Patti Smith Delivers Haunting, Unforgettable Performance Of “Because The Night”

Patti Smith Delivers Haunting, Unforgettable Performance Of “Because The Night” | Society Of Rock Videos

Old Grey Whistle Test, 1978

Written in 1977 and featured on her album Easter, Patti Smith’s ‘Because The Night’ goes down in history as her biggest hit and one of the most culturally important songs to emerge out of the 1970s. Smith co-wrote it with Bruce Springsteen, using her love affair with MC5’s Fred ‘Sonic’ Smith as a springboard for this emotionally charged, in-your-face approach to love songs and while Patti amassed a huge cult following after the release of ‘Because The Night,’ it was her only major hit. It’s hard to imagine why, especially after this 1978 performance on the Old Grey Whistle Test; one of the show’s most iconic musical acts, Patti is all frenetic energy – even while standing still and singing!

Fun Fact: Patti Smith co-wrote several songs with classic rock icons Blue Öyster Cult.

It’s that Janis Joplin-esque way of getting down into the song’s roots and letting the music drive her, rather than forcing it and while her voice is anything but conventional, Patti’s voice absolutely shines on ‘Because The Night,’ forcing you to sit up and pay attention. Maybe that’s why nearly 40 years later, it’s still the standard by which most modern female rock singers go when writing and performing!

+ Because The Night lyrics +

Take me now, baby, here as I am
Hold me close, n’ try n’ understand
Desire is hunger is the fire I breathe
Love is a banquet on which we feed

C’mon now, try n’ understand
The way I feel under your command
Take my hand, as the sun descends
They can’t hurt ya now, can’t hurt ya now, can’t hurt ya 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, baby, when I’m alone
Love is a ring, on the telephone
Love is an angel disguised as lust
Here in our bed ’til the morning comes

C’mon now, try n’ understand
The way I feel under your command
Take my hand, as the sun descends
They can’t hurt ya now, can’t hurt ya now, can’t hurt ya 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 cycle turns, n’ burns
Without you oh I cannot live, forgive the yearnin’ burnin’
I believe it’s time, too real to feel, so take me now, take me now, take me now…

Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to lust
Because the night belongs to lovers

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