When the Lights Go Out
E. Phillips Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Started with a bad decision
Drunken little rendezvous
Now you've captured my attention
And nobody else will do
Never really showed you want me
Never really made a move
Til you find me in the corner
Of a crowded room
My eyes on you
Your hands on me
Got me right where you
Right where you want me
You played a part
Dancing in the dark
But I know
You only kiss me when the lights go out
You only touch me when no one's around
Pulling me closer just to push me back again
Trying to tell me that it's all inside my head
You only kiss me when the lights go out
You only touch me when no one's around
Driving me crazy every time you say my name
Killing me faster every time you walk away
You only kiss me when the lights go out
Creep in when I least expect it
Tryna sweep me off my feet
Whisper all of your sweet nothings
While we're dancing to the beat
Music got me feeling something
Euphoric to the melody
Now you found me in the corner
Of a crowded room
My eyes on you
Your hands on me
Had me right where you
Right where you want me
You played a part
Dancing in the dark
But I know
You only kiss me when the lights go out
You only touch me when no one's around
Pulling me closer just to push me back again
Trying to tell me that it's all inside my head
You only kiss me when the lights go out
You only touch me when no one's around
Driving me crazy every time you say my name
Killing me faster every time you walk away
You only kiss me when the lights go out
Whoa-Oh-Oh-Ooohhh
Whoa-Oh-Oh-Oh-Ooohhh
Whoa-Oh-Oh-Ooohhh
You only kiss me when the lights go out
Whoa-Oh-Oh-Ooohhh
Whoa-Oh-Oh-Oh-Ooohhh
Whoa-Oh-Oh-Ooohhh
You only kiss me when the lights go out
Touch me, Love Me
Just take me there
You play your games but
Be Prepared
Touch me, love me
If you dare
The night is young
So be prepared
You play your games
You take the chance
But this could be
Our final dance
I see right through
Your lies tonight
My body's yours
Don't waste my time
You act so cool
But I know what you're about
You only kiss me when the lights go out
You only touch me when no one's around
Pulling me closer just to push me back again
Trying to tell me that it's all inside my head
You only kiss me when the lights go out
You only touch me when no one's around
Driving me crazy every time you say my name




Killing me faster every time you walk away
You only kiss me when the lights go out

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to E. Phillips's song "When The Lights Go Out" depict a tumultuous and complicated relationship. The song begins by acknowledging that it all started with a bad decision, referencing a drunken rendezvous that has now captured the singer's attention. However, there is a sense of longing as it becomes apparent that the other person has never truly shown their desire or made a move. The singer finds themselves in a crowded room, with their eyes fixed on the person of interest. There is a moment of intense connection, with hands on each other, but it is fleeting, as the other person only kisses and touches the singer when there are no witnesses.


The chorus reinforces this theme, highlighting the cyclical nature of the relationship. The other person pulls the singer closer only to push them back again, making the singer question their own feelings and sanity. The idea that it's all inside the singer's head is presented as a manipulation by the other person, trying to dismiss the significance of their actions. Despite knowing that their encounters are limited to when the lights go out, the singer finds themselves craving more, being driven crazy every time the other person says their name and feeling a deep pain every time they walk away.


Overall, "When The Lights Go Out" explores the dynamics of an unbalanced and potentially toxic relationship. It delves into the themes of desire, manipulation, and the struggle to break free from a cycle of emotional turmoil.


Line by Line Meaning

Started with a bad decision
The relationship began on the wrong foot, with a regrettable choice or action.


Drunken little rendezvous
The initial encounter was fueled by alcohol and impulsiveness.


Now you've captured my attention
You have managed to captivate and hold my interest.


And nobody else will do
No one else can compare or fulfill the same role as you.


Never really showed you want me
I never truly expressed my desire for you.


Never really made a move
I never took any action to pursue our connection.


Til you find me in the corner of a crowded room
Until you discover me hiding away in a busy space.


My eyes on you
I have my full attention focused on you.


Your hands on me
You are physically touching me, establishing a closer connection.


Got me right where you
You have successfully positioned me exactly where you want me.


Right where you want me
I am exactly where you desire me to be.


You played a part
You assumed a role or acted in a certain way.


Dancing in the dark
We engaged in intimate or secretive activities away from prying eyes.


But I know
However, I am aware or have knowledge of the truth.


You only kiss me when the lights go out
Our intimate moments only occur when there is darkness or secrecy.


You only touch me when no one's around
You only make physical contact with me when we are alone.


Pulling me closer just to push me back again
You draw me nearer to you, only to distance yourself once more.


Trying to tell me that it's all inside my head
You attempt to persuade me that my perception of the situation is merely imaginary or illogical.


Creep in when I least expect it
You sneakily enter my life or make your presence known at unexpected moments.


Tryna sweep me off my feet
You are attempting to impress and charm me deeply.


Whisper all of your sweet nothings
You softly utter empty or insincere words of affection.


While we're dancing to the beat
As we move our bodies in rhythm, we engage in this charade.


Music got me feeling something
The music evokes certain emotions within me.


Euphoric to the melody
I experience intense happiness or pleasure due to the harmonious tune.


Now you found me in the corner of a crowded room
You have located me once again in a secluded area amidst a large gathering.


Had me right where you
You had complete control or influence over me.


Touch me, Love Me
Physically and emotionally connect with me.


Just take me there
Lead me to a place of affection and intimacy.


You play your games but
You engage in manipulative tactics or behaviors.


Be Prepared
Be ready for the consequences or outcomes of your actions.


If you dare
If you are brave enough to face the potential consequences.


The night is young
The evening is still early and full of possibilities.


So be prepared
Therefore, be ready for whatever may unfold.


You take the chance
You are willing to take a risk or seize an opportunity.


But this could be
However, there is a possibility or potential for something else.


Our final dance
This could be our last intimate encounter or interaction.


I see right through your lies tonight
I am able to perceive the deception or falsehood in your words or actions this evening.


My body's yours
I have surrendered or given control of my physical self to you.


Don't waste my time
Do not use up my precious moments or opportunities for your own purposes.


You act so cool
You portray yourself as nonchalant or unaffected.


But I know what you're about
However, I am aware of your true intentions or nature.




Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Tabren Smith, Zachary Sanzotta

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@CharWick5

1.000.000 views!! THIS IS INSANE!!!! I can't believe it!! You are the best! <3

@ramzezsandoval

Raquel Almeida about 100 of those are by me

@smoko-nuts7335

Raquel Almeida, I think... 430,000 of the views are me!!! XD

@maricrismiquiabas2005

No problem dude, keep up the good work! 👏✌️👍

@blueandmagical5565

i love this song Raquel my hole family dose

@TyrantOfNerds

Raquel Almeida no problem I love this song a lot

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@tapanbakshi7124

My dad loved this song. Yesterday he died due to cancer. Now I can't stop loving him after he has long long gone

@SpiderPunkEnthusiast

I'm sorry for your loss and I hope you feel better. Remember your dad will always be with you, maybe not physically but he is there mentally.

@saraosman4356

I’m so sorry for your lost, I will keep you in my prayers, it gets better dont give up

@gabzzzgabzzy116

Im soo sorry for your loss❤️❤️❤️

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