"Nightlights"

This is one of the first Plastic Mikey collaborations Kevin and I worked on. He wrote the music, and I wrote the words. I hadn’t intended to become the band’s lead singer; it just happened by default. Unfortunately, we never recorded this one that I can remember.

Nightlights

© 1994 music Kevin Dempsey and Brian Hutzell

I saw your nightlight and I came to check on you

Is this a bad time to be calling?

Is there a problem? Is there anything I can do?

Does this happen often?  Aren't you tired of falling?

Listen to me, baby, maybe you've been weeping,

Sleeping with too many guys and sad goodbyes

And hellos to the fellows on the road are taking their toll on your soul

When you go home alone, you lie awake

And then you break

And then you turn on the nightlights

Looking for the right kind

Of love to make your night shine all day

Too many nightlights

Hoping that you might find

Someone in your sightline to stay

Do you love me, or is this just conversation?

Only pleasing for a moment

Are you happy in your present situation?

Have you heard a word I've spoken?

When the time is ripe for crying, you'll be sighing,

Trying to remember when your memories became so lame and all the same

You're better off when you're not caught between a rock and soft thoughts

That keep you from your sleep, and then you weep

And then you turn on the nightlights

Looking for the right kind

Of love to make your night shine all day

Too many nightlights

Hoping that you might find

Someone in your sightline to stay

No more stressing window-dressing (too depressing)

Should be resting up; your cup is overflowing

And still growing, knowing you'll be showing signs of life

It's nice to have a chance to dance now that the panic's past

(It didn't last)

Reach out your hand

And turn off the nightlights

Looking for the right kind

Of love to make your night shine all day

Too many nightlights

Hoping that you might find

Someone in your sightline to stay

No more nightlights, turn off the nightlights

Too many nightlights, won't you turn off your nightlights

Brian Hutzell

photo by Karen Woodburn