BECAUSE THE NIGHT

Official studio version



Take me now baby here as I am
Pull me close, try and understand
Desirous hunger is the fire I breathe
Love is a banquet on which we feed

Come on now try and understand
The way I feel when I'm in your hands
Take my hand come undercover
They can't hurt you now
They can't hurt you now
They can't hurt you now

Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to lust
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us

Have I doubt when I'm alone
Love is a ring, telephone
Love is an angel disguised as lust
Here in our bed till the morning comes

Come on now try and understand
The way I feel under your command
Take my hand as the sun descends
They can't touch you now
They can't touch you now
They can't touch you now

Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to lust
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us

With love we sleep with doubt
The vicious circle turns and burns without
You I cannot live, forgive me now
The time has come to take the moment and
They can't hurt us now
They can't hurt us now

Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to lust
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us


PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Info

BECAUSE THE NIGHT is a song written by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith. It was originally recorded during the Darkness On The Edge Of Town sessions. The song was officially released for the first time in a live version on the Live/1975-85 box set in 1986. See the live 28 Dec 1980 version for more details.

A studio version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on The Promise in 2010. The above lyrics are for that official studio version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT as released in 2010.


BECAUSE THE NIGHT was donated to Patti Smith for her 1978 album Easter. See Patti Smith Group's cover version for more details.

Writing

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

Studio Recording

According to Sony's logs of Bruce Springsteen's studio sessions, BECAUSE THE NIGHT was recorded on 01 Jun 1977 and 01 Jul 1977 at Atlantic Studios in New York City, NY, and on 27 Sep 1977 at The Record Plant in New York City, NY. Three studio takes of the song are in circulation among collectors.

  • An unfinished take probably recorded on 01 Jun 1977 at Atlantic Studios. See the unofficial studio version 1 for more details.
  • A slightly more developed but still unfinished take probably recorded on 01 Jul 1977 at Atlantic Studios, or possibly on 27 Sep 1977 at The Record Plant. See the unofficial studio version 2 for more details.
  • The official studio version features a modern vocal take (recorded in 2010) and uses Patti Smith's lyrics. It's unknown if the backing track is modern or contains some modern elements.

The Promise

The Promise is a Bruce Springsteen album that was released on 16 Nov 2010 as part of The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story box set, and separately as a 2-CD set. The album was also issued on a limited edition 3-LP set pressed on 180-gram vinyl.

Bruce Springsteen -- The Promise
Bruce Springsteen -- The Promise

The Promise is a collection of 22 previously-unreleased songs from the Darkness On The Edge Of Town recording sessions. Depending on their level of completion back in 1977-1978, some were only remastered, some were overdubbed with 2010 vocals or music, and some were completely re-recorded in 2010. The album was mixed by Bob Clearmountain.

Disc 1 (2-CD format):

  1. RACING IN THE STREET
  2. GOTTA GET THAT FEELING
  3. OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
  4. SOMEDAY (WE'LL BE TOGETHER)
  5. ONE WAY STREET
  6. BECAUSE THE NIGHT
  7. WRONG SIDE OF THE STREET
  8. THE BROKENHEARTED
  9. RENDEZVOUS
  10. CANDY'S BOY

Disc 2 (2-CD format):

  1. SAVE MY LOVE
  2. AIN'T GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU
  3. FIRE
  4. SPANISH EYES
  5. IT'S A SHAME
  6. COME ON (LET'S GO TONIGHT)
  7. TALK TO ME
  8. THE LITTLE THINGS (MY BABY DOES)
  9. BREAKAWAY
  10. THE PROMISE
  11. CITY OF NIGHT - THE WAY

Notes:

Other Official Releases

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

Bruce Springsteen -- Save My Love
Bruce Springsteen -- Save My Love

7" single - Columbia (88697 81140 7) - USA, 2010

Limited edition single sold in North America exclusively at independent stores that participated in the 1st annual Black Friday Record Store Day campaign (26 Nov 2010).

