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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    General Comment

    I have a completely different interpretation of this. I think it's about a vet who makes it home, but his mind is still in Vietnam. He's still haunted by what he's seen, what he's done. He can't connect to his wife or his family. In the end, he's removed himself from everyone and he "dreams of where he's been."

    PencilNeckedGeekon June 22, 2007   Link

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