Night Life
B. B. King/Willie Nelson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, you'll find me hangin' around
Because the night life
It ain't no good life but it's my life
Yeah, yeah, yeah listen to the blues
Listen to what they're sayin'
Oh, please listen to the blues
Ah, ah, all of the people just like you and me
They're all dreamin' about their old used to be
Because the night life
It ain't no good life but it's my life
They tell me life's an empty scene
An avenue of broken dreams
Because the night life
It ain't no good life but it's my life
The song "Night Life" by B.B. King and Willie Nelson is an ode to the bittersweet allure of the nightlife. The opening lines set the stage for the rest of the song, as B.B. King sings about hanging around when the sun goes down. The repetition of the line "because the night life" emphasizes the importance of the nightlife in the singer's life, even as he admits that it's not a good life. The use of the blues as a musical backdrop only adds to the melancholic mood.
The second verse is a plea to the listener to really listen to the blues being played, as the lyrics hold the dreams and stories of people just like them. The blues serve as a way to connect with others, even in the isolation and emptiness of the night life. The bridge of the song acknowledges the broken dreams that fill the night life and the idea that life itself can feel empty.
Overall, "Night Life" is a song that captures the complexity of the nightlife: the loneliness, the longing for connection, and the allure of the blues. Through King and Nelson's emotive vocals and the bluesy instrumentation, the song creates a powerful mood that draws the listener in.
Line by Line Meaning
When that ev'nin' sun goes down
As the sun sets in the evening, that's when you'll find me hanging around
Yeah, you'll find me hangin' around
I spend my time in the evening hanging around instead of doing something productive
Because the night life
I'm attracted to the nightlife
It ain't no good life but it's my life
Even though the nightlife is not good for me, it has become my way of life and I am comfortable with that
Yeah, yeah, yeah listen to the blues
I urge you to listen to the blues
Listen to what they're sayin'
Pay attention to the message in the blues songs
Oh, please listen to the blues
I really want you to hear the blues and understand their meaning
Listen to the blues they're playin'
The blues being played have a story you should hear
Ah, ah, all of the people just like you and me
Everyone, including you and I, are dreaming about the way things used to be
They're all dreamin' about their old used to be
People are reminiscing about the way things were in the past
They tell me life's an empty scene
People tell me that life is meaningless
An avenue of broken dreams
They say life is a road full of shattered hopes and dreams
Because the night life
Despite this, I still choose the nightlife
It ain't no good life but it's my life
I understand that the nightlife is not the best life, but it's the life I've chosen and that's all that matters
Lyrics © GLAD MUSIC CO., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Paul Buskirk, Walt Breeland, Willie Nelson
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