7 Meanings
Add Yours
Follow
Share
Q&A

Thieves In the Night Lyrics

My friend once told me something so right
He said to be careful of thieves in the night
Baby I've lost you here in the crowd
Open your arms I want to be found
Maybe I'm calling your name in the night
Open our eyes we'll feel with our sight

A want is a lack but also desire
A need can be nothing but should be held higher
A need is a want wearing disguise
It can be confused if fuelled by desire
Baby I'm calling your name in the night
No reason with need look into my eyes

Happiness is what we all want
May it be that we don't always want
Happiness is what we all want
May it be that we don't all want

My friend once told me something so right
he said to be careful of bugs that don't bite
My friend once told me something so right
He said to be careful of thieves in the night

Happiness is what we all want
May it be that we don't always want
Happiness is what we all want
May it be that we don't always want
Happiness is what we all want
May it be that we don't always want
Happiness is what we all want
May it be that we don't all want
Happiness is what we all want
May it be that we don't always want
Happiness is what we all want
May it be that we don't always want
7 Meanings

Add your song meanings, interpretations, facts, memories & more to the community.

Add your thoughts...
Cover art for Thieves In the Night lyrics by Hot Chip

I think the basic message is that happiness could be attainable for everyone if we could consistently regard it as a need rather than a want. This requires the wisdom to differentiate between the two, which makes this song, to me, a tragic prayer for a cause we know is lost.

Cover art for Thieves In the Night lyrics by Hot Chip

i just love the end. i just love it.

Cover art for Thieves In the Night lyrics by Hot Chip

Anyone else hear some influence by The Knife on this track?

I agree with you. The sound of synths especially. Silent Shout is a very influential record, and it's becoming more and more obvius, even in mainstream music.

Cover art for Thieves In the Night lyrics by Hot Chip

so theres a clear message of wanting things being bad. but specifically what it's getting at i'm not entirely sure.

any other thoughts/

Cover art for Thieves In the Night lyrics by Hot Chip

with you on that noahcoburn

Cover art for Thieves In the Night lyrics by Hot Chip

This is what I'm getting from the song... I think what they're trying to say is that wants and needs can confuse us. We know that wants are desires, but we sometimes desire the things we need. Needs "should be held higher" than wants, but they are sometimes hard to distinguish from eachother.

The "night" and "crowd" references might be symbolic of the confusion. They are calling for eachother and trying to find out if they need eachother in a committed relationship, or just want eachother temporarily. (A theme they mention in One Life Stand.) They go on to say that we all want happiness [with someone], but it might not just be a want, it could be a need. The trick is to be careful you're not decieved. Basically, a song about meaningful relationships, perhaps? Just my speculation. Anyone have a different take on this?

Cover art for Thieves In the Night lyrics by Hot Chip

I should point out that I don't mean a "prayer" in a particularly superstitious sense. I know nothing of the band members beliefs, though the lyrics of <i> I Feel Better</i> make a perfect case for Humanism.

 
Questions and Answers

Ask specific questions and get answers to unlock more indepth meanings & facts.

Ask a question...