After a period in several obscure bands, Samson formed his own eponymous outfit, Samson, in 1978, consisting of Chris Aylmer on bass, and Clive Burr on drums. Burr left, and eventually joined Iron Maiden, and was replaced by the controversial Thunderstick, who wore a gimp mask on stage. At a time when the also masked Cambridge Rapist was making the news, he became a target for criticism. In 1979, the line-up was expanded to a four piece with the addition of Bruce Bruce (aka Bruce Dickinson) on vocals.
The band enjoyed a strong cult following in the best years of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal releasing the albums Survivors, Head On and Shock Tactics, until 1981 when Thunderstick left, and Bruce Bruce, who changed his name back to his real surname of Dickinson at this point, left to join Iron Maiden.
The talented vocalist Nicky Moore was recruited as replacement and Mel Gaynor then Pete Jupp took over drums, and this line-up released the commendable albums Before the Storm and Don't Get Mad Get Even. These two albums sold in higher quantities than the first three, and the band toured more countries and played to bigger audiences than the Bruce/Thunderstick lineup, although the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal was by now said to be a spent force. The band finally threw in the towel in 1984.
Samson spent the subsequent years in a variety of solo and group projects, including various temporary reformations of Samson, and had success as a producer, and also as a blues player, spending a year in Chicago. He played on the recording of the Ram Jam 1977 rock hit Black Betty.
In 2002 he died of cancer, whilst recording a new Samson album with Nicky Moore.
Bright Lights
Paul Samson Lyrics
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Looking for a woman for the night, gonna shoot my load
Rocking and rolling on the mainspring, feeling a smile flash by
Roll her to the left, roll her to the right, get high tonight
Bright lights
Running faster than you
Bright lights
Fancy 5 a.m. the sun is in the trees again
Coming back to hit the town, gonna kick the hammer down
Speaking in my head, waking up in bed, sweating, shaking withfright
Roll her to the left, roll her to the right tonight
The lyrics of Paul Samson's song "Bright Lights" are a representation of the rock and roll lifestyle of the '80s. The first verse of the song is about driving down the highway, looking for a woman and seeking pleasure. The phrase "Bright lights on the road" could refer to a metaphorical light that represents the way to pleasure. The second verse describes the aftermath of such behavior. The rocker sings of waking up in bed sweating, shaking with fright. The use of "rolling to the left, rolling to the right" is a metaphor for the lust-driven experience. The line "Get high tonight" could also mean seeking temporary pleasure that is fleeting.
The chorus "bright lights, running faster than you" seems to question the lifestyle of chasing after temporary pleasure. The lyrics "how does it feel to be through" could be asking the listener to take a moment and ponder the end result of this lifestyle. The final verse begins with "Fancy 5 a.m., the sun is in the trees again." This could be a message for the listener to wake up, face reality, and leave behind the superficial lifestyle.
Line by Line Meaning
Speeding on the highway, bright lights on the road
Driving fast on the road, surrounded by lights illuminating my path
Looking for a woman for the night, gonna shoot my load
Searching for a one-night stand, planning to climax
Rocking and rolling on the mainspring, feeling a smile flash by
Enjoying the thrill of life, experiencing moments of happiness
Roll her to the left, roll her to the right, get high tonight
Moving my partner in bed, aiming to have an exciting and passionate night
Bright lights, running faster than you
The city and its lifestyle are constantly changing, leaving some people behind
Bright lights, how does it feel to be through?
Asking those left behind how it feels to be separated from the city and its fast-paced lifestyle
Fancy 5 a.m. the sun is in the trees again
Noticing how beautiful the sunrise looks at 5 in the morning
Coming back to hit the town, gonna kick the hammer down
Returning to the city to have a good time, determined to enjoy oneself
Speaking in my head, waking up in bed, sweating, shaking with fright
Having nightmares or bad dreams, feeling scared and anxious after waking up
Roll her to the left, roll her to the right tonight
Being sexually active, having fun, and changing positions during intercourse
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CIARAN MCAULEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind