They are best known for their memorably anthemic hit about waiting for the weekend, "This Beat Goes On / Switchin' to Glide," released in 1980. The story of the song is captured in the documentary "The Kings: Anatomy Of A One-Hit Wonder," available at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4uz7tuTIfo
Visit http://www.thekingsarehere.com for up to date information on The Kings.
Long Lonely Nights
The Kings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm just tired of being lonely
Seen your actions and you phony
I can't lie I just need space
I think all these niggaz be some weirdos
Remember when I iced out both her earlobes
They switched up on me and I stood ten toes
Shit ain't sweet
That bitch weak
That nigga weak
Cash in my pocket
Spend it as I need
Prayers to the Lord
Down on my knees
Want to fuck with me
Got to pay the fee
Dripping like a leak
In the whip I speed
They just love me when I'm sitting low
Now they see my money long
Now they want to come along
Lonely but I'll be alone
That bitch wasn't loyal had to leave her
Swearing up and down that she a keeper
Loaded while I slide in this two-seater
Plays on my phone like it's a beeper
(Harmonizing)
I'm just tired of being lonely
Seen your actions and you phony
I can't lie I just need space
I think all these niggaz be some weirdos
Remember when I iced out both her earlobes
They switched up on me and I stood ten toes
(Harmonizing)
I'm just tired of being lonely
Seen your actions and you phony
I can't lie I just need space
I think all these niggaz be some weirdos
Remember when I iced out both her earlobes
They switched up on me and I stood ten toes
The lyrics of The King's song "Long Lonely Nights" express feelings of exhaustion and frustration with loneliness. The artist has observed the insincere actions of others, particularly people who claim to be close to him but ultimately turn out to be fake or disloyal. This has led to a desire for space and solitude, as the artist feels tired of dealing with these individuals.
In the first verse, the artist highlights a past romantic relationship where he once showered his partner with expensive gifts, such as diamond earrings. However, this person eventually betrayed him, leading to a realization that the relationship was not built on loyalty. The artist asserts his strength and resilience by stating that he stood his ground despite the betrayal. The lyrics also suggest that material wealth is not the measure of his value or happiness.
The chorus reinforces the artist's weariness with being lonely and emphasizes the disillusionment with the feigned actions of others. He expresses a need for personal space, possibly to reflect and heal from past hurts. The use of the term "weirdos" suggests that the artist finds it difficult to connect with and trust people due to their questionable behavior.
The repetition of the chorus in the second and third verse underscores the artist's persistent feelings of tiredness and disappointment. It emphasizes his desire for authenticity in his relationships and a longing to connect with someone who is genuinely loyal. The reference to a "two-seater" suggests a sense of independence and self-reliance, implying that the artist is focused on taking care of himself rather than relying on others.
Overall, "Long Lonely Nights" is a song that conveys the artist's weariness with fake people and a longing for genuine relationships. It explores themes of betrayal, resilience, and the importance of self-preservation amidst loneliness.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm just tired of being lonely
I am exhausted from constantly feeling alone and isolated.
Seen your actions and you phony
I have observed your behaviors and realized that you are not genuine or trustworthy.
I can't lie I just need space
I cannot deny that I require some distance and personal freedom.
I think all these niggaz be some weirdos
In my opinion, all these individuals are strange or peculiar.
Remember when I iced out both her earlobes
Do you recall the time when I adorned her earlobes with expensive jewelry?
They switched up on me and I stood ten toes
They betrayed me and acted differently, but I remained loyal and true to myself.
Shit ain't sweet
Things are not as pleasant or enjoyable as they may appear.
I had to leave
I had no choice but to distance myself and move on.
That bitch weak
That woman is not strong or capable.
That nigga weak
That man is not strong or capable.
Cash in my pocket
I have money in my possession.
Spend it as I need
I use it according to my own necessities or desires.
Prayers to the Lord
I offer my prayers and supplications to God.
Down on my knees
I humble myself in prayer by kneeling.
Want to fuck with me
If you wish to associate with me or engage in a sexual relationship, there is a price to pay.
Got to pay the fee
You must provide compensation or fulfill certain obligations.
Dripping like a leak
I am exuding confidence and style, comparable to a leaking substance.
In the whip I speed
I drive fast in my car.
They just love me when I'm sitting low
They only show affection or admiration when I am experiencing problems or hardships.
Now they see my money long
Now they realize that I possess a significant amount of wealth.
Now they want to come along
Now they desire to join me and be a part of my life.
Lonely but I'll be alone
Despite feeling lonely, I will choose to be by myself and embrace solitude.
That bitch wasn't loyal had to leave her
That woman was not faithful, so I had no option but to end the relationship.
Swearing up and down that she a keeper
Making strong promises and assurances that she is worth keeping or being committed to.
Loaded while I slide in this two-seater
Carrying a weapon while smoothly driving a two-seater vehicle.
Plays on my phone like it's a beeper
Sending frequent or incessant messages or calls to my phone, similar to a pager.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Jeremy Hall
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheZeevik
beautiful version
@bluenote824jones7
Really nice version
@nyronut
Clyde McPhatter did a nice version as well
@Frnk_3
This version recorded by the 1957 incarnation of the Ravens on Atco, (credited as “The Kings”) featured former Domino James Van Loan on tenor lead, his younger brother Paul at 2nd Tenor, his older brother Joe on baritone (Joe was normally top tenor but sang James’ background part when he was on lead), and former Lark David “Boots” Bowers on Bass. James was in the Dominoes with Clyde for about a year and a half, until Clyde left. Boots had been part of the second Larks group specifically. The only original member to sing with that group was Eugene Mumford who replaced Jackie Wilson in the Dominoes (note it was Jackie who originally replaced Clyde).