In 1972, Trident Studios signed Queen to a recording contract which limited them to only down-time studio access (when paying artists weren't recording) and they began working with producer Roy Thomas Baker. Baker and Studio owners/management Norman and Barry Sheffield insisted on re-recording the five De Lane Lea demos. A new studio version of "The Night Comes Down" was recorded, but in the end, it was decided that the De Lane Lea version was still superior, and this was the version which appears on the debut album. As of 2006, the unused Roy-Thomas-Baker-produced version remains unreleased and has not surfaced even on bootlegs.
Bootleg recordings of the original De Lane Lea demos are in circulation, and the difference in quality of "The Night Comes Down" is noticeable compared to the 1973 LP and even more noticeable compared to the latest series of digital remasters of that album from Parlophone and Hollywood Records. Otherwise, the demo is the same mix that appeared on the demo tape, with little to no alteration (the quality of the bootlegs makes it difficult to tell if the improvements are from proper mastering or additional mixing).
The song follows what would become trademark Brian May themes such as coming-of-age, nostalgia over the loss of childhood to the past, and the difficulties of life as an adult. There is also what could be an ambiguous reference to "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds", in the lyric: "When I was young it came to me; And I could see the sun breaking; Lucy was high and so was I; Dazzling, holding the world inside." May is admittedly a Beatles fan and has commented in numerous interviews on their impact on him.
The Night Comes Down
Queen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I could see the sun breakin'
Lucy was high and so was I dazzling
Holding the world inside
Once I believed in ev'ryone
Everyone and anyone can see
Oh oh the night comes down
Oh oh the night comes down
Oooh and it's dark again
Once I could laugh with ev'ryone
Once I could see the good in me
The black and the white distinctively coloring
Holding the world inside
Now all the world is grey to me
Nobody can see you gotta believe it
Oh oh the night comes down
And I get afraid of losing my way
Oh oh the night comes down
Oooh and it's dark again
And it's dark again
And it's dark again
The song "The Night Comes Down" by Queen is a reflective and introspective song in which the singer seems to be reminiscing about his past and how he used to view the world. The opening lines talk about how when the singer was young, he could see the world as a bright place, full of possibilities. He talks about being high on life and seeing everything with a sense of wonder and amazement. However, as he got older, he lost some of that optimism and began to see the world as a more uncertain and confusing place. The vibrant colors of life became less distinct and everything began to look grey.
The chorus of the song talks about how the night comes down and the singer becomes afraid of losing his way. It's as if the darkness symbolizes the confusion and uncertainty that he feels in his life. The lyrics suggest that the singer feels lost and is struggling to find his way in the world. He longs for the sense of clarity and purpose that he once had.
Overall, "The Night Comes Down" is a powerful and introspective song about the journey of growing up and losing one's sense of wonder and optimism. It's a relatable message, and one that many people can identify with as they navigate the ups and downs of life.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was young it came to me
In my youth, an idea or realization came to me
And I could see the sun breakin'
I felt hopeful and optimistic
Lucy was high and so was I dazzling
I was under the influence of drugs and feeling euphoric
Holding the world inside
Keeping my deep thoughts and emotions to myself
Once I believed in ev'ryone
I used to have faith and trust in people
Everyone and anyone can see
It was obvious to everyone
Oh oh the night comes down
I become anxious and overwhelmed as darkness falls
And I get afraid of losing my way
I fear getting lost or losing direction in life
Oooh and it's dark again
I'm reminded of the darkness and uncertainty in life
Once I could laugh with ev'ryone
I had a sense of humor and enjoyed being social
Once I could see the good in me
I had confidence and self-esteem
The black and the white distinctively coloring
The differences between good and evil were clear
Now all the world is grey to me
Everything seems muddled and unclear
Nobody can see you gotta believe it
No one else can understand my perspective, I have to trust my own judgment
And it's dark again
The darkness and uncertainty persists
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN HAROLD MAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@almamarquez7543
When I was young it came to me
And I could see the sun breakin'
Lucy was high and so was I dazzling
Holding the world inside
Once I believed in ev'ryone
Ev'ryone and anyone can see
Oh oh The Night Comes Down
And I get afraid of losing my way
Oh oh The Night Comes Down
Oooh and it's dark again
Once I could laugh with ev'ryone
Once I could see the good in me
The black and the white distinctively colouring
Holding the world inside
Now all the world is grey to me
Nobody can see you gotta believe it
Oh oh The Night Comes Down
And I get afraid of losing my way
Oh oh The Night Comes Down
Oooh and it's dark again
And it's dark again
And it's dark again
@directorkid3131
This is probably my favorite Queen song. The "oh oh" is just so beautiful, and the guitar, bass, and drumming are just so beautiful as well.
@oomphlagwumpla650
Better than porn TBH
@Daniela_Germany
One of those many Queen-songs that really grow on you with time...the mood is just special.
@willstooksbury1477
I agree it’s one of those songs that’s just perfect
@marceloinustroza5795
The oh..oh..is leaded by Roger and Freddie...
@Alenzomar982
Maravilloso
@musicalprostitute7860
I seriously don’t think it’s possible to get sick of songs by queen like literally I’ve listened to this song 5,000,000,000 times 😂
@LAMORENANY
OMG THE PROFILE THO LOL 😂
@Love-xl9ep
That makes no sense queen released this in 1974 and 4 (the song is 4 minutes) 4x5000000000 is roughly 2000000000 which translates to about 33,333 hours stop lying
@yourageisjustanumberstepso2607
It's not enough