The Scofflaws early sound was characterized by strong R&B and jazz influences as well as eclectic covers of such songs as Henry Mancini's "A Shot in the Dark", Danny Elfman's theme from "Pee Wee's Big Adventure", and a scorching live rendition of The Skatalites instrumental "Ska La Parisian". Despite the limited vocal abilities of the various band members who shared the singing duties, The Scofflaws had numerous cult favorite songs due to the offbeat lyrics and quirky vocal stylings of Richard "Sammy" Brooks and Buford O'Sullivan on tunes such as "Ska-La-Carte", "Nude Beach" and "William Shatner".
Although The Scofflaws have not released a studio recording since 1998, they continue to perform live gigs in the New York City area and are still fondly remembered by many ska fans as a driving force in establishing the U.S. ska scene in the 90's.
After the Lights Go Down Low
The Scofflaws Lyrics
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There'll be no reason for teasin' me so
And when the dancin' is through and folks will be few
I'll be here sittin' with no one but you
And I'll be needin' you so after the lights go down low
I wanna hold you, squeeze you as tight as I can
I'd like to kiss you, please you and make you understand
And when you thrill me, you fill me with love so divine
When the lights go down low, baby, you know
there'll be no reason for teasin' me so
And we can cuddle up near wihout any fear
'Cause I've got some sweet talk that you want to hear
And I'll be needin' you so after the lights go down low
The lyrics to The Scofflaws’ “After the Lights Go Down Low” speak to a romantic and intimate moment shared between two people after a night of dancing and socializing. The singer tells his lover that once the lights go down low, there will be no reason for teasing or holding back affection. He then goes on to express his desire to hold her tightly, kiss her passionately, and make her understand his love for her. The verses showcase the intimacy and emotional connection between the two, with the singer wanting to have a good time together and promising sweet talk to his lover.
The lyrics of the song are very poetic and beautifully written. They perfectly capture the mood and emotions of a couple deeply in love. The music itself has an upbeat ska vibe to it, but it’s the lyrics that give it a more romantic dimension. The theme of the song is simple but appealing: love in the time of the night. It speaks to everyone who has felt the rush of emotions that comes with being with someone they love; the kind of love that needs no words or explanation.
Line by Line Meaning
After the lights go down low, baby, you know
Once the light dim, you will not have a reason to tease me anymore.
There'll be no reason for teasin' me so
No need to tease me as you have been doing when the lights were bright.
And when the dancin' is through and folks will be few
After the dance is over and the crowd thins out.
I'll be here sittin' with no one but you
I will be here alone with you, as everyone else has left.
And I'll be needin' you so after the lights go down low
I will need you even more when the lights are low.
I wanna hold you, squeeze you as tight as I can
I want to hug you and hold you as tightly as possible.
I'd like to kiss you, please you and make you understand
I want to kiss you and please you, so you understand how much I care for you.
And when you thrill me, you fill me with love so divine
When you make me happy, I feel an overwhelming sense of love.
Together we can have a good time
We can have an enjoyable time together.
And we can cuddle up near wihout any fear
We can snuggle up close without any worries.
'Cause I've got some sweet talk that you want to hear
I have some sweet words that I know you will enjoy hearing.
And I'll be needin' you so after the lights go down low
I will continue to need you even after the lights have dimmed.
Writer(s): Alan White, Leroy Lovett
Contributed by Charlie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Rebecca Tilp
on William Shatner
It's mouth. Not Barrel