In 1978 Ian Gillan had become dissatisfied with the jazz fusion style of his band called Ian Gillan Band and dissolved it, retaining only keyboard player Colin Towns, and formed a new band entitled Gillan. He added Steve Byrd on guitar, Liam Glenocky on drums and John McCoy (ex-zzebra) on bass, and initially pursued a progressive rock direction, releasing their eponymous debut in 1978, although they could only get a record deal in Japan. This recording has subsequently become more widely available as THE JAPANESE ALBUM.
The album was sufficiently successful to attract more attention and in 1979 the band secured a European deal with Acrobat Records. Before a new album was recorded, Byrd was replaced by Bernie Tormé and Glenocky by Mick Underwood, Ian Gillan's former colleague in Episode Six. Torme's "screaming guitar" sound fundamentally altered the dynamics and Gillan took a heavy metal direction. This lineup's first album was released as MR. UNIVERSE and contained many re-worked songs from The Japanese Album. The band caught the rise of the NWOBHM at just the right time and the group gained popularity in Europe. At Christmas Gillan turned down an offer from Ritchie Blackmore to join Rainbow, but Blackmore did make a "legendary" guest appearance for Gillan at their Christmas show. It was the first time Ian Gillan and Blackmore had performed together since 1973.
In 1980 Gillan reached the peak of their success, releasing the successful GLORY ROAD album with the limited edition "free" LP for gillan fans only. However the band remained unknown in North America and were unable to raise any interest there despite tours.
By 1981 the band members were becoming disgruntled that their European and Japanese success was not translating into increased pay, and after the FUTURE SHOCK album tour, Torme walked out just before the band were due to appear on Top of the Pops. He was replaced by White Spirit guitarist Janick Gers and this line up releaed the live/studio combi double album DOUBLE TROUBLE at the end of the year. In 1982 final album MAGIC followed. By this time, tension over money had reached fever-pitch and Ian Gillan needed time to have nodes removed from his vocal chords. He also received and accepted an offer to replace Ronnie James Dio in Black Sabbath. After the Magic tour Ian Gillan dissolved the band to the incredulity of the other members, particularly McCoy, and the acrimony remained into the 21st century.
McCoy subsequently released compilations of studio out-takes to which he had the rights, beginning with Gillan Tapes, Vol. 1, and ensured that revenues were distributed fairly amongst the band.
Black Night
Gillan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't feel so bright
I don't care to sit tight
Maybe I'll find on the way down the line
that I'm free, free to be me
Black night is a long way from home
I don't need a dark tree
I can't feel, I can't see
Maybe I'll find on the way down the line
that I'm free, free to be me
Black night is a long way from home
Black night, black night
I don't need black night
I can't see dark night
Maybe I'll find on the way down the line
that I'm free, free to be me
Black night is a long way from home
The lyrics to Gillan's song "Black Night" seem to be about feeling lost and alone in a dark place, both physically and emotionally. The singer describes not feeling right and not being able to see or feel anything, indicating perhaps a sense of detachment or numbness. He expresses a desire to be free and be himself, suggesting that he may feel trapped or confined in some way. The repetition of the phrase "Black night" throughout the song emphasizes the darkness and the distance from home.
One possible interpretation of the song is that it may be about depression or a similar mental health issue. The lyrics convey a sense of hopelessness and despair, and the line "Maybe I'll find on the way down the line that I'm free, free to be me" could be seen as a glimmer of hope for recovery or self-discovery. The repeated insistence that the singer does not need or want the darkness could be seen as a rejection of negative thoughts or feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Black night is not right
The darkness of the night feels wrong and uncomfortable.
I don't feel so bright
The darkness is affecting the singer's mood and making them feel dim and subdued.
I don't care to sit tight
The singer is restless and wants to get moving, they don't want to stay still.
Maybe I'll find on the way down the line that I'm free, free to be me
The singer hopes that by moving forward, they will find a sense of freedom and self-expression.
Black night is a long way from home
The darkness feels unfamiliar and far away from what the singer is used to.
I don't need a dark tree
The singer doesn't want anything else that's dark or gloomy.
I don't want a rough sea
The singer doesn't want to encounter any more difficulty or adversity than they already are.
I can't feel, I can't see
The darkness has enveloped the singer to the point where they feel numb and unable to perceive their surroundings.
Black night, black night
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the oppressive nature of the darkness.
I don't need black night
The singer is rejecting the darkness and wants to move towards the light.
I can't see dark night
The singer is struggling to find their way in the darkness and is looking for a way out.
Black night is a long way from home
Reiterated again, the distance from familiar surroundings underscores the singer's disorientation and unease.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ian Gillan, Ian Paice, Jon Lord, Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tatyana Aleksandrovich
Incomparable Gillan !
AGDinCA
Even now that Gillan's voice has aged, there is something special about his singing.
Kevin Shannon
Gillan still has a pretty smooth low to mid range. Can’t do the crazy highs anymore though.
AGDinCA
@Kevin Shannon Oh absolutely! I am still in love with his voice. It just... moves me. Know what I mean? 💜
svogender
Yeah.. His voice is in the absolutely top League..!! 😍🤘
Техно Дом
Рокеры 50 60 70 80 супер музыканты играют все и как память на века всем ушедшим рокерам рок 🎸 рольщикам рокершам
ольга к.
Гениальнейший Гиллан! Forever! 👍💜
Tatyana Aleksandrovich
Куда там Ковердейлу до непревзойденного Гиллана!
ольга к.
@Tatyana Aleksandrovich Особенно, с его огромным диапазоном🤭😂😂😂
Tatyana Aleksandrovich
Да уж! Оля, слушала их последнюю запись " Oh well" из нового альбома?@ольга к.