played the piano as an overdub and Mike [Pinder] did the Mellotron part, with that funny little trumpet on it that’s just so evocative.

[4]Allmusic critic Richie Unterberger describes the lyrics as being "of a youthful contemplative sort coming to a philosophical realization that helps him get that much closer to the meaning of life.

On Days of Future Passed, the London Festival Orchestra performs the final orchestral rendition of the chorus.

Cash Box said that this "Stunning teen-aimed ballad picks up rhythmic punch in a development that winds up a throbbing with top forty appeal.

"[6] Classic Rock History critic Brian Kachejian rated it as the Moody Blues' greatest song, saying that "Justin Hayward’s beautiful lyrics and melody combined with John Lodges’ guitar work and Mike Pinder’s Mellotron presented Moody Blues fans with the group’s grandest work and quite simply, the finest recording of the band’s long career.

"[7] Ultimate Classic Rock critic Nick DeRiso rated it as the Moody Blues' 4th greatest song.