Brewer & Shipley were a folk rock duo of the 1970s, comprised of singer-son… Read Full Bio ↴Brewer & Shipley were a folk rock duo of the 1970s, comprised of singer-songwriters Mike Brewer and Tom Shipley. They were known for their intricate guitar work, stunning harmonies, and socially-conscious lyrics which reflected the concerns of their generation -- especially the Vietnam War, and the struggles for personal and political freedom. Their biggest hit was the song One Toke Over the Line, from the album Tarkio (1970). They also had two other singles which made the Billboard charts: Tarkio Road (1970) and Shake Off the Demon (1971).

The two Midwestern natives crossed paths numerous times at various coffeehouse gigs before settling in the entertainment hub of the United States, the city of Los Angeles, to write music together, producing their first two albums Down in L.A. and Weeds. Even though mutual friends in bands such as The Association and Buffalo Springfield also lived in Los Angeles, Michael Brewer and Tom Shipley decided to return to their home, the Midwest.

They left California in 1969, returning to the Midwest, this time to Kansas City, where they would make a meager living through playing in nearby college towns for crowds of small to moderate size. They derived the name of their next album, Tarkio, from a regular gig they played in Tarkio, Missouri. This was their most commercially successful work, featuring their most major hit One Toke Over the Line (though many more avid fans would argue that it was by no means their best song), which they wrote as a joke while preparing backstage for a performance. They would go on to play the song at the end of the show and receive a standing ovation from the audience.

Following airplay of the single, President Richard Nixon labeled Brewer & Shipley public miscreants. In retaliation, they referred to Nixon by name in their song, Oh Mommy (from Tarkio) in words more or less telling him off and commanding him to let them do what they wanted.

Brewer & Shipley have performed onstage with many other notable acts, including Stephen Stills (of Crosby, Stills & Nash), Bruce Springsteen, Black Sabbath, and Jerry Garcia (of Grateful Dead fame, and who played steel guitar for various tracks on Tarkio).

The Light
Brewer and Shipley Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Just put your lips on my shoulders
When I'm smiling
I'm smiling when you're with me
Just fly above me
Don't let me hold you down
Down with the frogs and down with all the Grass Blades

Fluorescent Light

Fluorescent Light
Fluorescent Light
Fluorescent Light

When the kids go to bed
cnd you're with me
When you're sleeping right beside me
Under the Red Moon
With your bluebird and the green beans
cnd the Lilly green beans

Fluorescent Light
Fluorescent Light
Fluorescent Light
Fluorescent Light

Come on, Daniel Tadic!

Overall Meaning

Brewer and Shipley's "The Light" is a love song with lyrics that evoke the feeling of discovery and newfound happiness. The opening verse sets the stage for the singer's change of heart, revealing that they never paid much attention to romantic cliches like moonlit skies or fireflies until falling in love with their partner. The star imagery in "the stars are in your eyes" is a common motif in romantic poetry and represents the radiant beauty of the person the singer loves.

In the second verse, the singer describes their previous indifference to the traditionally romantic elements of life, such as afterglow and candlelight. However, being with their partner now awakens a newfound appreciation for these gestures. The contrast between the muted lighting of the lamp and the intensity of the singer's feelings is potent.

The song then shifts to describe the impact that the partner has had on the singer's life. Before falling in love, they were restless and alone, "shadowboxing in the dark." But now, the partner has brought a new energy and passion to their life, represented by the "four-alarm fire" simile. Finally, the singer confesses that they never experienced the intensity of romantic love before meeting their partner. Their previous relationship experiences were comparatively lackluster, devoid of the "rainbows" and passion that they now feel.

Overall, "The Light" is an expressive meditation on how meeting the right person can radically transform one's perception of the world around them. It's a celebration of the unknown possibilities in love, and how they can lead one to new emotional heights.

Line by Line Meaning

I never cared much for moonlit skies
Moonlit skies never interested me much.

I never wink back at fireflies
I never acknowledged fireflies by winking at them.

But now that the stars are in your eyes
However, now that I see stars in your eyes.

I'm beginning to see the light
I have begun to understand something.

I never went in for afterglow
I was not fond of the afterglow.

Or candlelight on the mistletoe
Nor did I appreciate candlelight on the mistletoe.

But now when you turn the lamp down low
But, now when you dim the lights.

I'm beginning to see the light
I have begun to understand something.

Used to ramble through the park
I used to walk aimlessly through the park.

Shadowboxing in the dark
I would pretend to fight imaginary opponents in the dark.

Then you came and caused a spark
Until you arrived and ignited something.