About the song
“All Night Long (All Night)” stands as a vibrant testament to Lionel Richie’s musical prowess, blending elements of his Commodores roots with infectious Caribbean rhythms. Released as part of his second solo album, *Can’t Slow Down* in 1983, the song quickly ascended to the top of multiple Billboard charts including pop, R&B, and adult contemporary, solidifying Richie’s status as a versatile and accomplished artist.
The song’s lyrics, primarily in English, feature playful segments of what Richie himself described as “African” lyrics—lines like “Tam bo li de say de moi ya” and “Jambo jumbo”. Despite sounding authentic, these phrases were actually whimsical gibberish, conceived by Richie as a humorous addition due to time constraints preventing the inclusion of properly translated foreign-language lyrics.
Critically acclaimed, “All Night Long (All Night)” was praised for Richie’s masterful command of diverse musical elements and melodic shifts. Cash Box hailed Richie’s ability to seamlessly weave together various musical influences, making the song not only enjoyable but also a technical achievement in its composition.
The accompanying music video, directed by Bob Rafelson and produced by Michael Nesmith, further enhanced the song’s popularity, adding a visual dimension to its infectious rhythm and celebratory atmosphere.
Beyond its chart-topping success, the song has left an indelible mark in popular culture. Richie performed it at the closing ceremony of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, underscoring its universal appeal and enduring relevance. Its inclusion in the pilot episode of *Miami Vice* and later in films like *The Fifth Element* also cemented its status as a cultural touchstone.
The track’s production involved a notable lineup of musicians and contributors, including Greg Phillinganes on synthesizer, Darrell Jones and Carlos Rios on guitar, and John “J.R.” Robinson on drums, among others. This collaboration contributed to the song’s rich and layered sound, complementing Richie’s distinctive vocals and charismatic performance style.
In 2024, “All Night Long (All Night)” continues to resonate, featured prominently in advertisements for Mattress Firm, reaffirming its timeless appeal and ability to captivate audiences across generations. Lionel Richie’s creation remains a testament to the power of music to unite, uplift, and create lasting memories that span decades.
Video
Lyrics
Da Da, ooooh
Well, my friends, the time has come
To raise the roof and have some fun
Throw away the work to be done
Let the music play on (play on, play on, play on…)
Everybody sing, everybody dance
Lose yourself in wild romance
We’re going to Party, Karamu, Fiesta, forever
Come on and sing along!
We’re going to Party, Karamu, Fiesta, forever
Come on and sing along!
All night long (all night), All night (all night)
All night long (all night), All night (all night)
All night long (all night), All night (all night)
All night long! (all night), Ooh, yeah (all night)
People dancing all in the street
See the rhythm all in their feet
Life is good, wild and sweet
Let the music play on…(Play on, play on, play on…)
Feel it in your heart and feel it in your soul
Let the music take control
We’re going to Party, Liming, Fiesta, forever
Come on and sing along
We’re going to Party, Liming, Fiesta, forever
Come on and sing my song!
All night long (all night), oooh, (all night)
All night long (all night), yeaz, (all night)
All night long (all night), yeah, (all night)
All night long (all night)…(all night)
Yeah, once you get started you can’t sit down
Come join the fun, it’s a merry-go-round
Everyone’s dancing their troubles away
Come join our party, See how we play!
Come on! Come on!
Everybody dance like Jimmy
Come on!
Tam bo li de say de moi ya
Hey Jambo Jumbo
Way to parti o we goin’
Oh, jambali
Tam bo li de say de moi ya
Yeah, Jambo, jumbo
Oh, O, O, O, yes
We’re going to have a party! (Yeah… ugh)
All night long (all night), All night, (all night)
All night long (all night), All night, (all night)
All night long (all night), All night, (all night)
All night long (all night)…
Everyone you meet (all night)
They’re jamming in the street (all night)
All night long! (All night)
Everyone you meet (all night)
They’re jamming in the street (all night)
All night long! (All night)
Everybody come on!
Feel good! Feel good!
Come on!
Come on!
Sing about here, everybody!
All night long (all night), All night, (all night)
All night long (all night), All night, (all night)
Come on now
All night long (all night), All night, (all night)