Paul Gilbert is well known for his highly-acclaimed technical guitar work w… Read Full Bio ↴Paul Gilbert is well known for his highly-acclaimed technical guitar work with Racer X and Mr. Big . After he parted ways with Mr. Big in 1996, Paul pursued his career as a solo guitarist and has evolved into a successful solo artist/singer/songwriter.

Gilbert composes music in a wide variety of styles including pop, rock, metal, blues, jazz, funk and classical, but is perhaps best known for his versatility and speed. His guitar work is characterised by his floating right hand contrary to the more common anchored right hand that guitarists like Pink Floyd's David Gilmour favour. He is also considered to be one of the best proponents of alternate picking.

Paul once had his own column in British guitar magazine, Total Guitar. He is sometimes a guest lecturer at the Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) that he once attended, along with Gary Hoey and many other guitar players. He works a great deal with GIT's division in Japan, where he lived for a time before relocating to Los Angeles, CA.

Friday Night
Paul Gilbert Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's Friday night
It's much too late
I know we missed
The subway train
Don't want to go
Home anyway
Just say yeah

I know we've had
Too much to drink
I'd call my dad
But I know what he thinks
So won't you stay
Oh, don't go away
Just say yeah

I feel so good sitting here next to you
And knowing that you're mine
The music's good, the lights are low
But I can still see
You're sure enough looking fine

It's Friday night
At least it was
It must have gone
With my beer buzz
But you could stay

Oh don't go away
Just say yeah

Overall Meaning

In Paul Gilbert's song "Friday Night," the singer sets the scene for a night out with a friend, which seems to involve drinking and potentially missing a train. The song is written in the first person perspective and reflects the singer's desire to spend more time with their friend rather than going home. They ask their friend to say yes and are convincing them to stay. The singer is clearly struggling with being intoxicated and considers calling their dad, but ultimately decides against it as they know what he thinks. The chorus of the song captures the happy and easygoing nature of being out with a good friend and having a great time.

The lyrics of "Friday Night" paint a picture of the freedom that comes with the weekend and the carefree nature of being young and having fun. The song is one that many people can relate to, particularly those who have gone out on a Friday night and had a few too many drinks. The tune is upbeat and uplifting, and the lyrics are catchy and easy to sing along to. Gilbert's guitar playing prowess is also prominently displayed in this song as well as his diverse vocal range.

Line by Line Meaning

It's Friday night
The day is Friday and it is evening time

It's much too late
It is very late at night

I know we missed
I am aware that we lost the opportunity

The subway train
To board a train that runs underground

Don't want to go
I don't feel like leaving this place

Home anyway
My actual house does not seem appealing to me currently

Just say yeah
Please agree with my request to stay here

I know we've had
I am aware that we have consumed

Too much to drink
We have exceeded the limit of alcohol intake

I'd call my dad
I would like to contact my father

But I know what he thinks
But I am aware of his opinion