The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
When the daylight is falling down into the night
And the sharks try to cut a big piece out of life
It feels alright to go out to catch an outrageous thrill
But it's more like spinning wheels of fortune
Which never stand still
Big city, big city nights
You keep me burning
Big city, big city nights
When the sunlight is rising up in my eyes
And the long night has left me back at somebody's side
It feels alright for a long sweet minute like hours before
But it's more like looking out for something
I can't find anymore
Big city, big city nights
You keep me burning
Big city, big city nights
Always yearning
There is no dream
That you can't make true, if you're looking for love
But there's no girl
Who's burning the ice away from my heart
Maybe tonight!
Big city, big city nights
You keep me burning
Big city, big city nights
Always yearning
Big city, big city nights
You keep me burning
Big city, big city nights
Always yearning
And the sharks try to cut a big piece out of life
It feels alright to go out to catch an outrageous thrill
But it's more like spinning wheels of fortune
Which never stand still
Big city, big city nights
You keep me burning
Big city, big city nights
When the sunlight is rising up in my eyes
And the long night has left me back at somebody's side
It feels alright for a long sweet minute like hours before
But it's more like looking out for something
I can't find anymore
Big city, big city nights
You keep me burning
Big city, big city nights
Always yearning
There is no dream
That you can't make true, if you're looking for love
But there's no girl
Who's burning the ice away from my heart
Maybe tonight!
Big city, big city nights
You keep me burning
Big city, big city nights
Always yearning
Big city, big city nights
You keep me burning
Big city, big city nights
Always yearning
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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Silent Planet
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
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This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
i totally agree
This is the song that made me a Scorpions fan. "Rock You Like a Hurricane" might get more airplay, but "Big City Nights" by far is more engaging and addictive. Great lyrics/vocals, great guitars, great everything--and inspired by Tokyo at dawn, no less! What a great, hard-rockin' song!
3 comments? What the hell, this song rocks! Nepenthes is right definantly better than rock you like a hurricane though not by much.
Guys seen the video for thsi song? Hillarious :-p
These guys were never really that good at videos.
But who gives a toss, yeah? Killer song.
Well, the theme of the song is quite obvious... And that makes the mind wander... Why the heck hasn't anyone taken a crack at explaining the meaning of the song yet? :P Well... Dating. In the city. Looking for that one right person. Period. End of post.
This song rocks and I have loved ever since I’ve moved, up here to hill-billy hell, from the city. So in a nut shell it reminds me of "home".
This song is about looking for love in the city, more than just a one night stand. He has hope of finding someone special each night he goes out, "Maybe Tonight!"
Alrighty. Here is what the lyrics actually mean (I’m saying this tongue in cheek, cause art is interpretable).
But, it’s obvious and I relate.
The protagonist is talking about being a little too old to be partying. Sleeping around.
He acknowledges that every so often he gets that wild hair up his ass. And has a big city night, when he acts like how he used to as a younger guy. Doesn’t remember much. Wakes up next to someone he doesn’t know. Maybe regrets it.
He is chasing his youth. And so the night was still a fun reminder of how he used to be.
meaning,who cares,now can we talk about that guitar solo!!!!! definitely one of the songs that has contributed to permanent ringing in my ears!! have a nice day