Janie Fricke was born in South Whitley, Indiana on19th December 1947. Her early influences were the folk music of Judy Collins and Joan Baez but in 1975 she moved to Nashville where she became an in-demand jingle singer and backing vocalist for artists like Crystal Gayle, Conway Twitty, Ronnie Milsap, Tanya Tucker and, ultimately, Johnny Duncan. Initially uncredited on Duncan's records, she eventualy gained equal billing on the single Come A Little Bit Closer. In the early 1980s she scored six number one solo Country hits, also under the guidance of Billy Sherrill, including Don't Worry Bout Me Baby, It Ain't Easy Being Easy, He's A Heartache. She was voted CMA Vocalist of the Year 1982 and 1983 and is still active, both recording and performing
All The Time
Charlie Rich & Janie Fricke Lyrics
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The girls all get prettier at closing time
They all begin to look like movie stars
The girls all get prettier at closing time
When the change starts taking place
It puts a glow on every face
Of the falling angels of the back street bars.
I'm lookin' for a 9 but 8 would slip right in
A few more drinks and I might slip to a 5 or even a 4
But when tomorrow morning comes,
And I wake up with a number 1
I swear I'll never do it anymore.
[Chorus]
Now, I don't mean to criticize the girls at all
I'm no Robert Redford, even overhauled
We all picture in our minds a girl that looks just right
Ain't it funny, ain't it strange,
The way a man's opinion changes
When he starts to face that lonely night.
[Chorus]
Of the falling angels of the back street bars
The lyrics to Charlie Rich and Janie Fricke's song "All The Time" highlight the phenomenon that many people experience in social settings, particularly bars or clubs, where the perception of attractiveness among people tends to change as the night progresses. The chorus emphasizes that the girls at these venues appear to become more beautiful as the night draws to a close, almost as if they transform into movie stars. As the night goes on, there is a noticeable change in the atmosphere, with the arrival of a certain charm or glow on the faces of those in the vicinity, particularly the women who frequent the backstreet bars.
In the first verse, the singer indicates that he is searching for a certain level of attractiveness in the women he encounters. He rates them on a scale from 1 to 10, hoping to find someone who ranks high, ideally a 9. However, he admits that an 8 would still be acceptable. Yet, as he continues to consume more drinks, his standards may lower, and he could potentially settle for a 5 or even a 4. The singer acknowledges that these choices may not be the best, but in the heat of the moment, he becomes more lenient in his judgments. However, he declares that regardless of his behavior, when he wakes up the next morning with someone he perceives as a number 1, he promises himself that he will refrain from repeating such actions.
The second verse addresses the perception gap between people's ideals and reality. The singer admits that he does not intend to criticize women, as he realizes he is no Robert Redford, implying that he does not possess stereotypical handsome or attractive characteristics. He acknowledges that everyone has an image in mind of what their ideal partner looks like. However, in a poignant observation, he notes the ironic and curious way that a man's perspective on attractiveness can drastically shift when faced with the prospect of being alone. As loneliness looms, one's standards may shift, and what was once deemed unattractive now appears more appealing.
The chorus is repeated throughout the song, reinforcing the idea that as closing time approaches, the girls in the backstreet bars seem to take on a heightened beauty. They become reminiscent of falling angels, perhaps symbolizing a certain allure or escape from reality. The intimate setting and the interactions within these backstreet bars create an atmosphere that allows people to feel this supernatural transformation.
Overall, these lyrics explore the subjective nature of attraction and how it can be influenced by various factors such as alcohol, loneliness, and societal expectations. It delves into the complexities of human desire and the way our perceptions can evolve as the night progresses. The falling angels of the backstreet bars symbolize a momentary escape from reality, where even the most ordinary individuals can be transformed into something extraordinary.
Line by Line Meaning
The girls all get prettier at closing time
As the night progresses, the alcohol and longing for companionship make the women appear more attractive to the singer.
They all begin to look like movie stars
Under the influence, the women seem to possess a captivating beauty reminiscent of glamorous Hollywood actresses.
When the change starts taking place
Once the atmosphere of the bar shifts, the transformation begins.
It puts a glow on every face
The alcohol-induced joy and excitement bring a radiant glow to everyone's countenance.
Of the falling angels of the back street bars
Referring to the women who frequent the less distinguished establishments of the town, metaphorically comparing them to fallen angels in need of solace.
If I could rate 'em on a scale from 1 to 10
Using a rating system as a metaphor, the singer expresses his preferences for women.
I'm lookin' for a 9 but 8 would slip right in
The ideal woman in the singer's mind would be a 9 out of 10, but he would settle for an 8.
A few more drinks and I might slip to a 5 or even a 4
With increased alcohol consumption, the artist's standards for attractiveness may diminish to a 5 or even a 4 out of 10.
But when tomorrow morning comes
Once the night has passed, and the effects of alcohol wane.
And I wake up with a number 1
Realizing that he has engaged with someone he finds unattractive, regretting his choices and considering the woman a 1 out of 10.
I swear I'll never do it anymore
Promising himself that he will abstain from pursuing romantic encounters under the influence in the future.
Now, I don't mean to criticize the girls at all
The artist clarifies that he is not intending to pass judgment or belittle the women in any way.
I'm no Robert Redford, even overhauled
Acknowledging that he is not exceptionally attractive or charismatic, despite making efforts to improve his appearance.
We all picture in our minds a girl that looks just right
Everyone imagines their ideal partner, customized to their unique preferences.
Ain't it funny, ain't it strange
Reflecting on the irony and peculiarity of how one's perception and desires can change in certain circumstances.
The way a man's opinion changes
Highlighting how a man's perspective and judgment can shift.
When he starts to face that lonely night
When confronted with the prospect of spending the night alone, a man's standards and desires may evolve out of longing and desperation.
Of the falling angels of the back street bars
Reiterating the presence of the women in the less distinguished bars, emphasizing their vulnerability and search for solace.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Baker Knight
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
arslp
Janie Fricke's voice is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Melody Dixon
A great song.Charlie was a great singer.His wife Margaret was beautiful!
John Middleton
This is the best duet ever, they complement each other brilliantly.
jonesvox1
Margaret Anne Rich was Charlie’s rock. Beautiful, loyal and even wrote several songs he recorded. Thanks for adding these rare pictures 👍🏼
Steve Scott
Couldn't agree with you more, a lovely woman and a great songwriter,Life Has It's Little Ups And Downs,A Sunday Kind Of Woman,Pass On By,, fantastic.
SHIRLEY McKENNA
I love this song, Charlie Rich was such a great singer. Gone way to soon
joe palma
Yes. And he wrote the song while working at Sun Records.
Marisol Patriota
Quando e de que morreu😭
Sandy H
I love this song so much but I cry uncontrollably every time I hear it but I keep listening to it and crying and loving it.
Steven
Just keep listening! Cry if you want to. This song is that good!