Lights Out at Eleven
Baby Animals Lyrics


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How can you rest when you're not tired
How can you love when all hope has expired
You don't know what you're missing
I hope you know that you're missed
(Chorus)
He can't confide in suicide
He can't pretend it's a justified end
Look for the spirit by your side
He's holding hands with you my friend
How could you leave when the fun was just starting
When all of us left were the ones you were loving
You don't know what you're missing
I hope you know that you're missed
(Repeat Chorus)
You my friend
Ooh my friend
A moment's problem brings a lifeless solution
And then he turned the lights out at eleven
You don't know what you're missing
I hope you know that you're missed
(Repeat Chorus x2)




You my friend
Ooh my friend

Overall Meaning

In the song "Lights Out at Eleven," Baby Animals sing about the struggle of dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts. The opening lines "How can you rest when you're not tired / How can you love when all hope has expired" express the feeling of hopelessness and exhaustion that often comes with depression. The lyrics go on to talk about the impact of suicide on loved ones and the importance of seeking help rather than choosing to end one's life.


The chorus provides a message of hope and encouragement, urging the listener to "look for the spirit by your side" and reminding them that they are not alone. The line "He can't confide in suicide / He can't pretend it's a justified end" highlights the danger of thinking that suicide is a solution, when in reality it only causes pain and sorrow for those left behind.


The final verse delivers a powerful message about the finality of suicide and the tragic loss of life that results from it. The line "A moment's problem brings a lifeless solution / And then he turned the lights out at eleven" is a poignant reminder of the permanent nature of suicide and the importance of seeking help before it's too late.


Line by Line Meaning

How can you rest when you're not tired
How can you find peace when you are not at ease


How can you love when all hope has expired
How can you feel affection when all optimism is gone


You don't know what you're missing
You are unaware of the joy you're missing out on


I hope you know that you're missed
You should know that people care about you and miss you


(Chorus)
Repeated for emphasis


He can't confide in suicide
He cannot find comfort in ending his own life


He can't pretend it's a justified end
He cannot pretend that suicide is a meaningful solution


Look for the spirit by your side
Find strength in the support of those around you


He's holding hands with you my friend
Someone is always beside you and ready to help


How could you leave when the fun was just starting
Why would you leave when there's so much life left to live


When all of us left were the ones you were loving
The people you care about and love are still here


A moment's problem brings a lifeless solution
A temporary setback can lead to permanent consequences


And then he turned the lights out at eleven
And then he ended his life abruptly


(Repeat Chorus x2)
Repeated for emphasis


You my friend
Addressing the listener with affection


Ooh my friend
Addressing the listener with emotion




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID LESLIE RANKIN, EDWARD PARISE, FRANK CELENZA, SUZANNE LARAINE DEMARCHI

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Tharg

Everything about this song is awesome. Killer groove. That bass line, tight snare sound, Dave's insane guitar & OMG Suzi!!

pcjgrjpaj

Hadn't heard this tune for 25 years after listening to a mate play the cassette while cruising around the South Coast of NSW on a surf trip. Good tune.

Scott Brandts

Still total KILLER!!
25th anniversary and has not aged a day! Eternal classic.

TheThirdMan

These guys were such a great act. Saw them live at the Palace in Melbourne in '93 or '94. Saw them "live" on "Hey, Hey it's Saturday" when I was working at 9 in the 90s. Got chatting to them before they went on and they were a pretty chilled crew. Wore out 2 CDs. I couldn't get enough of them.

adam872

This is one of the best (sort of) ballads I've ever heard. Heavy subject matter obviously, but really well handled. Everything about it is great, really. Quality vocal, superb guitar playing (soloing and chord selection) and some nice odd time in there too.

rocknroller81

Indeed.
I bought this record 20 years ago or so, I love it all, but this song in particular still fascinates me every time.

Reg Hunt Archive 1

One of my favorite songs ever :') 2, 9, 11.

Georgia DN

Great band....❤️❤️❤️

Gordon McInnes

The moment where the song builds then stops at 4.06 then restarts is simply devastating in its emotional power.

sutcaq

Thanks for posting this. It hits home with me.

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