The Meaning Behind The Song: Into The Night by Benny Mardones
When you think of classic 80s power ballads, Benny Mardones’ “Into The Night” inevitably comes to mind. The song has become a timeless classic, with fans still singing along to the iconic chorus decades after its initial release. But what is the story behind the song? What inspired Mardones to write it, and why has it endured for so long?
The Inspiration Behind “Into The Night”
“Into The Night” was written and released by Benny Mardones in 1980, the second single from his album “Never Run, Never Hide.” The song’s inspiration came from a real-life experience Mardones had while living in Syracuse, New York.
One night, Mardones saw a young girl walking home alone in the dark. He offered her a ride, and during the car ride, they struck up a conversation. The girl told Mardones about her troubled home life and how she dreamed of leaving town and making a new life for herself.
Mardones was struck by the girl’s resilience and determination, and the idea for “Into The Night” was born. The song tells the story of a man who falls in love with a young girl and promises to take her away from her problems and into a new, better life.
The Power of the Chorus
While the story behind the song is powerful, it’s the chorus that has made “Into The Night” an enduring classic. The chorus, which repeats the phrase “If I could fly, I’d pick you up, and take you into the night” is both romantic and aspirational, evoking a sense of longing and escape.
The chorus’s soaring melody and uplifting lyrics have made it a favorite of fans and a staple of wedding and prom playlists. It’s a rare power ballad that manages to be both joyous and emotional, delivering a rush of feelings that is hard to resist.
The Legacy of “Into The Night”
“Into The Night” has had an enduring impact on pop culture, appearing in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials. It has been covered by artists such as Chad Kroeger of Nickelback and Diane Warren, and it continues to be performed by Benny Mardones at his concerts.
The song has also had a personal impact on Mardones, who has struggled with health issues and financial difficulties in recent years. In an interview with The Post-Standard, Mardones said that the song has been a source of comfort and inspiration for him, as well as for his fans.
“I’ve had people come up to me and tell me that ‘Into The Night’ helped them through a tough time, or that it was the song at their wedding,” he said. “It’s amazing how a song can touch people’s lives like that.”
The Controversy Around “Into The Night”
Despite its enduring popularity, “Into The Night” has been the subject of controversy in recent years. In 2002, Mardones re-recorded the song with updated lyrics, changing the age of the young girl in the song from 16 to 21.
The change was an attempt to address concerns about the song’s lyrics, which some felt were inappropriate due to the age difference between the man and the girl. However, the change also altered the song’s meaning, making it less about a vulnerable young girl and more about a woman making a choice to leave her life behind.
Mardones himself has acknowledged the controversy surrounding the song, saying that he regrets that it has caused pain for some people. However, he also defends the song’s original lyrics, saying that they were written with the best of intentions.
Conclusion
“Into The Night” is a classic power ballad that continues to captivate listeners decades after its initial release. Its soaring melody and uplifting lyrics tell a story of hope and escape that has resonated with countless fans over the years.
Despite its controversial lyrics, the song remains a testament to the power of music to touch people’s lives and bring comfort in difficult times. As Benny Mardones himself said, “Music has the ability to heal, and I’m grateful to have been a part of that.”
