Up All Night
The Young Knives Lyrics

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I got dressed up, up to the nines
I took a look in the mirror, I wish I was thinner
Then everything would be fine

At least I smell nice, so come on and breathe me in
What's the point? what's the point? what's the point?
What's the point? what's the point? what's the point?

?Cause everybody looks famous
And they've been wasting lots of time
Everybody feels special tonight

It?s a show down and it?s down to the wire
The faces so warm, so pale and drawn
The last one?s to retire

And if no one can manage a smile, well
What's the point? what's the point? what's the point?
What's the point? what's the point? what's the point?

?Cause everybody looks famous
And they've been wasting lots of time
Everybody is special in their mind's eye

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Night, up all night, up all night, up all night
Up all night, up all night, up all night
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Up all night, up all night
We're not sleeping, we are staying up all night

Up all night, up all night, up all night
Up all night, up all night, up all night
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Up all night, up all night
We're not sleeping, we are staying up all night

Up all night, up all night, up all night
Up all night, up all night, up all night
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Up all night, up all night

Rock bottom, rock bottom
You've hit rock bottom
Rock bottom, rock bottom
You've hit rock bottom

?Cause everybody looks famous
And we've been wasting lots of time
Everybody is special in their mind's eye

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh

Everybody feels special tonight
Up all night, up all night, up all night

Up all night, up all night
We're not sleeping, we are staying up all night

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Young Knives’ song “Up All Night” describe a scene of people getting ready to go out for the night, feeling self-conscious about their appearances as they compare themselves to others who seem famous and put together. The singer of the song, after getting dressed up, takes a look in the mirror and wishes they were thinner. They mention that they at least smell nice, and wonder what the point is of trying to look good if everyone else looks better, until they come to the realization that everyone they are comparing themselves to is also feeling self-conscious.

The song then transitions into a scene at the party, where everyone is focused on having a good time and trying to feel special. There is some sense of competition, represented by the mention of a showdown that is down to the wire. The faces of the party-goers are warm but also pale and drawn. The singer notices that nobody is really managing to smile and wonders again what the point is of trying to compete with others, until they realize that everyone feels special in their own mind’s eye, and the night continues on with everyone staying up till morning.

Overall, the lyrics of “Up All Night” reveal the way many people feel during a night out – self-conscious of their appearance and comparing themselves to others, while also trying to have fun and feel special. The song encourages the listener to let go of these worries and enjoy the moment, recognizing that everyone is ultimately in the same boat.

Line by Line Meaning

I got dressed up, up to the nines
I am dressed up really nice from head to toe.

I took a look in the mirror, I wish I was thinner
Despite being dressed nicely, I still have some negative thoughts about my body image.

Then everything would be fine
I believe that having a thinner body would solve all my problems.

At least I smell nice, so come on and breathe me in
Even though I have negative thoughts about myself, at least I smell good.

What's the point? what's the point? what's the point?
I'm questioning the purpose or reason behind something.

'Cause everybody looks famous And they've been wasting lots of time
Everyone is trying to look and act like a celebrity and they are wasting their time doing so.

Everybody feels special tonight
Everyone has a belief of feeling special tonight.

It?s a show down and it?s down to the wire
This is a crucial moment and the outcome will soon be determined.

The faces so warm, so pale and drawn
Everyone is putting on a front but underneath they are tired and anxious.

The last one?s to retire
The last person to leave or go home.

And if no one can manage a smile, well
If no one can even muster a smile then why are we doing this?

'Cause everybody looks famous And they've been wasting lots of time Everybody is special in their mind's eye
Everyone is trying to be someone else and wasting time instead of accepting themselves for who they are.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
A chorus in the song.

Night, up all night, up all night, up all night Up all night, up all night, up all night Oh, oh, oh, oh Up all night, up all night We're not sleeping, we are staying up all night
We are staying up all night and not sleeping.

Rock bottom, rock bottom You've hit rock bottom Rock bottom, rock bottom You've hit rock bottom
Things are not going well and it feels like rock bottom.

'Cause everybody looks famous And we've been wasting lots of time Everybody is special in their mind's eye
Everyone is pretending to be someone else and not accepting themselves for who they are which is a waste of time.

Everybody feels special tonight Up all night, up all night, up all night Up all night, up all night We're not sleeping, we are staying up all night
Everyone believes they are special tonight and we are staying up all night instead of sleeping.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh, oh
A chorus in the song.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JASON PERRY, JULIAN EMERY, MATHEW WILLIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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