A1- SAVE MY LOVE
B1- BECAUSE THE NIGHT
Bruce Springsteen -- 2 Titres Exclusifs
Bruce Springsteen -- 2 Titres Exclusifs

CD single - France Inter (no catalog number) - France, 2010

France-only promotional single given away exclusively with copies of an all-Springsteen special issue of domestic music magazine Les Inrockuptibles, published on 27 Nov 2010. Comes in a black-and-white cardboard picture sleeve.

01- BECAUSE THE NIGHT
02- SAVE MY LOVE
Various artists -- Blinded By The Light: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Various artists -- Blinded By The Light: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

CD - Columbia Records / Legacy Recordings (19075955742) - USA, 2019
2xLP - Columbia Records / Legacy Recordings (19075955751) - USA, 2019

Other versions of BECAUSE THE NIGHT were also officially released.

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Berkeley, July 1, 1978
The live 01 Jul 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Berkeley, July 1, 1978 official live download in 2021.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- The Roxy July 7, 1978
The live 07 Jul 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on The Roxy July 7, 1978 official live download in 2018.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- The Agora, Cleveland 1978
The live 09 Aug 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on The Agora, Cleveland 1978 official live download in 2014.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- September 19, 1978
The live 19 Sep 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the September 19, 1978 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ September 20, 1978
The live 20 Sep 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ September 20, 1978 official live download in 2017.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- September 30, 1978
The live 30 Sep 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the September 30, 1978 official live download in 2020.
Bruce Springsteen -- The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story
The live 08 Dec 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story box set in 2010.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Winterland 12/15/78
The live 15 Dec 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Winterland 12/15/78 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Winterland 12/16/78
The live 16 Dec 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Winterland 12/16/78 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Live/1975-85
The live 28 Dec 1980 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Live/1975-85 box set in 1986.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Nassau Coliseum, New York 12/29/80
The live 29 Dec 1980 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Nassau Coliseum, New York 12/29/80 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Nassau Coliseum, New York 1980
The live 31 Dec 1980 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Nassau Coliseum, New York 1980 official live download in 2015.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Wembley Arena June 5, 1981
The live 05 Jun 1981 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Wembley Arena June 5, 1981 official live download in 2018.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Brendan Byrne Arena August 6, 1984
The live 06 Aug 1984 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena August 6, 1984 official live download in 2020.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Sept 27, 1985
The live 27 Sep 1985 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Sept 27, 1985 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Stockholm Stadion, Sweden 1988
The live 03 Jul 1988 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Stockholm Stadion, Sweden 1988 official live download in 2017.
Bruce Springsteen -- Brendan Byrne Arena, New Jersey June 24, 1993
The live 24 Jun 1993 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena, New Jersey June 24, 1993 official live download in 2018.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL, April 22, 2008
The live 22 Apr 2008 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL, April 22, 2008 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Greensboro, North Carolina April 28, 2008
The live 28 Apr 2008 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Greensboro, North Carolina April 28, 2008 official live download in 2020.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO 8/23/2008
The live 23 Aug 2008 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO 8/23/2008 official live download in 2017.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Gothenburg July 28, 2012
The live 28 Jul 2012 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Gothenburg July 28, 2012 official live download in 2020.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Olympiastadion, Helsinki July 31, 2012
The live 31 Jul 2012 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Olympiastadion, Helsinki July 31, 2012 official live download in 2017.
Bruce Springsteen -- East Rutherford, NJ 09.22.12
The live 22 Sep 2012 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on East Rutherford, NJ 09.22.12 official live download in 2019.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -- Leeds July 24, 2013
The live 24 Jul 2013 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Leeds July 24, 2013 official live download in 2018.

Live History: on-tour

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

BECAUSE THE NIGHT is known to have been performed at least 82 times during the Darkness On The Edge Of Town Tour (111 dates, May 1978 to January 1979). A few of that period's setlists are incomplete or unknown, and therefore, the song may have been played on some more dates during the Darkness On The Edge Of Town Tour. On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement and featured a prolonged piano intro. The live 01 Jul 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Berkeley, July 1, 1978 official live download in 2021. The live 07 Jul 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on The Roxy July 7, 1978 official live download in 2018. The live 09 Aug 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on The Agora, Cleveland 1978 official live download in 2014. The live 19 Sep 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the September 19, 1978 official live download in 2019. The live 20 Sep 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ September 20, 1978 official live download in 2017. The live 30 Sep 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the September 30, 1978 official live download in 2020. The live 08 Dec 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story box set in 2010. The live 15 Dec 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Winterland 12/15/78 official live download in 2019. The live 16 Dec 1978 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Winterland 12/16/78 official live download in 2019.

  1. 30 May 1978 at Music Hall, Boston, MA
  2. 01 Jul 1978 at Berkeley Community Theatre, Berkeley, CA
  3. 05 Jul 1978 at The Forum, Inglewood, CA
  4. 07 Jul 1978 at The Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood, CA
  5. 08 Jul 1978 at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, AZ
  6. 09 Jul 1978 at San Diego Sports Arena, San Diego, CA
  7. 12 Jul 1978 at Dallas Convention Center Theater, Dallas, TX
  8. 14 Jul 1978 at San Antonio Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, TX
  9. 15 Jul 1978 at Sam Houston Coliseum, Houston, TX
  10. 16 Jul 1978 at Municipal Auditorium, New Orleans, LA
  11. 18 Jul 1978 at Jackson Municipal Auditorium, Jackson, MS
  12. 21 Jul 1978 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, TN
  13. 28 Jul 1978 at Jai Alai Fronton, Miami, FL
  14. 29 Jul 1978 at Bayfront Center Arena, St. Petersburg, FL
  15. 31 Jul 1978 at Township Auditorium, Columbia, SC
  16. 01 Aug 1978 at Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, Charleston, SC
  17. 04 Aug 1978 at Charleston Civic Center, Charleston, WV
  18. 05 Aug 1978 at Louisville Gardens, Louisville, KY
  19. 07 Aug 1978 at Wings Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI
  20. 09 Aug 1978 at The Agora, Cleveland, OH
  21. 10 Aug 1978 at Rochester Community War Memorial, Rochester, NY
  22. 14 Aug 1978 at Hampton Roads Coliseum, Hampton, VA
  23. 15 Aug 1978 at Capital Centre, Largo, MD
  24. 18 Aug 1978 at Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
  25. 19 Aug 1978 at Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
  26. 21 Aug 1978 at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
  27. 22 Aug 1978 at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
  28. 23 Aug 1978 at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
  29. 25 Aug 1978 at New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum, New Haven, CT
  30. 26 Aug 1978 at Providence Civic Center, Providence, RI
  31. 28 Aug 1978 at Stanley Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA
  32. 29 Aug 1978 at Stanley Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA
  33. 30 Aug 1978 at Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, OH
  34. 01 Sep 1978 at Masonic Temple Theatre, Detroit, MI
  35. 05 Sep 1978 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH
  36. 06 Sep 1978 at Uptown Theatre, Chicago, IL
  37. 09 Sep 1978 at University Of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
  38. 10 Sep 1978 at Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, OH
  39. 12 Sep 1978 at Onondaga County War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, NY
  40. 13 Sep 1978 at Springfield Civic Center, Springfield, MA
  41. 16 Sep 1978 at Palladium, New York City, NY
  42. 17 Sep 1978 at Palladium, New York City, NY
  43. 19 Sep 1978 at Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ
  44. 20 Sep 1978 at Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ
  45. 21 Sep 1978 at Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ
  46. 25 Sep 1978 at Boston Garden, Boston, MA
  47. 29 Sep 1978 at Boutwell Memorial Auditorium, Birmingham, AL
  48. 30 Sep 1978 at Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA
  49. 01 Oct 1978 at Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA
  50. 01 Nov 1978 at Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
  51. 02 Nov 1978 at Capital Centre, Largo, MD
  52. 04 Nov 1978 at University Of Vermont, Burlington, VT
  53. 05 Nov 1978 at University Of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
  54. 07 Nov 1978 at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
  55. 08 Nov 1978 at Montreal Forum, Montreal, Canada
  56. 10 Nov 1978 at St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, NY
  57. 12 Nov 1978 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
  58. 14 Nov 1978 at Utica Memorial Auditorium, Utica, NY
  59. 16 Nov 1978 at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Canada
  60. 17 Nov 1978 at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
  61. 18 Nov 1978 at Miami University, Oxford, OH
  62. 20 Nov 1978 at University Of Illinois, Champaign, IL
  63. 21 Nov 1978 at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
  64. 25 Nov 1978 at Kiel Opera House, St. Louis, MO
  65. 27 Nov 1978 at MECCA Arena, Milwaukee, WI
  66. 28 Nov 1978 at Dane County Memorial Coliseum, Madison, WI
  67. 29 Nov 1978 at Saint Paul Civic Center Arena, Saint Paul, MN
  68. 01 Dec 1978 at University Of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
  69. 03 Dec 1978 at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
  70. 05 Dec 1978 at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LO
  71. 07 Dec 1978 at University Of Texas, Austin, TX
  72. 08 Dec 1978 at The Summit, Houston, TX
  73. 09 Dec 1978 at Dallas Convention Center Arena, Dallas, TX
  74. 13 Dec 1978 at Tucson Community Center Arena, Tucson, AZ
  75. 15 Dec 1978 at Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA
  76. 16 Dec 1978 at Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA
  77. 19 Dec 1978 at Paramount Theatre, Portland, OR
  78. 20 Dec 1978 at Seattle Center Arena, Seattle, WA
  79. 27 Dec 1978 at Stanley Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA
  80. 30 Dec 1978 at Cobo Arena, Detroit, MI
  81. 31 Dec 1978 at Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, OH
  82. 01 Jan 1979 at Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, OH

BECAUSE THE NIGHT is known to have been performed at least 65 times during The River Tour (138 dates, October 1980 to September 1981). A few of that period's setlists are incomplete or unknown, and therefore, the song may have been played on some more dates during The River Tour. On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement. The live 28 Dec 1980 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Live/1975-85 box set in 1986. The live 29 Dec 1980 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Nassau Coliseum, New York 12/29/80 official live download in 2019. The live 31 Dec 1980 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Nassau Coliseum, New York 1980 official live download in 2015. The live 05 Jun 1981 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Wembley Arena June 5, 1981 official live download in 2018.

  1. 03 Oct 1980 at University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
  2. 04 Oct 1980 at Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, OH
  3. 06 Oct 1980 at Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, OH
  4. 07 Oct 1980 at Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, OH
  5. 09 Oct 1980 at Cobo Arena, Detroit, MI
  6. 10 Oct 1980 at Uptown Theatre, Chicago, IL
  7. 11 Oct 1980 at Uptown Theatre, Chicago, IL
  8. 13 Oct 1980 at Saint Paul Civic Center Arena, Saint Paul, MN
  9. 01 Nov 1980 at Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, Los Angeles, CA
  10. 03 Nov 1980 at Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, Los Angeles, CA
  11. 08 Nov 1980 at Reunion Arena, Dallas, TX
  12. 09 Nov 1980 at University Of Texas, Austin, TX
  13. 11 Nov 1980 at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
  14. 14 Nov 1980 at The Summit, Houston, TX
  15. 15 Nov 1980 at The Summit, Houston, TX
  16. 20 Nov 1980 at Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, IL
  17. 23 Nov 1980 at Capital Centre, Largo, MD
  18. 24 Nov 1980 at Capital Centre, Largo, MD
  19. 27 Nov 1980 at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
  20. 28 Nov 1980 at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
  21. 30 Nov 1980 at Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
  22. 01 Dec 1980 at Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
  23. 02 Dec 1980 at Rochester Community War Memorial, Rochester, NY
  24. 04 Dec 1980 at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, NY
  25. 06 Dec 1980 at Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
  26. 08 Dec 1980 at Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
  27. 09 Dec 1980 at Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
  28. 11 Dec 1980 at Providence Civic Center, Providence, RI
  29. 12 Dec 1980 at Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, CT
  30. 15 Dec 1980 at Boston Garden, Boston, MA
  31. 16 Dec 1980 at Boston Garden, Boston, MA
  32. 18 Dec 1980 at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
  33. 19 Dec 1980 at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
  34. 28 Dec 1980 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
  35. 29 Dec 1980 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
  36. 31 Dec 1980 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
  37. 20 Jan 1981 at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Canada
  38. 23 Jan 1981 at The Forum, Montreal, Canada
  39. 24 Jan 1981 at Ottawa Civic Centre, Ottawa, Canada
  40. 01 Feb 1981 at Saint Paul Civic Center Arena, Saint Paul, MN
  41. 05 Feb 1981 at Kemper Arena, Kansas City, MO
  42. 16 Feb 1981 at Lakeland Civic Center, Lakeland, FL
  43. 20 Feb 1981 at Hollywood Sportatorium, Hollywood, FL
  44. 23 Feb 1981 at The Omni, Atlanta, GA
  45. 26 Feb 1981 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, TN
  46. 05 Mar 1981 at Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, IN
  47. 19 Apr 1981 at Palais Des Sports De Saint-Ouen, Paris, France
  48. 21 Apr 1981 at Palau Municipal D'Esports, Barcelona, Spain
  49. 24 Apr 1981 at Palais Des Sports, Lyon, France
