Night Life
B.B. King/Willie Nelson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You will find me hangin' 'round
The night life, it ain't no good life
But it's my life
Many people just like me
Dreamin' of old used-to-be's
Oh, the night life, it ain't no good life
Listen to the blues that they're playin'
Listen what the blues are sayin'
Life is just another scene
In this old world of broken dreams
Oh, the night life, it ain't no good life
But it's my life
Oh, the night life ain't no good life
Oh, but it's my life
Listen to what the blues are saying
Life is just another scene
From the world of broken dreams
And the night life ain't no good life
but its my life
the night life ain't no good life
but, it's my life
The song "Night Life" by B.B. King is a blues classic that reflects on the ups and downs of life after dark. The song opens with the lines, "When the evenin' sun goes down, You will find me hangin' 'round, The night life, it ain't no good life, But it's my life." These words suggest that the singer is resigned to the fact that the night life may not be the healthiest way to live, but it is his only option. He is likely singing from the perspective of a musician, who, as a result of performing late at night, is hanging around the clubs during the late hours of the evening.
King then goes on to sing about "many people just like me, Dreamin' of old used-to-be's." This line touches on the universal experience of regret and nostalgia, especially for those who remain trapped in this cycle of the night life. The song's central theme is that it may not be the best life, but for some, it is a necessary one.
The chorus of the song reinforces the perspective that the night life is no good life, but it is also a reality that many people live. The line "Life is just another scene from the world of broken dreams" suggests that the night life is full of people who have lost their way, and this reality is underscored when King sings, "Listen to the blues that they're playing, Listen what the blues are saying."
Overall, B.B. King's "Night Life" is a lyrical reflection on the hard reality of life that many people live after dark. It is a song that many can relate to, and it speaks to the universal human experience of wanting something different than what life has given us.
Line by Line Meaning
When the evenin' sun goes down
As the sun sets, I come alive and start to embrace the night life.
You will find me hangin' 'round
I spend most of my time in the bars, clubs and streets of the city after dark.
The night life, it ain't no good life
The night life has a reputation for being dark and corrupt, yet it's the only life I know.
But it's my life
I choose to live this way despite its negative reputation because it's my way of life.
Many people just like me
There are others out there who live the same nocturnal lifestyle as I do.
Dreamin' of old used-to-be's
We all have our regrets and nostalgia for what used to be, but we keep moving forward with the night life.
Listen to the blues that they're playin'
The blues songs capture the struggles and heartbreaks of the night life that we all identify with.
Listen what the blues are sayin'
The message of the blues speaks to our own experiences and feelings in the night life.
Life is just another scene
The night life is just one aspect of a larger world that's full of disappointments and failures.
In this old world of broken dreams
The world is a harsh and unforgiving place where dreams are often shattered.
Oh, the night life ain't no good life
The night life is a tough and unrelenting existence that's not for everyone.
But it's my life
Regardless of its drawbacks, I wouldn't trade this life for anything else.
Oh, the night life ain't no good life
Despite my love for the night life, I'm well aware that it's not a perfect existence.
Oh, but it's my life
I'm okay with the imperfections of the night life because it's the only life that feels truly authentic to me.
Listen to what the blues are saying
Pay attention to the messages and stories of the blues songs because they reflect the realities of the night life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PHILIP PARRIS LYNOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@yogsenforfoth5948
Hearing Trigger and Lucille sing together makes me shed a few tears. These two legends made such amazing music together. ❤
@marksimpson2321
This version is absolutely amazingly played, produced and recorded. Brilliant.
@pamelaknowles9647
Absolutely Great performance, version.. 2 of the Grestest legends. Rip BB. Love this Willie and BB. Pure perfection chills goosebumps, 🎸🎸🎶🎼❤️❤️
@bikeluversusie2522
I have never had the honor to attend a Willie concert but I have seen BB live in Iowa at Saturday in the Park in Sx City about 6 years ago. I cried. It was such a moving experience. Peace & Love! ✌💕
@richardremick1639
BB King makes me cry also I love that man and his music ❤
@donnamariepszoniak6101
Just so Beautiful& Heartwarming Two Legends Willie and BB King just love the Blues "" Night Life ""🐚💘💘💘💘💘🎶🎶🎶🎶
@ericnewman3352
This shows the common roots of Country and the Blues. A moving performance by two all-time greats !
@erwinwetzig3565
I want this song in my funeral......
@calebtheshamen7033
Two absolute legends, never knew they played together!! Rip REAL music
@progmeup
They actually played the song several times together - here's a live recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxZCjxwHjiM
And here's one with switched roles, where BB is guesting on Willie's album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvYxhnYKqD0