The runway rushed up at him as he felt the wheels touch down
He stood out on the blacktop and took a taxi into town
He got out down on Main Street and went into a local bar
He bought a drink and found a seat in a corner off the dark
Well she called up her mama to make sure the kids were out of the house
She checked herself out in the dining room mirror
And undid an extra button on her blouse
He felt her lying next to him, the clock said 4:00 am
He was staring at the ceiling
He couldn't move his hands

[Chorus]
Oh mama mama mama come quick
I've got the shakes and I'm gonna be sick
Throw your arms around me in the cold dark night
Hey now mama don't shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light

Well on his porch they stretched a banner that said "Johnny Welcome Home"
Bobby pulled his Ford out of the garage and they polished up the chrome
His mama said "Johnny oh Johnny, I'm so glad to have you back with me"
His pa said he was sure they'd give him his job back down at the factory

[Chorus]

Well deep in a dark forest, a forest filled with rain
Beyond a stretch of Maryland pines there's a river without a name
In the cold black water Johnson Lineir stands
He stares across the lights of the city and dreams of where he's been

[Chorus]


Lyrics submitted by oofus

Shut Out the Light Lyrics as written by Bruce Springsteen

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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Shut Out the Light song meanings
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  • +1
    General Comment

    This is one of Springsteen's beautiful, understated little songs which manage to say so much.

    I agree totally with the interpretations from tjtros and pencil neckd geek, you've nailed it guys. I think Moonpig is wrong about the 'button on her blouse' and the 'kids out of the house'. She is making herself pretty for him and making sure they won't be disturbed when he gets home, and also possibly making allowance for not knowing how he's going to be when he first comes through the door. Everyone rallies round in classic American style - Dad waffles about his old job, his car is buffed up, his Mum is so happy to have him home again....but he isn't home, he's standing waist deep in an unnamed river and all he sees is where he's been. Everything else just bounces off him. Sorry to write so much, the guys above said it all in half the time.

    Paul825on April 11, 2016   Link

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