Bright Lights
Gary Clark Jr. Lyrics


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Woke up, woke up in New York City
Lying on the floor
Just outside of Marcy's, West 54, wow

You gonna know my name by the end of the night, yeah
You gonna know my name by the end of the night, well

Bright lights, big city going to my head
Bright lights, big city going to my head
Bright lights, big city going to my head
I don't care no, no
'Cause you don't care, no

Start off with the bottle
End it up with the bottle
Taking shots, waiting on tomorrow
Trying to fill up, what's hollow

You gonna know my name
You gonna know my name

Bright lights, big city going to my head
Bright lights, big city going to my head
Bright lights, big city going to my head
I don't care no
'Cause you don't care, no

Get lost in this city trying to find myself
I went up a different person
Came down somebody else
I know it ain't right
But it's song in my head
Wow I'm surprised that
I'm still alive I should be dead

Bright lights, big city going to my head
Bright lights, big city going to my head
Bright lights, big city going to my head
I don't care no, no
'Cause you don't care

Well you gonna know my name
Well you gonna know my name




Well you gonna know my name
Hey! You gonna know my name by the end of the night, well

Overall Meaning

Gary Clark Jr.'s song "Bright Lights" is a commentary on the experiences that come with fame and success. The song opens with the singer waking up in New York City, lying on the floor outside of Marcy's, located on West 54th Street. This abrupt introduction creates an image of disorientation and confusion. The repetition of “I don’t care” throughout the song illustrates the singer’s attempt to cope with the immense pressure that comes with such a fast-paced lifestyle.


The phrase “Bright lights, big city” is repeated throughout the song, suggesting that New York City, often dubbed the “city that never sleeps,” is both exhilarating and overwhelming. The lyrics suggest the singer is continually seeking to fill the void that comes with this lifestyle, often turning to alcohol and other vices. The song concludes with the repetition of “You gonna know my name by the end of the night,” which suggests the determination of the singer to succeed, despite the challenges that come with the high-pressure lifestyle he is leading.


Line by Line Meaning

Wake up in New York City Lying on the floor Just outside of Marcy's - West 54 wow
The singer wakes up in New York City and finds himself lying on the floor outside of Marcy's. He is disoriented and surprised.


You gonna know my name by the end of the night, yeah You gonna know my name by the end of the night, well
The singer is confident that everyone will know his name by the end of the night. This is repeated for emphasis.


Bright lights, big city going to my head Bright lights, big city going to my head Bright lights, big city going to my head I don't care no, no Cause you don't care, no
The bright lights and big city are affecting the singer and he doesn't care because he feels like no one else cares. This is repeated for emphasis.


Start up with the bottle End it up with the bottle Taking shots, waitingon tomorrow Trying to fill up, what's hollow
The singer is drinking heavily and taking shots, perhaps to escape from his problems or to fill a void.


You gonna know my name You gonna know my name
The singer repeats his confidence that everyone will know his name.


Get lost in this city trying to find myself I went up a different person Came down somebody else I know it ain't right But its song in my head Wow I'm surprised that I'm still alive I should breathe in
The singer feels lost in this city and is struggling to find himself. He transformed into someone else while being lost, which isn't right. The song is stuck in his head and he's amazed that he's still alive, suggesting he may have put himself in danger.


Well you gonna know my name Well you gonna know my name Well you gonna know my name Hey! You gonna know my name by the end of the night, well
The singer reiterates that everyone will know his name by the end of the night and expresses excitement.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gary Clark Jr.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@mattconnor8677

Modern blues rock doesn't get any better than this. I've been listening to these kind of jams since the 1960's and I'm here to tell you... this young man is the REAL...deal.

@dspencer1969

He's good brother, Try some fish-Samantha Fish

@Scorhos

Cristone "Kingfish" Ingram rocks,too.. He's 20 years. Solid talent.

@easysinmusic216

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@roryderkson765

Samantha Fich

@obriantomlinson2776

@@Scorhosand Eric Gales!

3 More Replies...

@nitishchauhan8655

2:10 Probably one of the greatest music shots of all time. A gritty song about fame and pride and then a shot of him capturing the entire crowd in his visor. So cool

@jessejive117

Whoa……

@barryware7497

Agree...

@easysinmusic216

GeminiiDragon Ballad Of Willie Mae & George lyric video 🚨 MUST SEE 🚨 https://youtu.be/oLLpOUEfcZk

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