  50. 26 Apr 1981 at Forest National, Brussels, Belgium
  51. 28 Apr 1981 at Sportpaleis Ahoy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  52. 02 May 1981 at Brondby-Hallen, Copenhagen, Denmark
  53. 03 May 1981 at Scandinavium, Gothenburg, Sweden
  54. 05 May 1981 at Drammenshallen, Drammen, Norway
  55. 08 May 1981 at Johanneshovs Isstadion, Stockholm, Sweden
  56. 11 May 1981 at City Hall, Newcastle, England
  57. 13 May 1981 at Apollo Theatre, Manchester, England
  58. 14 May 1981 at Apollo Theatre, Manchester, England
  59. 16 May 1981 at Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland
  60. 26 May 1981 at The Brighton Centre, Brighton, England
  61. 30 May 1981 at Wembley Arena, London, England
  62. 01 Jun 1981 at Wembley Arena, London, England
  63. 02 Jun 1981 at Wembley Arena, London, England
  64. 04 Jun 1981 at Wembley Arena, London, England
  65. 05 Jun 1981 at Wembley Arena, London, England

BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed 41 times during the Born In The U.S.A. Tour (156 dates, June 1984 to October 1985). On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement. The live 06 Aug 1984 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena August 6, 1984 official live download in 2020. The live 27 Sep 1985 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Sept 27, 1985 official live download in 2019.

  1. 17 Jul 1984 at Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, IL
  2. 18 Jul 1984 at Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, IL
  3. 21 Jul 1984 at The Forum, Montreal, Canada
  4. 23 Jul 1984 at CNE Grandstand, Toronto, Canada
  5. 24 Jul 1984 at CNE Grandstand, Toronto, Canada
  6. 26 Jul 1984 at CNE Grandstand, Toronto, Canada
  7. 27 Jul 1984 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY
  8. 31 Jul 1984 at Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI
  9. 06 Aug 1984 at Brendan Byrne Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
  10. 11 Aug 1984 at Brendan Byrne Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
  11. 29 Aug 1984 at Capital Centre, Largo, MD
  12. 31 Oct 1984 at Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, Los Angeles, CA
  13. 04 Nov 1984 at Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, Los Angeles, CA
  14. 26 Nov 1984 at Reunion Arena, Dallas, TX
  15. 30 Nov 1984 at The Summit, Houston, TX
  16. 07 Dec 1984 at Leon County Civic Center, Tallahassee, FL
  17. 09 Dec 1984 at Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN
  18. 14 Dec 1984 at Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, TN
  19. 17 Dec 1984 at The Omni, Atlanta, GA
  20. 05 Jan 1985 at Hampton Roads Coliseum, Hampton, VA
  21. 27 Jan 1985 at Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY
  22. 16 Apr 1985 at Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan
  23. 05 Jun 1985 at St James' Park, Newcastle, England
  24. 08 Jun 1985 at Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden
  25. 09 Jun 1985 at Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden
  26. 12 Jun 1985 at Stadion Feyenoord, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  27. 13 Jun 1985 at Stadion Feyenoord, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  28. 15 Jun 1985 at Waldstadion, Frankfurt, West Germany
  29. 18 Jun 1985 at Olympiastadion, Munich, West Germany
  30. 21 Jun 1985 at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan, Italy
  31. 23 Jun 1985 at Stade Richter, Montpellier, France
  32. 25 Jun 1985 at Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Étienne, France
  33. 29 Jun 1985 at Parc De La Courneuve, Paris, France
  34. 30 Jun 1985 at Parc De La Courneuve, Paris, France
  35. 03 Jul 1985 at Wembley Stadium, London, England
  36. 04 Jul 1985 at Wembley Stadium, London, England
  37. 06 Jul 1985 at Wembley Stadium, London, England
  38. 07 Jul 1985 at Roundhay Park, Leeds, England
  39. 05 Aug 1985 at RFK Stadium, Washington, DC
  40. 24 Sep 1985 at Mile High Stadium, Denver, CO
  41. 27 Sep 1985 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA

BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed 22 times during the Tunnel Of Love Express Tour (67 dates, February to August 1988), all during the European leg of the tour (22 out of 24 European dates). On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement. The live 03 Jul 1988 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Stockholm Stadion, Sweden 1988 official live download in 2017.

  1. 11 Jun 1988 at Stadio Comunale, Turin, Italy
  2. 15 Jun 1988 at Stadio Flaminio, Rome, Italy
  3. 16 Jun 1988 at Stadio Flaminio, Rome, Italy
  4. 19 Jun 1988 at Hippodrome De Vincennes, Paris, France
  5. 21 Jun 1988 at Villa Park, Birmingham, England
  6. 22 Jun 1988 at Villa Park, Birmingham, England
  7. 25 Jun 1988 at Wembley Stadium, London, England
  8. 28 Jun 1988 at Stadion Feyenoord, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  9. 29 Jun 1988 at Stadion Feyenoord, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  10. 02 Jul 1988 at Stockholms Stadion, Stockholm, Sweden
  11. 03 Jul 1988 at Stockholms Stadion, Stockholm, Sweden
  12. 07 Jul 1988 at RDS Arena, Dublin, Ireland
  13. 09 Jul 1988 at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, England
  14. 10 Jul 1988 at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, England
  15. 12 Jul 1988 at Waldstadion, Frankfurt, West Germany
  16. 14 Jul 1988 at St. Jakob Stadion, Basel, Switzerland
  17. 17 Jul 1988 at Olympia Reitstadion Reim, Munich, West Germany
  18. 19 Jul 1988 at Radrennbahn Weissensee, East Berlin, East Germany
  19. 22 Jul 1988 at Waldbuhne, West Berlin, West Germany
  20. 25 Jul 1988 at Idraetsparken, Copenhagen, Denmark
  21. 27 Jul 1988 at Valle Hovin Stadion, Oslo, Norway
  22. 02 Aug 1988 at Estadio Vicente Calderón, Madrid, Spain

BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed 4 times during the 20-date-long Amnesty International Human Rights Now! Tour. The setlist for the 14 Oct 1988 show in Mendoza, Argentina, is unknown, and therefore the song may have been played on one additional date. The song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement.

  1. 05 Sep 1988 at Palais Omnisports De Paris-Bercy, Paris, France
  2. 08 Sep 1988 at Stadio Comunale, Turin, Italy
  3. 10 Sep 1988 at Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
  4. 13 Sep 1988 at National Stadium, San Jose, Costa Rica

In preparation for World Tour 1992-1993, BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed during the tour's public warm-up rehearsal show that took place on 23 Mar 1993 at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ. The song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement. The song is also known to have been practiced during the private rehearsal that took place in March 1993 in Glasgow, Scotland, the day before the tour's 1993 leg kicked off.

