About the song
“Neon Moon” is a timeless country ballad recorded by the American duo Brooks & Dunn. Released in February 1992 as the third single from their debut album Brand New Man, the song quickly ascended to the top of the country charts, becoming their third consecutive number one single. It held the top spot for two weeks and remained in the Top 10 for a remarkable 20 weeks. “Neon Moon” marked a turning point in Brooks & Dunn’s career, solidifying their status as one of the most popular country music duos of the 1990s.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Ronnie Dunn, paint a vivid picture of heartbreak and loneliness, set against the backdrop of a dimly lit honky-tonk bar. The narrator, nursing his sorrows with a drink, watches as couples dance under the neon glow, their carefree revelry a stark contrast to his own emotional turmoil. The song’s title, “Neon Moon,” serves as a metaphor for the artificial light that fails to dispel the darkness within the singer’s heart.
“Neon Moon” was not only a commercial success but also garnered critical acclaim. It won the Academy of Country Music Award for Single of the Year in 1993 and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Song. The song has since become a staple of Brooks & Dunn’s live performances and has been covered by numerous artists, including Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, and Blake Shelton.
Beyond its commercial and critical success, “Neon Moon” has resonated with listeners for decades, becoming a beloved country classic. Its relatable lyrics and poignant melody have touched the hearts of countless individuals who have experienced the pain of heartbreak and loss. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
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Lyrics
When the sun goes down on my side of town
That lonesome feeling comes to my door
And the whole world turns blue
There’s a rundown bar ‘cross the railroad tracks
I got a table for two way in the back
Where I sit alone and think of losing you
I spend most every night
Beneath the light
Of a neon moon
Now if you lose your one and only
There’s always room here for the lonely
To watch your broken dreams
Dance in and out of the beams
Of a neon moon
I think of two young lovers running wild and free
I close my eyes and sometimes see
You in the shadows of this smoke-filled room
No telling how many tears I’ve sat here and cried
Or how many lies that I’ve lied
Telling my poor heart she’ll come back someday
Oh, but I’ll be alright
As long as there’s light
From a neon moon
Oh, if you lose your one and only
There’s always room here for the lonely
To watch your broken dreams
Dance in and out of the beams
Of a neon moon
Jukebox plays on, drink by drink
And the words of every sad song seem to say what I think
And its hurt inside of me, ain’t never gonna end
Oh, but I’ll be alright
As long as there’s light
From a neon moon
Oh, if you lose your one and only
There’s always room here for the lonely
To watch your broken dreams
Dance in and out of the beams
Of a neon moon
Come watch your broken dreams
Dance in and out of the beams
Of a neon moon
Oh, watch your broken dreams
Dance in and out of the beams
Of a neon moon