BECAUSE THE NIGHT
Official studio version
Take me now baby here as I am
Pull me close, try and understand
Desirous 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
They can't hurt you now
They can't hurt you now
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to lust
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
Have I doubt when I'm alone
Love is a ring, telephone
Love is an angel disguised as lust
Here in our bed till 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
They can't touch you now
They can't touch you now
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to lust
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 I cannot live, forgive me now
The time has come to take the moment and
They can't hurt us now
They can't hurt us now
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to lust
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
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Info
BECAUSE THE NIGHT is a song written by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith. It was originally recorded during the Darkness On The Edge Of Town sessions. The song was officially released for the first time in a live version on the Live/1975-85 box set in 1986. See the live 28 Dec 1980 version for more details.
A studio version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on The Promise in 2010. The above lyrics are for that official studio version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT as released in 2010.
BECAUSE THE NIGHT was donated to Patti Smith for her 1978 album Easter. See Patti Smith Group's cover version for more details.
Writing
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Studio Recording
According to Sony's logs of Bruce Springsteen's studio sessions, BECAUSE THE NIGHT was recorded on 01 Jun 1977 and 01 Jul 1977 at Atlantic Studios in New York City, NY, and on 27 Sep 1977 at The Record Plant in New York City, NY. Three studio takes of the song are in circulation among collectors.
- An unfinished take probably recorded on 01 Jun 1977 at Atlantic Studios. See the unofficial studio version 1 for more details.
- A slightly more developed but still unfinished take probably recorded on 01 Jul 1977 at Atlantic Studios, or possibly on 27 Sep 1977 at The Record Plant. See the unofficial studio version 2 for more details.
- The official studio version features a modern vocal take (recorded in 2010) and uses Patti Smith's lyrics. It's unknown if the backing track is modern or contains some modern elements.
The Promise
The Promise is a Bruce Springsteen album that was released on 16 Nov 2010 as part of The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story box set, and separately as a 2-CD set. The album was also issued on a limited edition 3-LP set pressed on 180-gram vinyl.
Bruce Springsteen -- The Promise
The Promise is a collection of 22 previously-unreleased songs from the Darkness On The Edge Of Town recording sessions. Depending on their level of completion back in 1977-1978, some were only remastered, some were overdubbed with 2010 vocals or music, and some were completely re-recorded in 2010. The album was mixed by Bob Clearmountain.
- RACING IN THE STREET is an alternate take to the version found on the Darkness On The Edge Of Town album.
- THE PROMISE is a different version from the one found on 18 Tracks.
- CANDY'S BOY and COME ON (LET'S GO TONIGHT) are early versions of CANDY'S ROOM and FACTORY.
- BECAUSE THE NIGHT, FIRE, and TALK TO ME are songs that Springsteen donated to other artists.
- BECAUSE THE NIGHT, RENDEZVOUS, and FIRE were previously released by Springsteen in live versions.
- THE WAY is a hidden/bonus track and has been circulating on bootlegs in a slightly different mix.
- GOTTA GET THAT FEELING, SOMEDAY (WE'LL BE TOGETHER), WRONG SIDE OF THE STREET, AIN'T GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU, and CITY OF NIGHT have been circulating on bootlegs in different versions and under different titles.
- OUTSIDE LOOKING IN, ONE WAY STREET, and SPANISH EYES have been circulating on bootlegs in different versions.
- THE BROKENHEARTED is known from the 1978 tour rehearsals.
- SAVE MY LOVE, IT'S A SHAME, THE LITTLE THINGS (MY BABY DOES), and BREAKAWAY are songs that have never circulated or been documented.
Other Official Releases
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Bruce Springsteen -- Save My Love
7" single - Columbia (88697 81140 7) - USA, 2010
Limited edition single sold in North America exclusively at independent stores that participated in the 1st annual Black Friday Record Store Day campaign (26 Nov 2010).
