The Way You Say Good-Night
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics


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So far away and so alone
How could I ever take you home?
You're beautiful
Beautiful

You got a devastating point of view
And everything you is true
You're beautiful
Beautiful

The nightbirds start to sing their favorite song
The way you say good-night
The nightbirds start to sing their favorite song
And the moon begins to sing

I kiss you and the sun goes down
How come it's always dark when you're around?
You're beautiful
Beautiful

The nightbirds start to sing their favorite song
The moon begins to sing
You're beautiful
Beautiful

The stars begin their Busby Berkeley-dance
The way you say good-night
And the night becomes a musical extravaganza
The way you say good-night

The way you say good-night
I dream of all day long
Oh, I could write a song about the way you say good-night
The way you say good-night
I dream of all day long
Oh, I could write a song about the way you say good-night
The way you say good-night




I dream of all day long
Oh, I could write a song about the way you say good-night

Overall Meaning

The Magnetic Fields' "The Way You Say Good-Night" is a love song that speaks to the emotional distance between two individuals. The singer expresses how far away and alone they feel despite being in the presence of someone they find beautiful. The singer describes the person they are with as having a devastating point of view that holds true to everything they say. Even though they are physically with this person, the singer feels a longing for them that keeps the surroundings persistently dark.


The song speaks to the power of the individual's presence, with even nature itself responding to the presence of their special someone. The nightbirds start to sing their favorite song, and even the moon and stars begin to dance a Busby Berkeley number because of the person and the way they say goodnight. For the singer, the way this person says goodnight is something to be dreamt about and even written into a song.


Overall, "The Way You Say Good-Night" is a song that speaks to the emotional impact of an individual's presence and the power of those little moments like saying goodbye. The singer bears witness to how the world responds to this intangible presence, underscoring the song's message.


Line by Line Meaning

So far away and so alone
I feel distant from you and lonely without your company


How could I ever take you home?
I wonder if I have a chance with you


You're beautiful
You are attractive in every way


You got a devastating point of view
You have a thought-provoking perspective


And everything you is true
Your opinions are valid and honest


The nightbirds start to sing their favorite song
The natural world is reacting to your presence


And the moon begins to sing
Even the moon is affected by your beauty


I kiss you and the sun goes down
Time seems to fly by when I'm with you


How come it's always dark when you're around?
I feel like time is passing too quickly when I'm with you


The stars begin their Busby Berkeley-dance
Everything around me seems to be dancing in response to you


The way you say good-night
Even the way you say goodbye is captivating


And the night becomes a musical extravaganza
Everything around me turns into a performance when you're here


I dream of all day long
I think about you constantly


Oh, I could write a song about the way you say good-night
Your presence inspires me to create art


The way you say good-night
Even the simple act of saying goodbye is special when it's with you


I dream of all day long
You are always on my mind


Oh, I could write a song about the way you say good-night
Your actions have a profound impact on me


The way you say good-night
Even the smallest gestures from you make me feel special


I dream of all day long
You possess a permanent place in my thoughts and heart




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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