About he song
“Because the Night,” a timeless rock anthem co-written by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith, has etched its place in music history since its debut on the Patti Smith Group’s album Easter in 1978. Released as a single on March 2, 1978, the song quickly became a commercial success, peaking at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and soaring to No. 5 in the United Kingdom. This achievement not only solidified its impact on the charts but also propelled the album Easter to mainstream acclaim.
The song’s allure extends beyond its original release, evidenced by numerous cover versions over the years. One notable rendition was a live acoustic performance by 10,000 Maniacs featuring Natalie Merchant for MTV Unplugged in 1993. Surpassing its predecessors, this version reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the highest-charting interpretation of the song in the U.S. and marking a pinnacle for 10,000 Maniacs on both sides of the border.
Critically acclaimed, “Because the Night” secured a spot on NME’s list of “The Top 150 Singles of All Time” in 1987 and, more recently, was recognized by Rolling Stone in their “Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” ranking at No. 358 in 2021. It remains a standout in Patti Smith’s illustrious career, emblematic of her impact on the rock genre.
The song’s inception is rooted in a fortuitous collaboration between Springsteen and Smith. Originally recorded during sessions for Springsteen’s album Darkness on the Edge of Town, the track faced creative hurdles until producer Jimmy Iovine intervened. Recognizing its potential fit for Smith, Iovine proposed giving her the song, an offer Springsteen graciously accepted. Smith then infused her distinctive lyrical style, transforming the track into her signature hit and securing her place in rock history.
While “Because the Night” never found a permanent home on a Springsteen studio album, it became a staple in his live performances, often with evolving lyrics tailored to the moment. Official recordings of Springsteen’s version are rare but treasured, notably featured in compilations like Live/1975–85 and The Promise.
Recently, the song received renewed attention when it was prominently featured in the trailer for Season 2 of HBO Max’s Our Flag Means Death in September 2023, reaffirming its enduring relevance and cultural impact.
“Because the Night” stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration in music, bridging Springsteen’s poetic beginnings with Smith’s raw, emotive style. Its legacy continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, a beacon of rock excellence and a testament to the timeless allure of music that defies boundaries and genres.
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Lyrics
Take me now, baby, here as I am
Pull me close, try and understand
Desire is hunger, is the fire I breathe
Love is a banquet on which we feed
Come on now, try and understand
The way I feel when I’m in your hands
Take my hand, come undercover
They can’t hurt you now
Can’t hurt you now, can’t hurt you now
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to love
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
Have I doubt when I’m alone
Love is a ring, the telephone
Love is an angel disguised as lust
Here in our bed until the morning comes
Come on now, try and understand
The way I feel under your command
Take my hand as the sun descends
They can’t touch you now
Can’t touch you now, can’t touch you now
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to love
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
With love we sleep
With doubt the vicious circle
Turns and burns
Without you, oh, I cannot live
Forgive, the yearning burning
I believe it’s time, too real to feel
So touch me now, touch me now, touch me now
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to love
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
Because tonight there are two lovers
If we believe, in the night we trust
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to love
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to love
‘Cause we believe tonight we’re lovers
‘Cause we believe, in the night we trust
Because the night belongs to lovers