The band was led by Mike Nilles, who founded the group and served as a songwriter, guitarist, and singer alongside fellow guitarist and vocalist Dan Prozinski. The late Kevin Foley, who would go on to play in Tommy Stinson’s Bash and Pop, held it down on bass; Dave Nussbaum played piano and synths; and Mick Wirtz played drums.
“Blackout” was originally recorded in 1985 at the historic Blackberry Way Studios, and was released the next year on Life Speeds Up. It was recently digitally remastered by Blackberry Way Records‘ Michael Owens — who has recently placed several Blackberry Way recordings onto popular television shows — and was included on the label’s 2014 compilation, Mini Hits of Minneapolis, Vol. 2. The compilation that contains the song is available on Blackberry Way’s website in addition to iTunes, Amazon and Tidal.
Blackout
Swing Set Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, oh, seems so unusual
Wipe out, wipe out, wipe out the lights
Oh, oh, seems so immovable
Blackout, blackout, blackout tonight
Oh, oh, and the city hides
Watch out, watch out, watch out tonight
And it′s only tonight
That you need someone, someone to hold on
Blackout, blackout, blackout tonight
Oh, oh, and the blind men know
Watch out, watch out, watch out tonight
Oh, oh, we're all blind men now
And you′re lonely tonight
And you need someone, someone to hold on
Living in darkness, looking for light
And there's nothing left, nothing's in sight
Blackout, blackout
Blackout, blackout
Blackout, blackout
Oh, oh
The song "Blackout" by Swing Set seems to be about the feeling of isolation and loneliness in a big city, particularly during a blackout. The repeated lyrics "blackout, blackout, blackout tonight" emphasize the darkness and lack of visibility that creates feelings of vulnerability and confusion. The singer urges the listener to "watch out" and "lock your heart inside" - advice that is particularly poignant in a blackout, when danger could be lurking anywhere.
The second verse introduces the idea that "we're all blind men now" - emphasizing that the blackout has a leveling effect. No matter how rich or powerful someone is, they are just as vulnerable as everyone else in the absence of light. The chorus repeats the idea that the listener needs "someone to hold on" - implying that the singer is offering themselves as that anchor in a time of darkness.
Overall, the song captures the feeling of insecurity and uncertainty that can arise in a blackout or other unexpected crisis. It raises the question of whether we truly are alone in these moments, or whether there is a way to find comfort and connection even in the darkest of times.
Line by Line Meaning
Blackout, blackout, blackout tonight
There is a power outage occurring tonight.
Oh, oh, seems so unusual
This blackout is unusual and unexpected.
Wipe out, wipe out, wipe out the lights
The lights have been completely erased.
Oh, oh, seems so immovable
It feels like the darkness is all-consuming.
And the city hides
The city is completely dark.
Watch out, watch out, watch out tonight
Be careful when moving around in the darkness.
Oh, oh, lock your heart inside
Protect yourself from danger.
And it's only tonight
This blackout is only temporary.
That you need someone, someone to hold on
During a crisis, it is human nature to seek comfort in others.
And the blind men know
Even those who cannot see can sense the darkness.
We're all blind men now
In this darkness, we are all vulnerable.
And you're lonely tonight
The darkness can be isolating.
Living in darkness, looking for light
In the midst of the darkness, people are searching for hope.
And there's nothing left, nothing's in sight
It feels like there is no way out of the darkness.
Blackout, blackout
The darkness has taken over.
Oh, oh
An expression of despair or helplessness.
Writer(s): Keith Ainsley Anderson
Contributed by Amelia C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@CamaleonGceron
One of the best songs ever. Love this track !!!
@ELXOSE80
Una maravilla que se me había pasado de largo ...
Gracias por compartirla.
10/Fav
@FrashLemon
Недооценённая музыка
@ichhabeeinziel
да
@josephrock5
#Lovestrangerthings
@thestrongprevail3039
Worst show ever made
@angelicar355
@For Real no it's not but people are entitled to have there own opinions
@MatteoToma
Oa2 ❤️
@elRiku00
Stranger things 2
@beepbeep8010
el Riku00 yesss