Nightime
The Afghan Whigs Lyrics
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Air goes cool and hurrying on my way
And dressing so sweet, all the people to see
They're looking at me, all the people to see
When I set my eyes on you
You look like a kitty
And when you're in the moon
Caught a glance in your eyes
And fell through the skies
Glance in your eyes
And fell through the skies
Walking down the freezing street
Scarf goes out behind
You said get them away
Please, don't say a word
Get me out of here
Get me out of here
I hate it here
Get me out of here
Nightime, I go out and see the people
Air goes cool and on my way
Nightime, I go out and see the people
Glanced in your eyes and fell through the skies
Glanced in your eyes and fell through the skies
The Afghan Whigs's song Nightime is a poetic description of a gentleman's nightly adventures out in the city. The nighttime air sets a cool scene for the man to walk the city streets and watch people. He is enchanted by the people he sees, particularly a woman who catches his eye. The way she dresses and looks like a kitty under the moonlight captivates him.
The dynamics of the song are interesting. The intensity of the lyrics in the first verse contrasts with the soft melody that accompanies it. The second verse and chorus dial-down the energy; it sounds almost as though the singer is talking more than singing. This change serves to emphasize the focus of the song, which is the relationship between the singer and the woman he is watching.
The song's lyrics seem to touch on the theme of escaping. The man seems to be looking for a way out of his current situation, possibly city life. When he says get me out of here, it is unclear if he is talking to the woman who he is watching or if he is talking to himself. Either way, it's as if he is searching for something and is not quite satisfied with his life.
Line by Line Meaning
Nightime I go out and see the people
I venture out at night to observe and interact with others
Air goes cool and hurrying on my way
The wind is getting cold and I rush to my destination
And dressing so sweet, all the people to see
In fashionable attire, attracting attention from those around me
They're looking at me, all the people to see
I am a sight to behold, drawing the focus of the crowd
When I set my eyes on you
Upon catching glimpses of you
You look like a kitty
Your appearance resembling that of a feline
And when you're in the moon
During moonlit nights
Oh, you look so pretty
You possess a great deal of beauty
Caught a glance in your eyes
Caught sight of your gaze
And fell through the skies
Experiencing a sense of overwhelming emotion
Walking down the freezing street
Strolling down a chilly road
Scarf goes out behind
Scarf flutters behind me in the wind
You said get them away
You requested I remove others from our vicinity
Please, don't say a word
Do not speak another syllable
Get me out of here
I desire to leave this place
I hate it here
I hold a strong disdain for this location
Nightime, I go out and see the people
The cover of darkness allows me to go out and socialize
Air goes cool and on my way
The chill in the air accompanies me on my path
Glanced in your eyes and fell through the skies
A brief gaze into your eyes overwhelmed me with sensation
Glanced in your eyes and fell through the skies
A quick glimpse of you stirred up intense emotion
Writer(s): ALEX CHILTON
Contributed by Callie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Billy J
This was actually the cover that got me into big star. I still love it just as much to this day.
Dimitris R
such a great cover...such a brilliant band!
Alfredo CA
When I found this cover I said "of course Greg Dulli is covering Alex Chilton, real recognizes real"
Jordan Smith
No thumbs down - thank christ i can still believe in souls.
Scott Hinojos
Two years later, still good.