Feeling they had international scope, Gilder and fellow band member, guitarist and songwriting partner, James McCulloch left the band and signed an American record deal. Gilder's first album attracted some critical praise but failed to break into the commercial mainstream. It wasn't until his second solo album, which spawned the smash hit "Hot Child in the City", that Gilder finally had chart success in the United States.
That song went to number one both in Canada and the U.S. It also earned Gilder two more Juno Awards: 'Best Selling Single' and 'Most Promising Male Vocalist of the Year'. He also won a People's Choice Award in the U.S. With several other sleek songs on the topic of wayward youths, he gained the nickname "The Nabokov of the Jukebox". Later releases proved less successful commercially, however, and interest in Gilder's own music waned over the 80s and 90s compared to his 70s heyday, though he still had many fans.
However, Gilder has also been successful as a songwriter for artists such as Patty Smyth, Bette Midler, Joe Cocker and Pat Benatar. In 1984, the band Scandal had a number one hit with "The Warrior", which was written by Gilder and Holly Knight, and it earned him a BMI Airplay Award. The song experienced a resurgence among a later generation when it was included in the Guitar Hero video game series.
Gilder's songs have been used in several movies such as 'Youngblood' with Rob Lowe and 'The Wraith' with Charlie Sheen as well as in TV series such as 'Sex and the City' and 'That '70s Show'. Returning to Canada in the mid-90s, Gilder quickly became a favorite in the classic rock music festivals across Canada, where he continues to record and tour.
Here Comes The Night
Nick Gilder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's another world
Playing Valentino, trying to get a kiss
From the trendy girl
It's that lipstick game
Captured by a look from her x-ray eyes
She looked right through my best disguise
She took me by the hand, whispered with a sigh
I want you to stay, don't go away
Here comes the night
Stay don't be alone, so far from home
Here comes the night
Walking in the dark through the park
Where the lights are low
She took me by surprise with her x-ray eyes
They're the kind that know
Touched by her affections what social dame
Should a known she was a player in the lipstick game
The lyrics to Nick Gilder's "Here Comes the Night" describe a scene after dark where "shadow people" are walking and playing out different roles in a surreal world. The singer is playing the part of Valentino, attempting to woo a "trendy girl" with whom he wants to make a connection. He is captured by her gaze and becomes lost in her eyes, despite his disguise. The girl is confident and takes the lead, inviting him to stay and offering comfort to him.
The lyrics speak to the universal human experience of seeking connection and a sense of belonging, even in a strange or unfamiliar environment. The singer is willing to temporarily take on a different persona in order to connect with someone else. However, the role playing is not a true escape from reality, as the shadow people and low lights in the park suggest that there is still darkness and danger present. Despite this, the singer does not want to be alone and is comforted by the girl's invitation to stay.
Overall, "Here Comes the Night" presents a complex and layered portrayal of human desire, fear, and connection in a surreal and uncertain world.
Line by Line Meaning
After dark the shadow people walk
At night, people with shady motives come out
It's another world
Nighttime is a completely different experience than during the day
Playing Valentino, trying to get a kiss
From the trendy girl
I'm pretending to be suave and charming in order to impress an attractive and fashionable woman
It's that lipstick game
This is a game of love, seduction, and attraction
Captured by a look from her x-ray eyes
She looked right through my best disguise
She saw through my facade and knew who I really was just by looking at me
Drinking gin and tonic anything but shy
She took me by the hand, whispered with a sigh
Despite her confidence and boldness, she still acted sweet and gentle with me
I want you to stay, don't go away
Here comes the night
She wants me to stay with her and enjoy the night together
Stay don't be alone, so far from home
Here comes the night
She doesn't want me to be alone in an unfamiliar place when night falls
Walking in the dark through the park
Where the lights are low
We're walking in a dimly lit park at night
She took me by surprise with her x-ray eyes
They're the kind that know
Once again, she was able to see through my act and intentions with her intuition and insight
Touched by her affections what social dame
Should a known she was a player in the lipstick game
Although I fell for her affectionate charm, I should have realized that she was skilled in the art of seduction and frequently played this game
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES MC CULLOCH, NICK GILDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Buist Matt
//////////LYRICS//////////
After dark the shadow people walk
It's another world
Playing Valentino, trying to get a kiss
From the trendy girl
It's that lipstick game
Captured by a look from her x-ray eyes
She looked right through my best disguise
Drinking gin and tonic anything but shy
She took me by the hand, whispered with a sigh
I want you to stay, don't go away
Here comes the night
Stay don't be alone, so far from home
Here comes the night
Walking in the dark through the park
Where the lights are low
She took me by surprise with her x-ray eyes
They're the kind that know
Touched by her affections what social dame
Should a known she was a player in the lipstick game
Shawn Kelly
Great Song. Even better than Hot Child. Gilder has such a unique voice.
kate davenporty
yes.
Buist Matt
//////////LYRICS//////////
After dark the shadow people walk
It's another world
Playing Valentino, trying to get a kiss
From the trendy girl
It's that lipstick game
Captured by a look from her x-ray eyes
She looked right through my best disguise
Drinking gin and tonic anything but shy
She took me by the hand, whispered with a sigh
I want you to stay, don't go away
Here comes the night
Stay don't be alone, so far from home
Here comes the night
Walking in the dark through the park
Where the lights are low
She took me by surprise with her x-ray eyes
They're the kind that know
Touched by her affections what social dame
Should a known she was a player in the lipstick game
380johnny
I had this album when it came out. I think I was like 10. Sounds as good or better than it did back then.
steelydon19
Great work from an original, visionary writer and stylist.
bert maanders
...the whole ``City Nights`` album is KILLER!
kate davenporty
agreed.
Nathan Antelope
Yes It Rocks!!!.
Still Have My Old LP Of It.
Michelle Rossiter
i love it when you take a chance and listen to new stuff and fall in love with it....
Diane Steeves
Great song..love it!!