In 1984, Fell From the Sun EP was released and then followed in '85 by another EP, Northern Line. In 1987, the band released their first and last full-length album, Happy Nightmare Baby, on SST. Smith left the group on the Happy Nightmare tour and effectively put an end to the band. David Roback continued with vocalist Hope Sandoval, and in 1989 this band became Mazzy Star. A singles and rarities anthology, Early Recordings, was released that year on Rough Trade.
Happy Nightmare Baby
Opal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause you're mine, all mine
We're gonna go for a ride, gonna go for a ride
Down in the city tonight
Gonna be my baby, will you be my baby
Tonight, tonight?
Into the night, into the night.
Close your eyes, come along with me
Down into the bottom of the sea...
Happy nightmare baby, happy nightmare baby
'Cause you're mine, all mine
Will you be my baby, will you be my baby
Tonight, tonight?
The song "Happy Nightmare Baby" by Opal is a haunting and dreamlike track that explores the allure of danger and the unknown. The lyrics are filled with sensual and cryptic imagery, inviting the listener to join the singer on a journey to the depths of the sea and the dark corners of the city. The repeated refrain of "happy nightmare baby" suggests a duality of emotions, where fear and excitement are intertwined.
The opening lines "happy nightmare baby, happy nightmare baby, 'cause you're mine, all mine" create a sense of possession and control, as if the singer is luring the listener into a dangerous but irresistible situation. The second stanza, with its repeated question "will you be my baby tonight, tonight?" adds to the sense of urgency and desire. The third stanza, where the singer declares that "our love is gone, our love is gone, into the night," implies a loss of control and a surrender to the unknown forces of the night.
The final lines of the song, "close your eyes, come along with me, down into the bottom of the sea" create a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere, where the listener is urged to abandon their rational mind and to follow the singer into a dark and mysterious realm. Overall, "Happy Nightmare Baby" is a mesmerizing and enigmatic track that invites multiple interpretations and rewards repeated listening.
Line by Line Meaning
Happy nightmare baby, happy nightmare baby
Addressing to the subject as a happy nightmare baby twice.
'Cause you're mine, all mine
Expressing exclusivity and possessiveness towards the subject.
We're gonna go for a ride, gonna go for a ride
Planning to go out with the subject for a ride.
Down in the city tonight
Referring to the destination which is the city at night.
Gonna be my baby, will you be my baby
Asking the subject to be a romantic partner.
Tonight, tonight?
Seeking confirmation from the subject for tonight.
Our love is gone, our love is gone
Describing the end of love.
Into the night, into the night.
Suggesting the end of love as it goes into the night, indicating darkness and obscurity.
Close your eyes, come along with me
Encouraging the subject to follow and trust.
Down into the bottom of the sea...
Metaphorically inviting the subject on a deep, unknown venture.
Will you be my baby, will you be my baby
Repeating the request for confirmation to ensure mutual affection.
Tonight, tonight?
Asking for an immediate response to their invitation.
Contributed by Jason M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Scott Frost
Every time I hear this record I'm blown away by the writing, production, trippy blues slide, and Kendra's voice/delivery. Mazzy Star was great, but this is where it started. David Roback was such a wonderful musician and is emblematic of an over-looked era and style that I hope these You Tube posts will help rectify. One of the truly perfect records from this time.
Bert M
I agree! I was (still am)a big fan of Mazzy Star. I'm ashamed to admit that I'm only now discovering Opal. Thanks to First Wave channel on Sirius for playing them.
Dr Rayman
I admit it publicly: I have become totally addicted to this album! Brilliant stuff!
Richard Barone
I have always loved this album. The Marc Bolan/T.Rex influences are breathtaking. So well played. Such grooves. The guitar is sublime. R.I.P. David Roback.
John Sumida
These guys rock. Can't find their music anywhere! They totally rock
Marshal Magooo
Own it on vinyl.....will die with it
Snax
Thank you for posting! Haven’t heard this in years. Love it.
CXR
Masterpiece LOVE IT
Just James
the late 80's from about 86 to 89 were really psychedelic. love and rockets, the pixies, opal, smashing pumpkins...i saw all these bands in college and people literally handed out blotter acid at the doors of whatever venue was hosting the bands. the most psychedelic concert of all though was 1988 i think when pink floyd played ohio stadium to a sold out crowd of 100K and everyone in the stadium was tripping and then that giant pig started floating aroubd the stadium and everyone was just staring at it asking "is it God" and the rest of us who were just baked replied "no.. it's a giant flying pig" LMFAO
Rob Kidd
I was there...