A1-
SAVE MY LOVE
B1-
BECAUSE THE NIGHT
Bruce Springsteen -- 2 Titres Exclusifs
CD single - France Inter (no catalog number) - France, 2010
France-only promotional single given away exclusively with copies of an all-Springsteen special issue of domestic music magazine
Les Inrockuptibles, published on 27 Nov 2010. Comes in a black-and-white cardboard picture sleeve.
01-
BECAUSE THE NIGHT
02-
SAVE MY LOVE
Various artists -- Blinded By The Light: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
CD - Columbia Records / Legacy Recordings (19075955742) - USA, 2019
2xLP - Columbia Records / Legacy Recordings (19075955751) - USA, 2019
Other versions of BECAUSE THE NIGHT were also officially released.
The
live 01 Jul 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the
Berkeley, July 1, 1978 official live download in 2021.
The
live 09 Aug 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on
The Agora, Cleveland 1978 official live download in 2014.
The
live 19 Sep 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the
September 19, 1978 official live download in 2019.
The
live 20 Sep 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the
Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ September 20, 1978 official live download in 2017.
The
live 30 Sep 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the
September 30, 1978 official live download in 2020.
The
live 08 Dec 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on
The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story box set in 2010.
The
live 15 Dec 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the
Winterland 12/15/78 official live download in 2019.
The live 16 Dec 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Winterland 12/16/78 official live download in 2019.
The
live 29 Dec 1980 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the
Nassau Coliseum, New York 12/29/80 official live download in 2019.
The
live 31 Dec 1980 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the
Nassau Coliseum, New York 1980 official live download in 2015.
The
live 05 Jun 1981 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the
Wembley Arena June 5, 1981 official live download in 2018.
The live 06 Aug 1984 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena August 6, 1984 official live download in 2020.
The
live 27 Sep 1985 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Sept 27, 1985 official live download in 2019.
The
live 03 Jul 1988 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the
Stockholm Stadion, Sweden 1988 official live download in 2017.
The live 24 Jun 1993 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena, New Jersey June 24, 1993 official live download in 2018.
The live 22 Apr 2008 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL, April 22, 2008 official live download in 2019.
The live 28 Apr 2008 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Greensboro, North Carolina April 28, 2008 official live download in 2020.
The live 23 Aug 2008 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO 8/23/2008 official live download in 2017.
The live 28 Jul 2012 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Gothenburg July 28, 2012 official live download in 2020.
The
live 31 Jul 2012 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the
Olympiastadion, Helsinki July 31, 2012 official live download in 2017.
The live 22 Sep 2012 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on East Rutherford, NJ 09.22.12 official live download in 2019.
The live 24 Jul 2013 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Leeds July 24, 2013 official live download in 2018.
Live History: on-tour
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BECAUSE THE NIGHT is known to have been performed at least 82 times during the Darkness On The Edge Of Town Tour (111 dates, May 1978 to January 1979). A few of that period's setlists are incomplete or unknown, and therefore, the song may have been played on some more dates during the Darkness On The Edge Of Town Tour. On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement and featured a prolonged piano intro. The live 01 Jul 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Berkeley, July 1, 1978 official live download in 2021. The live 07 Jul 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on The Roxy July 7, 1978 official live download in 2018. The live 09 Aug 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on The Agora, Cleveland 1978 official live download in 2014. The live 19 Sep 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the September 19, 1978 official live download in 2019. The live 20 Sep 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ September 20, 1978 official live download in 2017. The live 30 Sep 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the September 30, 1978 official live download in 2020. The live 08 Dec 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story box set in 2010. The live 15 Dec 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Winterland 12/15/78 official live download in 2019. The live 16 Dec 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Winterland 12/16/78 official live download in 2019.
