Bright Lights Big City
Willie Nelson Wynton Marsalis Lyrics

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Bright lights, big city
Gone to my baby's head
Bright lights, big city
Gone to my baby's head
Tried to tell the woman
But she won't believe a thing I said

Go light pretty baby

Gonna need my help some day
Go light pretty baby
Gonna need my help some day
You're gonna wish you listened
To some of those things I said

Say go ahead pretty baby
Go on and knock yourself out
I said go ahead pretty baby
Go on and knock yourself out

I still love you baby
But you don't know what it's all about

Bright lights, big city
Gone to my baby's head
Bright lights, big city
Gone to my baby's head

Tried and tried to tell my woman
But she doesn't believe a word I said

Overall Meaning

The song, "Bright Lights Big City" is a blues cover originally by Jimmy Reed. The lyrics describe the singer's concern for their partner, who has been consumed by the allure of city life. The bright lights and big city have gone to the partner's head, causing a disconnect between the singer’s perspective and theirs. The singer has tried to warn their partner of the dangers of the city and its way of life, but their warnings fall on deaf ears. The chorus repeats the idea that the partner has been consumed by the city life and now doesn't believe anything the singer says. The verses detail the singer's realization of this and their continued attempts to help their partner see the danger they are in.

The lyrics are a cautionary tale warning listeners about the appeal of city life and the risks it can bring. The song focuses on how quickly the bright lights and big city can become a trap, leading to disconnection from loved ones and becoming lost in a new life. This song is an homage to the classic blues and is a poignant message to the urbanized youth of the time.

Line by Line Meaning

Bright lights, big city
The alluring atmosphere of city life

Gone to my baby's head
Has captured my lover's attention and imagination

Tried to tell the woman
I have attempted to inform my partner

But she won't believe a thing I said
My lover refuses to accept my advice

Go light pretty baby
Take care of yourself, my dear

Gonna need my help some day
You will require assistance someday

You're gonna wish you listened
You will regret ignoring my words

To some of those things I said
To the warnings and suggestions I conveyed

Say go ahead pretty baby
Do as you please, my sweet one

Go on and knock yourself out
Pursue your passions to the fullest

I still love you baby
Despite our differences, I still care for you