<… Read Full Bio ↴Fifth Angel is an American heavy metal band from Bellevue, Washington.
Fifth Angel was formed in the suburbs of Seattle in late 1983, specifically, in the Bellevue area. The band's initial lineup consisted of Ted Pilot (vocals), James Byrd (lead guitar), Ed Archer (rhythm guitar), Ken Mary (drums) and Kenny Kay (bass).
John Macko replaced Kenny Kay on bass in 1987, while Kendall Bechtel replaced James Byrd on lead guitar. The group released a self-titled album Fifth Angel in 1986 on Shrapnel Records, which was re-released on Epic Records in 1988, with a re-mastered sound and a different cover. In 1989, the follow-up record, Time Will Tell, marked the end of the band, with its members going their separate ways by 1990.
Although many rumors cropped up in the 2000s about a reunion, it finally happened in 2009. Ed Archer, John Macko and Kendall Bechtel were joined by drummer Jeffrey McCormack and in 2010, the band played its first live show in its history at the Keep it True Festival, with guest singer Peter Orullian (ex-Heir Apparent).
McCormack left the group in 2011, along with announced lead singer David Fefolt (the latter performed on some demos, but never actually performed live or officially recorded with the band). The group is in the midst of demoing new material, but operates on a part-time basis as the band members' schedules allow.
Lights Out
Fifth Angel Lyrics
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Wind blows back on the battens chargin'
Runs all the way.
Off to the thud, of my gun
Maybe now your time has come -
From the backstreets, there's a rumblin'
No more nice time, black boy shoe shine,
Pie in the sky dream.
Lights out, lights out in London
Hold tight until the end.
Maybe now you'll know they'll never
Wait for tomorrow.
Lights out, lights out in London
Hold tight until the end.
God knows when I'm comin' on my run.
Heaven help those who help themselves,
That's the way it goes.
Frightening thoughts, what's been taught
And now it shows -
Lights out, lights out in London
Hold tight until the end.
Maybe now you'll know they'll never
Wait for tomorrow.
Lights out, lights out in London
Hold tight until the end.
God knows when I'm comin' on my run.
[Guitar solo]
Lights out, lights out in London
Hold tight until the end.
Maybe now you'll know they'll never
Wait for tomorrow.
Lights out, lights out in London
Hold tight until the end.
God knows when I'm comin' on my run.
Lights out in London (repeat 3x)
[Outro solo]
Lights out!
The song "Lights Out" by Fifth Angel is actually a cover of the classic rock song by UFO. The lyrics speak of a chaotic and violent world where anarchy and fear reign. The wind is blowing and the sound of gunshots echoes in the background. The singer warns that "Maybe now your time has come" and that "Lights out in London, hold tight until the end. God knows when I'm coming on my run". The chorus indicates that tomorrow is never guaranteed and that one should hold on tight until the end.
The song touches on themes of violence, anarchy, and the importance of making the most of one's time. It warns of the dangers of complacency and the need to live in the present, as there might not be a future. The guitar solo serves to emphasize the chaos and urgency of the message.
Overall, "Lights Out" is a powerful call to action that urges the listener to live life to the fullest and to be aware of what surrounds them. The title reflects this urgency, as the lights going out (or a sudden end) can happen at any time.
Line by Line Meaning
Wind blows back on the battens chargin', Runs all the way.
The wind is so strong that it pushes on the battens with full force, and runs all the way.
Off to the thud, of my gun, Maybe now your time has come -
The sound of the gun can be heard loudly, and this might be the end for you.
From the backstreets, there's a rumblin', Sound of anarchy, No more nice time, black boy shoe shine, Pie in the sky dream.
Chaos and unrest is prevailing in the backstreets, and there is no more room for flattery, or mere fantasies.
Lights out, lights out in London, Hold tight until the end.
There is darkness all around London, grip onto something tight, as the end is near.
Maybe now you'll know they'll never, Wait for tomorrow.
It is uncertain when the next day will come, and one should be ready for anything at any point in time.
God knows when I'm comin' on my run.
Nobody knows when I will arrive for the task at hand.
Heaven help those who help themselves, That's the way it goes.
Those who do not take action will not be helped, that's just the way it is.
Frightening thoughts, what's been taught, And now it shows -
Thoughts of fear, about what was taught, now become visibly true.
[Guitar solo]
Musical interlude featuring a guitar solo.
[Outro solo]
Musical interlude featuring an outro solo.
Lights out!
Signaling the end, it's time for the lights to go out.
Contributed by Gabriel K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.