Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft The Carpenters
The Carpenters were a duo consisting of siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter, who were active during the 1970s and early 1980s. They are most remembered for their soft rock music that gained immense popularity during their heyday. One of their lesser-known songs, however, is the 1977 hit, “Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft”.
Background
The song, “Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft”, was originally written by Terry Draper and John Woloschuk of the Canadian rock band, Klaatu. The song was inspired by a book called “The Flying Saucer Reader” by Jay David, which contained a message that was supposedly received by a group of people who believed in the existence of extraterrestrial life. The message was a plea to the beings from other planets to make contact with us and share their wisdom.
The Carpenters’ version of the song was released in 1977 as a single and was included in their concept album, “Passage”. The album was a departure from their usual style, as it included songs that were more experimental and complex than their previous works.
The Song
The song begins with an eerie introduction that features a message from a supposed alien race, urging humans to open their minds and hearts to the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The main body of the song is a call to the occupants of interplanetary craft to make contact with us and alleviate the problems that humanity is facing.
The lyrics of the song are filled with hope and optimism, as the Carpenters sing about the power of love and the belief that there is a greater purpose to our existence. The chorus of the song is particularly catchy, with the repeated refrain of “We’re your friends” meant to convey a message of peace and goodwill.
Legacy
“Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft” was not a commercial success for the Carpenters, but it has become a cult classic among fans of the band and of the sci-fi genre. The song has been covered by several artists, including Klaatu themselves, who released a version of the song in 1981 that became a hit in several countries.
The song has also been featured in several movies and TV shows, including the popular Canadian series, “Trailer Park Boys”. In 2018, a group of musicians from around the world came together to record a new version of the song, titled “Calling All Nations”, as a tribute to the Carpenters and their message of hope and unity.
Conclusion
“Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft” may not be one of the Carpenters’ most well-known songs, but it is a testament to their willingness to experiment and try new things. The song’s message of hope and peace is as relevant today as it was when it was first released, and it serves as a reminder that we are all part of a larger universe, and that our differences should be celebrated rather than feared.
