The Meaning Behind The Song: We Belong To The Night by Ellen Foley
“We Belong to the Night” is a classic from Ellen Foley’s 1979 debut album “Night Out.” The track was written by Ian Hunter, best known as the lead singer of the rock band Mott the Hoople. The song has stood the test of time and is still popular among music lovers of all ages. But what is the meaning behind the song? In this article, we will dive deep into the lyrics and explore what Ellen Foley, Ian Hunter, and others have to say about “We Belong to the Night.”
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “We Belong to the Night” paint a vivid picture of a New York City that comes to life after dark. It’s a place where the lonely and disenfranchised come together, seeking a sense of belonging and connection. The song’s protagonist is one of these people, and through her eyes, we see the city’s neon lights, honking cars, and restless energy.
The chorus of the song is perhaps the most memorable part, with Foley belting out, “We belong to the night, we belong to the thunder. We belong to the sound of the words we’ve both fallen under.” These lines capture the sense of intensity and recklessness that comes with living life on the edge.
The Meaning
The meaning of “We Belong to the Night” is open to interpretation, but many people see it as a celebration of the freedom and excitement that can be found in the city after dark. The song speaks to a longing for connection and a sense of belonging, which is something that many people can relate to.
Speaking about the song in a 1981 interview with Trouser Press, Foley said, “It’s about people who come out at night to avoid everything that’s safe and secure. I think it’s a very positive song. It’s a song about unity and feeling good, not exactly what you’d expect from an anything goes kind of night.”
The Inspiration
Ian Hunter wrote “We Belong to the Night” specifically for Ellen Foley, who was his backup singer at the time. Hunter said in a 1979 interview with Melody Maker, “I wrote ‘We Belong to the Night’ about New York and about Ellen. She’s the heroine of the song. Very few people have ever written anything for her, so I did it.”
According to Foley, the song was born out of a late-night drive through New York City. “Ian and I got in a car and just drove around the city,” she said in a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone. “It was like 3 in the morning, and it was just this magical time. We drove around Central Park and saw all these people hanging out, these groups of kids that were just so alive. It inspired him to write the song.”
The Legacy
“We Belong to the Night” has had a lasting impact on both Ellen Foley’s career and the rock music world in general. The song has been covered by several artists over the years, including Pat Benatar, who had a hit with it in the early 80s.
Foley’s performance of the song has also become legendary, with her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence winning over audiences around the world. In a review of a 1980 concert, The New York Times praised Foley’s performance of the song, saying, “When she sings ‘We Belong to the Night,’ she is simply at home.”
FAQs
1. Who wrote “We Belong to the Night”?
“We Belong to the Night” was written by Ian Hunter, the lead singer of the rock band Mott the Hoople. He wrote the song specifically for Ellen Foley, who was his backup singer at the time.
2. Who originally performed “We Belong to the Night”?
Ellen Foley originally performed “We Belong to the Night” on her 1979 debut album “Night Out.”
3. Has “We Belong to the Night” been covered by other artists?
Yes, “We Belong to the Night” has been covered by several artists over the years, including Pat Benatar.
4. What is the meaning of “We Belong to the Night”?
The meaning of “We Belong to the Night” is open to interpretation, but many people see it as a celebration of the freedom and excitement that can be found in the city after dark. The song speaks to a longing for connection and a sense of belonging.
5. Who is Ellen Foley?
Ellen Foley is an American singer, actress, and TV personality. She is best known for her work with Meat Loaf and her hit song “We Belong to the Night.”
6. What other songs is Ellen Foley known for?
Ellen Foley is also known for her work with Meat Loaf. She provided backup vocals on his hit album “Bat Out of Hell” and performed a duet with him on the song “Paradise by the Dashboard Light.”
7. When was “We Belong to the Night” released?
“We Belong to the Night” was released in 1979 on Ellen Foley’s debut album “Night Out.”
8. Why is “We Belong to the Night” considered a classic?
“We Belong to the Night” is considered a classic because of its timeless sound, memorable chorus, and iconic performance by Ellen Foley.
9. What did Ian Hunter say about Ellen Foley?
Ian Hunter wrote “We Belong to the Night” specifically for Ellen Foley and has spoken highly of her talents, calling her “one of the best” singers he’s ever worked with.
10. What has Ellen Foley said about “We Belong to the Night”?
Ellen Foley has described “We Belong to the Night” as a song about people who come out at night to avoid everything that’s safe and secure. She sees it as a positive song about unity and feeling good.
