In 1976, he achieved a national breakout with the studio album Night Moves. On his studio albums, he also worked extensively with the Alabama-based Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, which appeared on several of Seger's best-selling singles and albums.
Seger's first marriage in 1968 lasted for "one day short of a year". He had a long-term relationship with Jan Dinsdale from 1972 until 1983. In 1987, he married actress Annette Sinclair and they divorced one year later. He married Juanita Dorricott in 1993, in a small private setting at The Village Club, in Bloomfield Hills; they have two children. Seger lives mainly at his home in Orchard Lake Village, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. He owns a condo in Naples, Florida.
Politically, Seger has characterized himself as a centrist: "[I'm] right down the middle", he remarked. He supported Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. He tackled antiestablishment themes in early songs such as "2+2=?" (1968) and "U.M.C. (Upper Middle Class)" (1974), according to Brian McCollum of the Detroit Free Press. On his 2014 album Ride Out, he addressed topics such as gun violence, and wrote "It's Your World" about climate change. On the subject, he said, "There are a lot of culprits in climate change, and everybody's responsible, myself included. Nobody gets a free pass on this one. We've got to change our ways and change them fast.
A roots rocker with a classic raspy, shouting voice, Seger wrote and recorded songs that deal with love, women and blue-collar themes and is an example of heartland rock. Seger has recorded many hits, including "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man", "Night Moves", "Turn the Page", "Still the Same", "We've Got Tonight", "Against the Wind", "You'll Accomp'ny Me", "Shame on the Moon", "Like a Rock", and "Shakedown", which was written for Beverly Hills Cop II (1987). Seger also co-wrote the Eagles' number-one hit "Heartache Tonight", and his iconic recording of "Old Time Rock and Roll" was named one of the Songs of the Century in 2001.
With a career spanning six decades, Seger continues to perform and record today. Seger was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2012. Seger was named Billboard's 2015 Legend of Live honoree at the 12th annual Billboard Touring Conference & Awards, held November 18–19 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York.
Seger was known as one of the last holdouts regarding making his catalog available for digital download and streaming. However, as of 2017, much of his work is available.
Neon Sky
Bob Seger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's the neon sky that I know so well
There's the smoky room where I chose to dwell
Though I hear your heart many miles away
Through the windy field of another land
I have seen your face, girl, I have held your hand
Though I should be there, with you there today
The neon sky knows that I must stay
Cause the devil's red, but his money's green
That's where I'm from, oh, that's where I've been
On a dusty stage, many years ago,
I chose my road, still I hope you know
That there'll come a day with the neon sky
When we'll walk into the sun, you and I
Yes so he calls, beckons unto me
From the empty hall, from the galleries
And so I must go, leave you here today
Cause the neon sky orders me away
Yes, the devil's red, but his money's green
That's where I'm from, oh, that's where I've been
The lyrics of Neon Sky by Bob Seger depict a bittersweet relationship between two people who are separated by distance. The singer is torn between his desire to be with his beloved and his obligation to stay where he is. The “neon sky” represents the life he has built for himself, and the “smoky room” where he has chosen to dwell is a symbol of the lifestyle he has become accustomed to. He hears his lover’s heart from afar and longs to be with her, but the neon sky tells him that he cannot leave.
The second verse of the song adds to the melancholy tone of the lyrics. The singer has seen his lover’s face and held her hand, but he is still far away from her. He wishes he could be with her, but he is unable to leave the life he has built. In the bridge of the song, the lyrics “the devil's red, but his money's green” suggest that the singer has made choices that have led him to a life of vice and materialistic pursuits. He has chosen money and fame over love and intimacy, and now he is paying the price.
Overall, the lyrics of Neon Sky are a poignant reflection on the choices we make in life and the sacrifices we sometimes have to make. They show that even when we long for something or someone, our circumstances may prevent us from being with the ones we love.
Line by Line Meaning
There's the neon sky that I know so well
I am familiar with the city's bright lights and bustling sounds.
There's the smoky room where I chose to dwell
I have chosen to spend my time in this dimly lit space.
Though I hear your heart many miles away
Despite being far apart, I still feel connected to you emotionally.
The neon sky tells me I must stay
The city's vibe and energy urge me to remain here.
Through the windy field of another land
In another place far away from here.
I have seen your face, girl, I have held your hand
I have experienced moments of intimacy with you in the past.
Though I should be there, with you there today
Although I wish to be there with you in the present moment.
The neon sky knows that I must stay
The energy of this city compels me to remain here instead of being with you.
Cause the devil's red, but his money's green
I come from a place where money is valued over morality.
That's where I'm from, oh, that's where I've been
My past experiences have shaped who I am today and what I value.
On a dusty stage, many years ago,
There was a point in time when I performed on a small, barely maintained platform.
I chose my road, still I hope you know
I made a choice regarding the direction of my life, but I want you to understand why.
That there'll come a day with the neon sky
Someday, the city will bring me closer to the life I want.
When we'll walk into the sun, you and I
When we'll finally come together and find a better life under the sun.
Yes so he calls, beckons unto me
Something within me is pulling me in a certain direction.
From the empty hall, from the galleries
Perhaps from my memories or an unknown source of inspiration.
And so I must go, leave you here today
I need to follow my instincts and make a tough decision to leave you behind.
Cause the neon sky orders me away
The pulse and energy of this city is too strong for me to ignore.
Yes, the devil's red, but his money's green
I acknowledge that the choices I make are often influenced by my desire for financial and material success.
That's where I'm from, oh, that's where I've been
Despite my current circumstances or desires, my past experiences have defined a part of who I am.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOB SEGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dropdtune9199
Lefsetz sent me here but Ive been to Back in 72 many times. One of Bob Seger’s forgotten gems.
@sonicmag662
Bob gets one right now and again, this is one of them for sure.
@Nycholas17
A smart, smooth, and clear psychedellic tune from the rocker master. No one's done it better. Excellent song, excellent album. Bob's ruled since " back in '72."
@unclefuggly7149
You guys should give a good listen to pretty much anything on ‘72. Love that album.
@corning1947
God what a beautiful song this is!!! Probably my favorite song of the 70s-80s-90-s era. Awesome. thanks for putting it on so all can hear. Jeff
@BillSeipel
Thanks Lefsetz.
@robertcarli1969
Rosalie , Turn the Page , I've been Working - all kickass songs ❤
@gordonc527
I have always felt this was one of his better albums. I don't even think you can buy it anymore.
@crazymactech
One of Seger's "forgotten" classics.
@mike67006700
Cross of gold , Beautiful loser. Neon sky. I'm sure there are more but I cannot think right now, I think seger hates greed.