“Because the Night,” released in 1978 as the lead single from Patti Smith Group’s album Easter, is one of Patti Smith’s most enduring and commercially successful songs. Co-written by Bruce Springsteen, the song combines raw rock energy with emotional depth, highlighting Smith’s unique ability to blend poetry with music. “Because the Night” became a defining anthem of the late 1970s and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

About The Song

• Songwriting Inspiration: “Because the Night” was initially written by Bruce Springsteen during the sessions for his 1978 album Darkness on the Edge of Town. However, feeling the song did not fit his album’s tone, Springsteen gave the song to Patti Smith, who completed it with her own lyrics that transformed it into a powerful love ballad. Smith’s lyrics reflect a longing for connection and the urgency of love, capturing both the passion and vulnerability of intimate relationships.
• Chart Success: “Because the Night” became Patti Smith’s first major hit, reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and entering the top 10 in the UK. The song’s success helped propel the Easter album to greater commercial visibility, establishing Smith as a significant figure in the rock and punk scenes. It remains one of her most recognizable songs and a staple in her live performances.
• Live Performances: “Because the Night” has been a highlight of Patti Smith’s live shows since its release. Known for her dynamic stage presence and emotional intensity, Smith often uses the song to connect with her audience, delivering each performance with passion and raw energy. The song’s anthem-like quality and sing-along chorus make it a fan favorite at concerts, underscoring its lasting appeal and emotional resonance.
• Cover Versions: “Because the Night” has been covered by numerous artists across different genres, each bringing their own style and interpretation to the song. Notable covers include versions by 10,000 Maniacs, who had a hit with their live rendition in 1993, and Garbage with Screaming Females, who released a cover in 2013. These covers have helped keep the song relevant to new audiences and solidify its status as a timeless rock classic.
• Cultural Impact: “Because the Night” became an anthem for the punk and rock movements, capturing the spirit of rebellion and desire that characterized the era. Its raw energy and emotional honesty resonated with audiences who were drawn to its authenticity and intensity. Over time, the song has remained a cultural touchstone, featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its place in popular culture.

“Because the Night” remains one of Patti Smith’s most enduring songs, celebrated for its emotional depth, poetic lyrics, and compelling melody. It stands as a testament to her collaboration with Bruce Springsteen and her ability to turn a rock song into a powerful expression of love and desire.

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Lyric

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