About the song
Background on “The Night” by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
- Released in 1972 on the album “Chameleon.”
- Originally a commercial flop in the US, despite strong promotion by the songwriters.
- Became a surprise hit in the UK in 1975, reaching number 7 on the charts, thanks to its popularity in the “Northern Soul” dance scene.
- Northern Soul is a British genre known for its focus on strong basslines and energetic beats, which “The Night” perfectly embodies.
- Lead singer Frankie Valli himself considers “The Night” an underrated song and a missed opportunity.
Themes in “The Night”
- Warning: The lyrics focus on a narrator pleading with a woman to be cautious of another man’s advances.
- Jealousy and Insecurity: The narrator seems worried about being replaced and expresses his desire for the woman’s attention.
- Temptation: The song explores the nightlife scene and the potential for infidelity.
- Urgency: The driving beat and lyrics like “Beware of his promise, believe what I say” create a sense of urgency in the narrator’s plea.
Even though it wasn’t a hit initially, “The Night” became a cult classic thanks to its unique sound and relatable themes.
Video
Lyrics
Beware of his promiseBelieve what I sayBefore I go foreverBe sure of what you say
So he paints a pretty pictureAnd he tells you that he needs youAnd he covers you with flowersAnd he always keeps you dreamin’If he always keeps you dreamin’You won’t have a lonely hourIf a day could last foreverYou might like your ivory tower
But the night begins to turn your head aroundAnd you know you’re gonna lose more than you foundYes the night begins to turn your head around
Beware of his promise (Bah duh duh duh duh)Believe what I say (Bah duh duh duh duh)Before I go forever (Bah duh duh duh duh)Be sure of what you say
For the words may come too easyIf you don’t believe I’m leavin’And goodbye may come too quicklyIf you really think he loves youIf you really think he loves youYou would give your love so sweetlyIf that day could last foreverYou would fall in love completely
But the night begins to turn your head aroundAnd you know you’re gonna lose more than you foundYes the night begins to turn your head around
But the night begins to turn your head aroundAnd you know you’re gonna lose more than you foundYes the night begins to turn your head aroundAnd you know you’re gonna lose more than you found