BECAUSE THE NIGHT is known to have been performed at least 65 times during The River Tour (138 dates, October 1980 to September 1981). A few of that period's setlists are incomplete or unknown, and therefore, the song may have been played on some more dates during The River Tour. On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement. The live 28 Dec 1980 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Live/1975-85 box set in 1986. The live 29 Dec 1980 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Nassau Coliseum, New York 12/29/80 official live download in 2019. The live 31 Dec 1980 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Nassau Coliseum, New York 1980 official live download in 2015. The live 05 Jun 1981 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Wembley Arena June 5, 1981 official live download in 2018.
BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed 41 times during the Born In The U.S.A. Tour (156 dates, June 1984 to October 1985). On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement. The live 06 Aug 1984 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena August 6, 1984 official live download in 2020. The live 27 Sep 1985 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Sept 27, 1985 official live download in 2019.
BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed 22 times during the Tunnel Of Love Express Tour (67 dates, February to August 1988), all during the European leg of the tour (22 out of 24 European dates). On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement. The live 03 Jul 1988 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Stockholm Stadion, Sweden 1988 official live download in 2017.
BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed 4 times during the 20-date-long Amnesty International Human Rights Now! Tour. The setlist for the 14 Oct 1988 show in Mendoza, Argentina, is unknown, and therefore the song may have been played on one additional date. The song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement.
In preparation for World Tour 1992-1993, BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed during the tour's public warm-up rehearsal show that took place on 23 Mar 1993 at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ. The song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement. The song is also known to have been practiced during the private rehearsal that took place in March 1993 in Glasgow, Scotland, the day before the tour's 1993 leg kicked off.
BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed 31 times during World Tour 1992-1993 (104 dates, June 1992 to June 1993), most of which during the 1993 part of the tour. On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement. The 24 Jun 1993 show in East Rutherford, NJ, was billed as "Concert To Fight Hunger" and the 26 Jun 1993 show in New York City, NY, was billed as "Kristen Ann Carr Fund Benefit Concert". The live 24 Jun 1993 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena, New Jersey June 24, 1993 official live download in 2018.
BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed 12 times during what is known as The Reunion Tour (132 dates, April 1999 to July 2000). On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangemen.
BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed 15 times during The Rising Tour (120 dates, August 2002 to October 2003). On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement. The live 23 Nov 2002 version featured a guest appearance by Bono (of U2) on vocals and Dave Stewart (of Eurythmics) on guitar.
In preparation for the Vote For Change Tour, BECAUSE THE NIGHT is known to have been practiced during one of the tour's three private rehearsals that took place from 27 to 29 Sep 2004 in Asbury Park.
BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed 6 times during the Vote For Change Tour (7 dates, October 2004). On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement, as a duet with Michael Stipe.
Live History: off-tour
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BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed off-tour on 30 Dec 1977 at CBGB Theater in New York City, NY, during a guest appearance at a Pattis Smith concert. Bruce Springsteen played guitar and sang background vocals during BECAUSE THE NIGHT. This was the song's live debut by either artist.
BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed off-tour on 18 Jul 2015 at Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ, during a guest appearance with Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers.
BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed during all three 2003 Asbury Park holiday shows. These concerts were billed as "Bruce Springsteen with The Max Weinberg 7 and Friends", with The Max Weinberg 7 serving as the house band, and Springsteen bringing guests on and off the stage throughout the shows. On these shows the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement, with Nils Lofgren on lead vocals; Springsteen played rhythm guitar throughout the song and joined on vocals for the chorus at the end of the song.
Appearance in Movies
Bruce Springsteen's official studio version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT appears in one movie.
Blinded By The Light
It was used in the 2019 film
Blinded By The Light, directed by Gurinder Chadha and starring Viveik Kalra. The song was also included in the film's soundtrack album.
See
I'LL STAND BY YOU (the "
Blinded By The Light" section) for more details.
Covers
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At least 15 artists have recorded and released Bruce Springsteen's BECAUSE THE NIGHT.
10,000 Maniacs -- MTV Unplugged
CD - Elektra (9 61569-2) - USA, 1993
This is a live album.
