Youth Of Today split in 1990 after releasing two studio albums and two 7" EPs, but have since reformed several times for reunion shows. Frontman Ray Cappo went on to form Hare Krishna bands Shelter (with Porcelly on guitar) and Better Than A Thousand, and would later cause controversy in the straight edge scene after being seen drinking a glass of wine in Italy while on tour.
One night stand
Youth of Today Lyrics
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I play and sing pack my things and move along
A pretty face, another place I never get to know
A one night stand, another show
My guitar a railroad car a bus or plane
Chocolate bar and there you are the price of fame
If I could do what I want to, I'd stay and never go
A one night stand is all I know
Instead of being on my own
I wish that I could be two people
And then I'd never be alone
Photographs of where I've been and all I've done
In this whole world, is there a girl, no, not one
Goodbye, hello I've got to go I hope you understand
A one night man is all I am
A one night stand, a one night man.
The song "One Night Stand" by Youth of Today is a heartfelt confession by a musician who is always moving from one town to another, playing his songs to live audiences every night. While doing so, he comes across different faces, different places, but never gets the chance to know anyone. He is just a passing figure, living his life out of a suitcase. He yearns for a real connection, a relationship that could last, but that seems to be impossible in his line of work. He is just a "one night man", a "one night stand", living out a dream of fame that has become his life's prison.
The songwriter paints a picture of a lonely life, where he is constantly on the move, jumping from one transportation mode to another, always in search of the next gig. He acknowledges the price of fame, which is the lack of stable relationships and the loneliness that comes with it. He wishes he could be two people, have a personal and a professional life, but that is not possible for him.
Line by Line Meaning
Every night a different town I sing my song
I perform in a new location each night, singing my music.
I play and sing pack my things and move along
After every show, I quickly pack up and leave for the next town.
A pretty face, another place I never get to know
I meet attractive people in my travels, but I never have a chance to truly get to know them.
A one night stand, another show
Each performance is like a one night stand, a temporary experience with no long term commitment.
My guitar a railroad car a bus or plane
I travel by various means of transportation with my trusty guitar by my side.
Chocolate bar and there you are the price of fame
Even though my career has its perks, like being able to eat chocolate anytime, there is a price to pay for the fame and attention I receive.
If I could do what I want to, I'd stay and never go
If I had the choice, I would stay put instead of constantly traveling and performing.
A one night stand is all I know
My lifestyle consists of brief encounters and temporary experiences.
I wish that I could be two people
I wish I had someone else to share these experiences and the loneliness that comes with it.
Instead of being on my own
Rather than being alone in my travels.
Photographs of where I've been and all I've done
I document my journey through pictures.
In this whole world, is there a girl, no, not one
Despite traveling the world, I have not met anyone who has caught my attention.
Goodbye, hello I've got to go I hope you understand
My temporary presence is followed by a quick departure.
A one night man is all I am
I am a person who only experiences short-lived interactions and temporary relationships.
A one night stand, a one night man.
My life consists of brief experiences and temporary encounters.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, ALPHA MUSIC, INC., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAUL ANKA, WES FARRELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind