Armatrading has mixed eclectic musical styles over decades of recording and performing. She has had several British hit singles, the biggest of which were "Love & Affection", "Me Myself I", and "Drop the Pilot". Her music is generally pop, with forays into rock, folk, jazz, and even reggae. Her popularity is primarily as an album artist.
She gained a new audience following her writing and performing "The Flight of the Wild Geese", which was used during the opening and end titles for the 1978 film The Wild Geese.
Armatrading first performed in a concert at Birmingham University for her brother at the age of about 16 (circa 1966). She only knew her own songs, but her brother asked her to perform something that would be familiar to the audience; she chose "The Sound of Silence".[9] She then performed her own songs around the local area with a friend from school, and played bass and rhythm guitar at local clubs.
Back To The Night
Joan Armatrading Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And there's no wind blowing
See the motor cars with a smiling face at the wheel
I'm watching the little girls
With their young men at their heels
It's a sunny day
But get me back to the night
'Cause I love that life
Like a skinny burlesque queen
I love a neon
Skyline
Sweet smiling rose
The night life perfume
See the romeos dancing under the moon light
I see the night
Night was made for romance
You keep your sunny day
Just get me back to the night
'Cause I love that life
Back to the night
Like those skinny burlesque queens
I love a neon skyline
Got the card sharks hustling
At the break of the moon
Gay night walkers
Old blues buskers
All night long there's just so much to do
Just get me back to the night
Oh I love the life
Back to the night
Like a skinny burlesque queen
I love a neon skyline
In Joan Armatrading’s song “Back to the Night,” the opening lines describe a sun-scorched scene with still leaves and smiling drivers. The singer is watching young couples as they enjoy the sunny day. However, despite the pleasant atmosphere, the singer longs for the night. The night is where life truly flourishes, where burlesque queens and neon skylines come alive. The chorus repeatedly emphasizes the singer's love for the night, which is a place of romance and excitement. The singer mentions various groups of people that occupy the night, such as card sharks, gay night walkers, and blues buskers.
The use of sensory language is evident throughout the lyrics; the singer describes the perfume of the night life and the sight of neon skylines. The juxtaposition of the sunny day and the dark night also creates a contrast between the mundane and the exciting. It’s as if the night has a spell over the singer and she yearns for its reprise. This song is a vibrant tribute to the captivating aspects of nightlife, that includes people from all walks of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Leaves burnt by the sun
The leaves of the trees have been dry and burned because of the heat of the sun.
And there's no wind blowing
There's no breeze present that could bring relief to the heat and dryness.
See the motor cars with a smiling face at the wheel
Cars are seen on the road with drivers who seem to be happy or content with their ride.
I'm watching the little girls
The singer observes young girls who are enjoying their youthful moments.
With their young men at their heels
The girls are being followed by their male partners who are also enjoying the moment with them.
It's a sunny day
The day is bright and full of sunshine.
But get me back to the night
The singer prefers the nightlife over daytime activities.
'Cause I love that life
The singer enjoys the excitement and liveliness of the night scene.
Back to the night
The singer wants to go back to the party scene during nighttime.
Like a skinny burlesque queen
The singer identifies with the beauty and grace of a thin burlesque performer.
I love a neon skyline
The colorful and bright lights in the city during the night are pleasing to the singer.
Sweet smiling rose
The singer describes a flower that brings joy and delight to the senses.
The night life perfume
The pungent scent that can only be found in places where people gather at night.
See the Romeos dancing under the moonlight
The singer observes young men enjoying themselves by dancing romantically under the night sky.
I see the night
The singer perceives the darkness as something that brings him/her happiness and excitement.
Night was made for romance
The singer believes that the night is the perfect time for lovers to show their passion and affection.
You keep your sunny day
The singer doesn't really enjoy the daytime or the sun.
Just get me back to the night
The singer wants to return to the fun and excitement of the night scene.
'Cause I love that life
The central message here is that the singer really enjoys the night lifestyle.
Back to the night
The singer wants to go back to the party scene during nighttime.
Like those skinny burlesque queens
The singer identifies with the beauty and grace of thin burlesque performers.
I love a neon skyline
The colorful and bright lights in the city during the night are pleasing to the singer.
Got the card sharks hustling
The singer describes those playing cards aggressively, taking risks to earn a prize.
At the break of the moon
In the early hours after midnight or sunrise.
Gay night walkers
The singer refers to lively and colorful characters of the night scene.
Old blues buskers
Street musicians who can usually be found playing their instruments and singing the blues.
All night long there's just so much to do
The singer emphasizes the fun and energy that can be experienced all night long in the city's night scene.
Just get me back to the night
The singer wants to return to the fun and excitement of the night scene.
Oh I love the life
The central message here is that the singer really enjoys the night lifestyle.
Back to the night
The singer wants to go back to the party scene during nighttime.
Like a skinny burlesque queen
The singer identifies with the beauty and grace of thin burlesque performers.
I love a neon skyline
The colorful and bright lights in the city during the night are pleasing to the singer.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JOAN ARMATRADING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind