Until the Night

Billy Joel

About Until the Night

"Until the Night" is a song written by Billy Joel for his 1978 album, 52nd Street. The song, which Joel has confirmed was inspired by the Righteous Brothers, is an example of Joel's penchant for evoking the hit sounds of the 1960s which would be the basis for his 1983 album, An Innocent Man. Although passed over for single release in the US, "Until the Night" was issued as the second single from 52nd Street in the UK - following "My Life" - in March 1979 and reached #50 on the UK Singles Chart. Various versions of the single are in existence, with different B-sides, namely "Root Beer Rag", "Big Shot", and "Just The Way You Are" (all on CBS label). "Until the Night" is also included on the 2005 Billy Joel four-CD and one-DVD compilation entitled My Lives (in reference to the song "My Life"). 


Year:
1978
6:35
515 
#2

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I never ask you where you go
After I leave you in the morning
We go our different ways to separate situations
It's not that easy anymore

Today I do what must be done
I give my time to total strangers
But now it feels as though the day goes on forever
MOre than it ever did before

CHORUS
Until the night, until the night
I just might make it
Until the night, until the night
When I see you again

Now you're afraid that we have changed
And I'm afraid we're getting older
So many broken hearts, so many lonely faces
So many lovers come and gone

I'll have my fears like every man
You'll have your tears like every woman
Today we'll be unsure, is this what we believe in
And wonder how can we go on

CHORUS

When the sun goes down
And the day is over
When the last of the light has gone
As they pour into the street
I will be getting closer
As the cars turn their headlights on
While they're closing it down
We're gonna open it up
And while they're going to sleep
We'll just be starting to touch
I'm just beginning to feel
I'm just beginning to give
I'm just beginning to feel
I'm just beginning to live
Before I leave you again
Before the light of the dawn
Before this evening can end
I have been waiting so long

CHORUS

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Billy Joel

William Martin "Billy" Joel (born May 9, 1949) is an American pianist, singer-songwriter, and composer. Since releasing his first hit song, "Piano Man," in 1973, Joel has become the sixth best-selling recording artist and the third best-selling solo artist in the United States, according to the RIAA. He also has the third best-selling album in the United States with his Greatest Hits Vol. 1 & 2. more »

16 fans

Written by: BILLY JOEL

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


22 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Until the Night" is a song by Billy Joel from his 1978 album named "52nd Street". The album is Joel's sixth studio release.
Chart Performance
The song was not released as a single in the United States but it did reach the 50th spot on the UK singles chart. - The album "52nd Street", which features the song, reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
Song Genre
The song can be classified under the soft rock category. It incorporates elements of popular music from the late 1970s.
Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics of "Until the Night" speaks of a man who is eagerly waiting for the night to be with his lover. It showcases deep emotional sentiments.
Music Style
The song is noted for its Phil Spector-influenced 'Wall of Sound' production, featuring lush backing vocals, and big, echoing drums.
Album Success
With the success of the album "52nd Street", "Until the Night" was also recognized, helping establish Billy Joel's career.
Song Writing
Like most of Joel's songs, "Until the Night" was also written by him.
Song Duration
“Until the Night” is one of the longest songs on the “52nd Street” album, running at 6 minutes and 35 seconds.
Critical Reception
Critics have noted that the song is dramatically moody, exhibiting Joel's ability to evoke a particular time and place through his music.
Live Performance
“Until the Night” is seldom performed live by Billy Joel, making it a rare treat for fans at concerts.
Album Recognition
"52nd Street" won two Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male. However, the song "Until the Night" wasn't nominated individually.
Inspiration
The song seemed to take inspiration from 1960s artists like The Righteous Brothers, given the tone and the style of singing.
Song Background
"Until the Night" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel. The song was part of his sixth studio album "52nd Street" released in 1978.
Album Success
"52nd Street" was a commercial success, topping the Billboard 200 chart and eventually becoming Joel's first album to be awarded the RIAA certification for selling over a million copies.
Song Influence
"Until the Night" was heavily influenced by Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" production method, a technique that involved layering several tracks to create a dense, echoing sound.
Music Structure
The song is a ballad and is structured around a doo-wop influenced melody. It showcases Joel's vocal prowess, particularly in the powerful chorus.
Song Theme
The song explores themes of longing and desire as it tells a story about two lovers waiting anxiously until the night to be together.
Music Video
Unlike many of Joel's songs, "Until the Night" was not accompanied by a music video upon its release.
Critical Reception
While the song didn't achieve the chart-topping success of other songs from the "52nd Street" album, critics praised Joel's emotive delivery and the lush orchestration.
Live Performances
Despite not earning a spot among Joel's most renowned songs, "Until the Night" has been a favorite among fans and has found a regular spot on Joel's concert setlists.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists, including Barry and Elisabeth from the UK whose version reached number 18 on the UK singles chart.
Inspiration
Billy Joel has noted that the song was inspired by the classic song "Unchain Melody" by The Righteous Brothers, which was also produced using the "Wall of Sound" technique.

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