10 Best Classic Rock Ballads

Deep Purple almost seemed to be cursed when going into production for their record Machine Head. After their initial recording spot burned down, the band made due in the grimy mountains of Montreux, as they banged one classic after another from "Smoke on the Water" to "Highway Star."

Though many obstacles were stacked against them, the most tragic event that happened was the exclusion of this song on the album's initial pressing. Whereas most ballads either explore heartbreak or romantic devotion, the tone of "When a Blind Man Cries" is absolutely haunting, with Ian Gillan telling of the struggles that afflict every human being. According to the author, the title of the track symbolizes the idea that no matter what may be afflicting you, there is always someone in a far worse state.

The entire album is known as a straightforward guitar affair, but the real heart of this song comes from Jon Lord, whose beautiful piano flourishes paint an exquisite musical picture of this titular blind man. Ritchie Blackmore's guitar is the icing on the cake, as his bends almost bring life to the man's hopeless cries. It may not have been meant for the album, but "When a Blind Man Cries" is still the most earnest song to come from one of Britain's heaviest bands.