The group was formed in Minneapolis by Steven Greenberg, who wrote and produced all of the group's music, and who also played several musical instruments. The lead singer and saxophonist was Cynthia Johnson, and the rest of the group consisted of a changing group of session musicians, including guitarist David Rivkin.
They achieved some popularity during the late 1970s. The group released their debut album Mouth to Mouth in early 1979 (although original pressings of the album actually have 1979 or 1980 listed as the copyright date). Their hit from this album, "Funkytown" spent four weeks at Number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play charts in the United States and was awarded a platinum record. It reached number two in the United Kingdom and was a hit throughout the world. Their further singles failed to match their initial success (their only other Hot 100 entry was "Rock It", which peaked at #64), however they had more dance hits throughout the 1980s, including "How Long?" (originally a big hit for Ace) in 1981, which reached #4 on the U.S. dance chart. Lipps Inc. ceased in 1983 with the full-length album, 4 in 1983. Starring in 1984, Dobson Productions was a television label until 1993, settled between Lipps Inc. and The Fugees.
Addicted To The Night
Lipps Inc. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And dream the night away
I think about goin' out
I think about goin' out
I need a shot of the street
I wanna be alone in the dark
I could walk until it gets light 'Cause I'm addicted to the night
Lookin' for some kicks
Time to get a fix
Nighttime speed is what I need
Nighttime speed, what I need
I need a shot of the street
I wanna be alone in the dark
I could walk until it gets light
'Cause I'm addicted to the night
Optic neon curves
The light dissolves my nerves
The midnight sky get me high
The midnight sky get me high
I need a shot of the streets
I wanna be alone in the dark
I could walk until it gets light
'Cause I'm addicted to the night
Night turns into day
I need to get away
It's too bright in the light
It's too bright in the night
I need a shot of the street
I wanna be alone in the dark
I could walk until it gets light
'Cause I'm addicted to the night
I need a shot of the street
I wanna be alone in the dark
I could walk until it gets light
'Cause I'm addicted to the night
The lyrics to Lipps Inc.'s "Addicted to the Night" speak to a deep yearning for the nighttime and the excitement and stimulation that it brings. The singer explains that they dream all day and think about going out at night, needing a "shot of the street" and to be alone in the dark. They are addicted to the night and the energy it brings, wanting to find some kicks and nighttime speed to satisfy their desire for adventure.
The lyrics convey a sense of disconnection and restlessness, with the singer needing the darkness and neon lights to dissolve their nerves and bring them a sense of joy and excitement. They want to walk until it gets light out, hinting at a sense of escapism and rebellion against societal norms that dictate the sleep-wake cycle.
Overall, "Addicted to the Night" captures the allure of nightlife and the feeling of being alive in the darkness, with a pulsing beat and lyrics that speak to a desire for thrill-seeking and adventure.
Line by Line Meaning
I just sleep all day
I spend most of my day sleeping
And dream the night away
During my waking hours, I think about how much I look forward to the night
I think about goin' out
I consider leaving my house
I need a shot of the street
I crave experiencing the sights and sounds of the outdoor world
I wanna be alone in the dark
I prefer the comfort and anonymity of experiencing the night without others around
I could walk until it gets light
I'm willing to experience the night for as long as possible
'Cause I'm addicted to the night
I have developed a strong attachment to the nighttime and desire it regularly
Lookin' for some kicks
I want to experience some kind of thrill or excitement
Time to get a fix
It's time for me to do something that satisfies my craving for excitement
Nighttime speed is what I need
I need to experience the energy and excitement of the night to feel satisfied
Optic neon curves
I enjoy the visual stimulation of neon lights and other types of bright decorations
The light dissolves my nerves
The nighttime environment helps me feel more relaxed and less anxious
The midnight sky get me high
The aesthetics of the the night sky has a positive effect on my moods and emotional well-being
Night turns into day
The night eventually comes to an end as day arrives
I need to get away
I feel the need to leave the area where I've been experiencing the night
It's too bright in the light
The brightness of the day can be overwhelming and unpleasant for me
It's too bright in the night
There is still too much light around even during the night time for my liking
I need a shot of the street
I feel compelled to experience the energy and excitement of the outside world
I wanna be alone in the dark
I feel most comfortable being alone while experiencing the nighttime environment
I could walk until it gets light
I am willing to experience as much of the nighttime world as possible until the day begins
'Cause I'm addicted to the night
My desire to experience the night is so strong that it has become an addiction
Contributed by Lillian O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.