Savoy Brown is a British blues band formed in the 1960s, originally known a… Read Full Bio ↴Savoy Brown is a British blues band formed in the 1960s, originally known as the Saveloy Brown Blues Band. Their 1969 single, Train to Nowhere (with singer Chris Youlden), was viewed by many as the last gasp of the blues scene in Great Britain. Although Savoy Brown never reached much acclaim in their home nation, they developed a loyal core following in the United States. In the 1960s and 1970s, the band managed to penetrate the Billboard Hot 100. Superstardom perpetually evaded them, perhaps in part because of their frequent lineup changes. Indeed, while the band is still active today, only one founding member, Kim Simmonds, has been with the band since the beginning. Guitarist "Lonesome" Dave Peverett, bassist Tony Stevens, and drummer Roger Earl went on to form Foghat. Original member and harmonica player John O'Leary is still active on the British blues circuit with The John O'Leary Band. Savoy Brown's first album, Shake Down, featured lead vocalist Bryce Portius. Portius was one of the first black blues musicians to be a part of a British rock band. Another singer, Dave Walker, would later join Fleetwood Mac and Black Sabbath.

Big City Lights
Savoy Brown Lyrics

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Bob Hall/ Chris Youlden-Chrysalis Music Ltd.
I've been a long way from home and I can't sleep at night
I've go a funny feeling something just ain't right
I'll just stand here watching the big city lights

I keep thinking 'bout my baby, bound to go away
Well she gone and leave me yes, she's gone to stay
Now I'll get even baby some sweet day

I've been a long way from home and I can't sleep at night
I've go a funny feeling something just ain't right
I'll just stand here watching the big city lights

I've been a long way from home and I can't sleep at night

I've go a funny feeling something just ain't right
Got a long way from home and the big city lights

Overall Meaning

Savoy Brown's hit song "Big City Lights" describes the struggles of a man who has ventured far from his home and his loved ones. The lyrics reveal that he is experiencing feelings of confusion and restlessness as he tries to grapple with his disconnectedness from his past. He's far away from his significant other and can't help but think about her decision to leave him. Despite this, the man remains determined to take revenge and prove to her that he's not someone who can be discarded easily.

The song also seems to convey a broader theme of longing for something real amidst the rush and chaos of city life. The singer watches the flashing neon lights, suggesting that the urban setting is full of superficiality and artificiality. He may feel isolated and alone, as the big city has perhaps turned out to be an unfamiliar and uncomfortable place for him. Overall, the lyrics give insight into the human tendency to desire connection and meaning, even in the overwhelming, impersonal landscape of an urban metropolis.

Line by Line Meaning

I've been a long way from home and I can't sleep at night
Being far away from home, I feel homesick and restless, unable to find peace at night

I've go a funny feeling something just ain't right
I have an unexplainable sense of unease and discomfort

I'll just stand here watching the big city lights
I will spend my time standing and observing the bright and bustling city lights

I keep thinking 'bout my baby, bound to go away
I cannot stop thinking about my significant other who is leaving me soon

Well she gone and leave me yes, she's gone to stay
My partner has left me and it seems like they are gone for good

Now I'll get even baby some sweet day
I will seek revenge on my former partner in the future

Got a long way from home and the big city lights
I have come a great distance from my home and am now surrounded by the bright city lights

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

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