The Great Divide

Album: Black Country (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Black Country Communion frontman Glenn Hughes is best known as the lead vocalist for Black Sabbath during the mid 1980s, as well as playing bass and performing vocals for the Mk. III and IV lineups of Deep Purple. However, at the peak of his fame, Hughes' health problems due to drugs and alcohol began to seriously affect his musical projects. Despite the release of a number of solo albums, until the release of Black Country it appeared he had disappeared off the radar.

    Hughes told Nightwatcher's House of Rock that his absence from rock's premier league is reflected in this song: Said the singer: "'The Great Divide' for me is probably the most spiritual song on the record, because I'm telling people that I'm back. That I've clawed my way back up to that mountain top, and I'm on the great divide. I'm looking out across America, and I'm looking at something that's beautiful. I'm here, I'm back, it's nice. I'm here with my friends. I'm saying I don't believe in superstition, and I'm going to let my conscience be my guide. Basically it's an in the moment song. It's a beautiful piece of music. It's everything that I wanted it to be."

Comments: 1

  • Dusty from St. Louis, MoI love all the instruments on this song. My favorites are Glenn Hughes' singing, and Jason Bonhams drumming.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Classic Metal

Classic MetalFact or Fiction

Ozzy, Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest and even Michael Bolton show up in this Classic Metal quiz.

Does Jimmy Page Worship The Devil? A Look at Satanism in Rock

Does Jimmy Page Worship The Devil? A Look at Satanism in RockSong Writing

We ring the Hell's Bells to see what songs and rockers are sincere in their Satanism, and how much of it is an act.

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."