The Story Behind “Mr. Blue Sky” By ELO

The Electric Light Orchestra’s (ELO) “Mr. Blue Sky” is the feel-good closer to the band’s Out of the Blue album, also known as the “Concerto for a Rainy Day.” The track is all about hope, reminding listeners that even the gloomiest days eventually brighten.

In a BBC Radio interview, Jeff Lynne shared how the song came to life during a cloudy stint in the Swiss Alps. “It was dark and misty for two weeks, and I didn’t come up with a thing,” Lynne recalled. “Suddenly the sun shone, and it was, ‘Wow, look at those beautiful Alps.’ I wrote ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ and 13 other songs in the next two weeks.”

Now, this was a track that’s literally inspired by the break in the clouds.

The Fascination with “Blue”

Jeff Lynne’s love for the color blue has popped up in multiple ELO tracks, including “Out of the Blue” and “Midnight Blue.” This recurring theme may trace back to Lynne’s roots in Birmingham, England, where the Birmingham Football Club—fondly called the Birmingham Blues—played a big part in local pride. Whether intentional or not, these songs have become subtle tributes to his hometown team.

ELO’s Sound, Perfected

“Mr. Blue Sky” is more than just a catchy tune but a showcase of ELO’s signature style. Lynne himself couldn’t have been happier with the result. “It captured what my vision of ELO was all about,” he told Hi-Fi News & Record Review in 2014. “All the bits that come in and out, the backing vocals, the cellos sliding, all the little naughty bits, the sound effects—everything is exactly what I imagined ELO to be.”

With its infectious melody and uplifting lyrics, “Mr. Blue Sky” has become a timeless anthem for optimism and creativity. The piece is truly a celebration of Lynne’s genius and ELO’s legacy.