Nightshift
Lionel Richie / The Commodores Lyrics


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Marvin, he was a friend of mine
And he could sing a song
His heart in every line
Marvin sang of the joy and pain
He opened up our minds
And I still can hear him say
Aw talk to me so you can see
What's going on
Say you will sing your songs
Forevermore (evermore)

Gonna be some sweet sounds
Coming down on the nightshift
I bet you're singing proud
Oh I bet you'll pull a crowd
Gonna be a long night
It's gonna be all right
On the nightshift
Oh you found another home
I know you're not alone
On the nightshift

You found another home
I know you're not alone
On the nightshift

Jackie (Jackie), hey what'you doing now
It seems like yesterday
When we were working out
Jackie (Jackie, oh) you set
The world on fire
You came and gifted us
Your love it lifted us
Higher and higher
Keep it up and
We'll be there
At your side
Oh say you will sing
Your songs forevermore (evermore)

Gonna be some sweet sounds
Coming down on the nightshift
I bet you're singing proud
Oh I bet you'll pull a crowd
Gonna be a long night
It's gonna be all right
On the nightshift
Oh you found another home
I know you're not alone
On the nightshift

Gonna be some sweet sounds
Coming down on the nightshift
I bet you're singing proud
Oh I bet you'll pull a crowd
Gonna be a long night
It's gonna be all right
On the nightshift
Oh you found another home
I know you're not alone
On the nightshift

Gonna miss your sweet voice
That soulful voice
On the nightshift
We all remember you
Ooh the songs are coming through
At the end of a long day
It's gonna be okay
On the nightshift
You found another home




I know you're not alone
On the nightshift

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Lionel Richie and The Commodores' "Nightshift" pay tribute to two influential musicians who passed away: Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. The song begins with a reference to Marvin Gaye, who was friends with Lionel Richie. Gaye's music was known for its emotional depth, and the lyrics suggest that he sang from the heart, with every line expressing his innermost feelings. The song also acknowledges Gaye's continuing impact on listeners, with the lines "He opened up our minds, and I still can hear him say aw talk to me so you can see what's going on." The lyrics then shift to Jackie Wilson, another influential musician who had hits in the 1950s and 60s. Wilson was known for his energetic performances and distinctive voice, which are referenced in the line "Gonna miss your sweet voice, that soulful voice."


The chorus of "Nightshift" celebrates the enduring legacy of both Gaye and Wilson, with the lines "Gonna be some sweet sounds coming down on the nightshift, I bet you're singing proud, Oh I bet you'll pull a crowd." The nightshift represents the afterlife, and the lyrics suggest that both Gaye and Wilson are still creating music and bringing joy to their fans, even though they are no longer with us. The song concludes with the reminder that even though they are gone, the musicians will always be remembered, as "the songs are coming through, at the end of a long day, it's gonna be okay, On the nightshift."


Line by Line Meaning

Marvin, he was a friend of mine
I knew Marvin personally


And he could sing a song
Marvin was talented in music


His heart in every line
He put his heart and soul into his music


Marvin sang of the joy and pain
He sang of both happiness and heartbreak


He opened up our minds
He broadened our perspective on life


And I still can hear him say
I still remember his voice


Aw talk to me so you can see
Let's have a conversation, so you can understand


What's going on
What's happening in the world


Say you will sing your songs
Promise to continue creating music


Forevermore (evermore)
For eternity


Gonna be some sweet sounds
There will be pleasant music


Coming down on the nightshift
Playing during the overnight hours


I bet you're singing proud
You're singing with confidence


Oh I bet you'll pull a crowd
You'll attract a large audience


Gonna be a long night
The night will be lengthy


It's gonna be all right
Everything will be fine


On the nightshift
During the overnight hours


Oh you found another home
You found a new place to belong


I know you're not alone
You have support and companionship


Jackie (Jackie), hey what'you doing now
I'm curious about what you're up to, Jackie


It seems like yesterday
It feels like just recently


When we were working out
When we were collaborating together


Jackie (Jackie, oh) you set
You were an influential figure, Jackie


The world on fire
You had an electrifying impact on the world


You came and gifted us
You arrived and shared with us


Your love it lifted us
Your affection and kindness encouraged and empowered us


Higher and higher
To greater heights


Keep it up and
Continue to do what you're doing


We'll be there
We'll be by your side


At your side
Beside you


Gonna miss your sweet voice
We'll miss the sound of your beautiful voice


That soulful voice
Your voice filled with soul and emotion


We all remember you
You left a lasting impression on us


Ooh the songs are coming through
Your music still resonates with us


At the end of a long day
After a tiring day


It's gonna be okay
Everything will be alright


You found another home
You found a place where you belonged


I know you're not alone
You have companionship and support


On the nightshift
During the overnight hours




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: FRANNE GOLDE, DENNIS LAMBERT, WALTER ORANGE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@susanrodriguez7407

I still listen to the same music I did back in the last 45 years. Today is my 73rd birthday. I am now listening to Night Shift. And singing.

@raindeerprojekt4119

Its Heavy and holy!!! Cheers to you Susan

@96NightRider96

and keep singing! forever more

@adriancox8134

A belated happy birthday!!

@kimmii2063

i love that you do that...xxxx

@kapologabriel5942

❤❤

178 More Replies...

@billynivy9938

Don’t worry you’re not the the only one listening to this masterpiece in 2024

@ethimself5064

Sounds magical since forever

@samuelsekati1426

shit i was worried🤣🤣

@lekkerkoffie8605

Why the fuck would anyone be worried about that?? What's wrong with you?

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