Melodious Thunk -- Melodious Thunk '94-'95
CD - no label (no catalog number) - USA, 1995
Richard De Groot -- Man At The Top: Medley Of Springsteen Songs
CD EP - Roulette Records (RR001) - Holland, 1997
This EP contains a cover of MAN AT THE TOP plus two versions (electric and acoustic) of a medley consisting of 8 Springsteen covers: BECAUSE THE NIGHT, BORN IN THE U.S.A., BORN TO RUN, DANCING IN THE DARK, FIRE, FOR YOU, MAN AT THE TOP, and THUNDER ROAD. Also included is a CD-ROM track containing interactive material.
Tahúres Zurdos -- El Tiempo De La Luz
CD - Epic (EPC 498105 2 / 4981052000) - Spain, 2000
BECAUSE THE NIGHT is a Spanish adaptation titled "La Noche Es...".
The Studio Sound Ensemble -- 70 Covers Of The 70's
Digital album - Countdown Media (unknown catalog number) - Germany, 2008
This is a download-only digital album. Includes two Bruce Springsteen covers: BECAUSE THE NIGHT and BLINDED BY THE LIGHT.
Domina Noctis -- Second Rose
CD - MetalAgen Records (MARCD-20-09) - Russia, 2009
Various artists -- Play Some Pool, Skip Some School, Act Real Cool: A Global Pop Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
2xCD - Where It's At Is Where You Are (WIACD20) - UK, 2009
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. BECAUSE THE NIGHT is performed by Brontosaurus Chorus.
Das Traumstern-Orchester -- Spielt Hits Von Bruce Springsteen
CD - Europa Family Music / Sony Music (88765 47379 2) - Germany, 2013
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Garbage / Screaming Females -- Because The Night
10" EP - Stun Volume (STNVOL-007) - USA, 2013
Judson Mancebo -- Babies Love Bruce Springsteen
CD - Sony Music (88765482692) - Brazil, 2013
CD - DIVUCSA (38-534) - Spain, 2015
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Various artists -- Rock Made In USA
Digital album - Open Records (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2014
This is a download-only digital album. 13 of the 20 tracks are covers of Bruce Springsteen songs. BECAUSE THE NIGHT is performed by Shania Robson.
Various artists -- Tramps Like Us - My Music Factory's Bruce Springsteen Tribute
Digital album - no label (no catalog number) - unknown country, 2014
This is a free download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album. BECAUSE THE NIGHT is performed by La Chambre.
Various artists -- Glory Days In Rimini - Keep On Dreaming
CD - no label (no catalog number) - Italy, 2016
This is a live Bruce Springsteen tribute album. BECAUSE THE NIGHT is performed by Roberta Vittori.
Graziano Romani -- Soul Crusader Again: The Songs Of Bruce Springsteen
CD - Route 66 Music (RT612017004) - Italy, 2017
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
JP Stingray -- Cover Me: Songs By The Boss
CD - JP Music (26086224) - The Netherlands, 2024
This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Credist / References
Thanks Francesco Esposito for the lyrics corrections.
Some of the above info about the studio recording and the live performances is taken from Brucebase.
Available Versions
List of available versions of BECAUSE THE NIGHT on this website:
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Official studio version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Unofficial studio version 1]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Unofficial studio version 2]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 30 May 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 01 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 05 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 07 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 08 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 09 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 12 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 14 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 15 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 16 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 18 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 09 Aug 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 19 Sep 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 20 Sep 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 30 Sep 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 08 Dec 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 15 Dec 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 03 Oct 1980 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 28 Dec 1980 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 29 Dec 1980 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 31 Dec 1980 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 05 Jun 1981 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 17 Jul 1984 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 12 Jun 1985 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 27 Sep 1985 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 11 Jun 1988 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 03 Jul 1988 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 19 Mar 2000 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 23 Nov 2002 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 02 Oct 2004 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 31 Jul 2012 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 12 Apr 2014 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 17 Jan 2016 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Patti Smith Group's cover version]
Page last updated: 26 Dec 2017