Bright Lights, Big City

Jimmy Reed

About Bright Lights, Big City

"Bright Lights, Big City" is a classic blues song which was written and first recorded by American bluesman Jimmy Reed in 1961. Besides being "an integral part of the standard blues repertoire", "Bright Lights, Big City" has appealed to a variety of artists, including country and rock musicians, who have recorded their interpretations of the song.


Year:
2015
2:47
13 
#2

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

Time is on my side, yes it is
Time is on my side, yes it is

Now you always say
That you want to be free
But you'll come running back (said you would baby)
You'll come running back (I said so many times before)
You'll come running back to me

Oh, time is on my side, yes it is
Time is on my side, yes it is

You're searching for good times
But just wait and see
You'll come running back (I won't have to worry no more)
You'll come running back (spend the rest of my life with you, baby)
You'll come running back to me

Go ahead, go ahead and light up the town
And baby, do everything your heart desires
Remember, I'll always be around
And I know, I know
Like I told you so many times before
You're gonna come back, baby
'Cause I know
You're gonna come back knocking
Yeah, knocking right on my door
Yes, yes!

Well, time is on my side, yes it is
Time is on my side, yes it is

'Cause I got the real love
The kind that you need
You'll come running back (said you would, baby)
You'll come running back (I always said you would)
You'll come running back, to me
Yes time, time, time is on my side, yes it is
Time, time, time is on my side, yes it is
Oh, time, time, time is on my side, yes it is
I said, time, time, time is on my side, yes it is
Oh, time, time, time is on my side
Yeah, time, time, time is on my side

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Jimmy Reed

Mathis James "Jimmy" Reed (September 6, 1925 – August 29, 1976) was an American blues musician and songwriter, notable for bringing his distinctive style of blues to mainstream audiences. Reed was a major player in the field of electric blues, as opposed to the more acoustic-based sound of many of his contemporaries. His lazy, slack-jawed singing, piercing harmonica and hypnotic guitar patterns were one of the blues' most easily identifiable sounds in the 1950s and 1960s, and had a significant impact on many rock and roll artists who followed, such as Elvis Presley, Billy Gibbons and the Rolling Stones. more »

2 fans

Written by: Jerry Ragovoy, Norman Meade

Lyrics © Royalty Network

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

The song's creation
"Bright Lights, Big City" was written and recorded by blues musician Jimmy Reed in 1961.
Genre classification
The song is considered a part of the urban blues genre and continues to influence music in pop, rock, and country genres today.
Chart Performance
It achieved success in the music charts and peaked at number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the Billboard R&B chart.
Cover versions
The song has been covered by various famous artists like Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Van Morrison and Mick Jagger, testifying to its timeless appeal and influence.
Featured in popular culture
"Bright Lights, Big City" has been included in the soundtracks of several films, such as the 1988 film of the same name and Casino (1995).
Musical Style
Jimmy Reed was known for his laid-back, laconic style and this is reflected in "Bright Lights, Big City". The song features Reed's smooth vocal delivery, harmonica playing, and rhythmic guitar work.
Theme and Lyrics
The song's lyrics convey themes of disillusionment and the allure and pitfalls of city life, which were common themes in blues music of the era.
Album Information
"Bright Lights, Big City" was included in Jimmy Reed’s album “Found Love”, which was his seventh studio album. It helped to solidify his reputation as one of the most popular and influential blues musicians of his time.
Cultural Impact
The phrase "Bright Lights, Big City", popularized by the song, has since become a commonly used phrase to describe the allure and lure of the big city.
Recognition
The song "Bright Lights, Big City" has been recognized as a classic of the blues genre and is included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

Discuss the Bright Lights, Big City Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Bright Lights, Big City Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31787425/Jimmy+Reed/Bright+Lights%2C+Big+City>.

    Missing lyrics by Jimmy Reed?

    Know any other songs by Jimmy Reed? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Bright Lights, Big City

    70,941
    643     12

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Only hope remains, _______"
    A All I need is just a little more time
    B All I want is to be there beside you
    C All kinds of everything remind me of you
    D All together now in no man's land

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Jimmy Reed's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Jimmy Reed tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Bright Lights, Big City

    »
    • Ghost Warrior
    • Outlaw Volleyball