When The Lights Go Down
Triumph Lyrics
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Houselights ready to cue
Backstage smoke is risin'
Steamin' like a witch's brew
I want to play some rock 'n roll
I want to sing the blues
Yes I know
I feel it comin'
When the lights go down
We're ready to play the blues
When the lights go down
It's time to light, time to light, time to light the fuse
Oh no, they're screamin' like the 4th of July
Hollywood comes to your hometown
Hammers cocked and ready to fire
I've got itchy fingers
For the trigger tonight
And I'm tired of waitin', so tired
Let the party roll
The lyrics to Triumph's song "When The Lights Go Down" describe the excitement that comes with performing live music on stage. The song begins with the preparation for the show, with spotlights and houselights being readied and smoke rising from backstage. The singer expresses their desire to play rock and roll and sing the blues, and they feel that something big is about to happen. Once the lights go down, it's time to start the show and light the fuse of the audience's excitement. The song ends with the singer expressing their eagerness to start the party and play some music.
The lyrics to this song emphasize the thrill of performing and the power of music to bring people together. The imagery of the spotlights and smoke creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, and the repeated line "let the party roll" adds to the energetic, celebratory tone of the song. The reference to Hollywood coming to town and hammers being cocked adds a sense of danger and edginess, suggesting that the music being played is not just safe, sanitized pop but something raw and authentic.
Overall, "When The Lights Go Down" is a song that celebrates the thrill of live music and the connection it creates between the performers and the audience. It emphasizes the power of music to bring people together and create a sense of community, and the lyrics are full of vivid imagery and references that add to the song's excitement and energy.
Line by Line Meaning
Spotlights
The stage lights are shining brightly and grabbing the attention of the audience.
Houselights ready to cue
The main house lights are dimmed and ready to signal the band's entrance.
Backstage smoke is risin'
Smoke machines are filling the stage and backstage with a theatrical effect.
Steamin' like a witch's brew
The smoke is thick like a potion boiling in a witch's cauldron.
I want to play some rock 'n roll
The singer desires to perform some high-energy rock music.
I want to sing the blues
The singer wants to express deep emotions and experiences through blues music.
Yes I know
The singer is fully aware and ready to perform.
I feel it comin'
The singer senses the energy and excitement building up in the crowd.
Let the party roll
The singer is eager to start the show and entertain the audience.
When the lights go down
When the main house lights are turned off, it is a cue for the band to start performing.
We're ready to play the blues
The band is prepared to play soulful and meaningful blues music.
It's time to light, time to light, time to light the fuse
It's time to ignite the energy and excitement in the audience by starting the show.
Oh no, they're screamin' like the 4th of July
The audience is cheering and shouting loudly like fireworks on a festive day.
Hollywood comes to your hometown
The performance is grand and impressive, as if a Hollywood-level show is brought to a small town.
Hammers cocked and ready to fire
The band is full of energy and prepared to deliver an explosive performance.
I've got itchy fingers
The singer is eager to start singing and performing.
For the trigger tonight
The singer is ready to start the show and give a memorable performance.
And I'm tired of waitin', so tired
The singer is impatient and exhausted from waiting to start the show.
Let the party roll
The singer repeats their excitement to start the show and entertain the audience.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GIL MOORE, MIKE LEVINE, RIK EMMETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@daveburns9462
The older I get the more I appreciate just how good Gil’s voice was. Plus he’s hammering the drums. Mike was great also. Rik is really just a freak of nature. World class guitarist and singer. Just a great band and nice humans to boot. Whats not to like?
@JFrit67
Song is pure thunder.
@johnnyenglish9622
Aren't they Canadian too? Not bad eh!
@YAMISOOLD2009
This kind of rock and roll is sadly missing today. This is a great video. thanks for posting!
@sonidamara5018
Greta Van fleet ?
@cornifron
The reason it is missing is... because the lyrics have morals. Like Kansas, Galactic Cowboys. Creative Musicians that have a concept of what real life, really is. They are singing from their perspective, what they feel in their heart. Believe it or not, I just recently became fascinated with Triumph. I was out to sea literally, off of Canada and was trying to make a living swordfishing. Waay before I knew what I know now. Its not conspiracy... it is truth. Truth has been swept under the rug for the all prevalent lie. Truth will Triumph over evil. What a fitting name for a band that stands for good against its evil competition. It would be good to see a reunion of these guys like the Galactic Cowboys did back in the day. The Last days Tour... or something to that nature
@jimmoore811
Pure kick ass rock and roll by a fabulous band
@patrickmcquillan3039
40 years later we look at this and think wow this was explosive musicianship Rick Emmitt was a force of nature, he can shred on guitar and hit hi c notes with his falsetto verbrato, nothing like this on the planet
@bbowman105
Wow, Rik get's a ton of attention for his singing, but Gil has some serious power behind those vocals. Dang!
@markevans2216
Gil is one of the best singing drummers ever