  1. 23 Mar 1993 at Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, NJ (public rehearsal)
  2. 30 Mar 1993 at SECC, Glasgow, Scotland (private rehearsal)

BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed 31 times during World Tour 1992-1993 (104 dates, June 1992 to June 1993), most of which during the 1993 part of the tour. On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement. The 24 Jun 1993 show in East Rutherford, NJ, was billed as "Concert To Fight Hunger" and the 26 Jun 1993 show in New York City, NY, was billed as "Kristen Ann Carr Fund Benefit Concert". The live 24 Jun 1993 version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT was released on the Brendan Byrne Arena, New Jersey June 24, 1993 official live download in 2018.

  1. 04 Aug 1992 at Brendan Byrne Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
  2. 06 Aug 1992 at Brendan Byrne Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
  3. 07 Aug 1992 at Brendan Byrne Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
  4. 13 Aug 1992 at Centrum In Worcester, Worcester, MA
  5. 18 Aug 1992 at The Palace Of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, MI
  6. 31 Mar 1993 at SECC, Glasgow, Scotland
  7. 03 Apr 1993 at Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
  8. 08 Apr 1993 at Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland
  9. 11 Apr 1993 at Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi, Verona, Italy
  10. 13 Apr 1993 at Halle Tony Garnier, Lyon, France
  11. 15 Apr 1993 at Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, England
  12. 19 Apr 1993 at Sportpaleis Ahoy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  13. 20 Apr 1993 at Sportpaleis Ahoy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  14. 23 Apr 1993 at Flanders Expo, Ghent, Belgium
  15. 24 Apr 1993 at Flanders Expo, Ghent, Belgium
  16. 01 May 1993 at Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal
  17. 05 May 1993 at Estadio Vicente Calderón, Madrid, Spain
  18. 07 May 1993 at Estadio Municipal El Molinón, Gijón, Spain
  19. 09 May 1993 at Auditorio Monte Do Gozo, Santiago De Compostela, Spain
  20. 11 May 1993 at Estadi Olímpic De Montjuic, Barcelona, Spain
  21. 14 May 1993 at Waldbuhne, Berlin, Germany
  22. 16 May 1993 at Alter Flughafen Riem, Munich, Germany
  23. 17 May 1993 at Maimarkthalle, Mannheim, Germany
  24. 20 May 1993 at RDS Arena, Dublin, Ireland
  25. 22 May 1993 at The National Bowl, Milton Keynes, England
  26. 25 May 1993 at Stadio Flaminio, Rome, Italy
  27. 28 May 1993 at Stockholms Stadion, Stockholm, Sweden
  28. 30 May 1993 at Gentofte Stadion, Copenhagen, Denmark
  29. 01 Jun 1993 at Valle Hovin Stadion, Oslo, Norway
  30. 24 Jun 1993 at Brendan Byrne Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
  31. 26 Jun 1993 at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY

BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed 12 times during what is known as The Reunion Tour (132 dates, April 1999 to July 2000). On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangemen.

  1. 26 Jun 1999 at Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark
  2. 27 Jun 1999 at Valle Hovin Stadion, Oslo, Norway
  3. 27 Jul 1999 at Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
  4. 21 Oct 1999 at Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
  5. 26 Oct 1999 at Oakland Arena, Oakland, CA
  6. 15 Nov 1999 at Gund Arena, Cleveland, OH
  7. 21 Nov 1999 at Pepsi Arena, Albany, NY
  8. 06 Mar 2000 at Ice Palace, Tampa, FL
  9. 19 Mar 2000 at New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LA
  10. 31 Mar 2000 at Pepsi Center, Denver, CO
  11. 04 Apr 2000 at Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA
  12. 08 May 2000 at Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, CT

BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed 15 times during The Rising Tour (120 dates, August 2002 to October 2003). On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement. The live 23 Nov 2002 version featured a guest appearance by Bono (of U2) on vocals and Dave Stewart (of Eurythmics) on guitar.

  1. 23 Nov 2002 at American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL
  2. 17 May 2003 at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
  3. 30 Aug 2003 at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
  4. 31 Aug 2003 at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
  5. 06 Sep 2003 at Fenway Park, Boston, MA
  6. 07 Sep 2003 at Fenway Park, Boston, MA
  7. 10 Sep 2003 at SkyDome, Toronto, Canada
  8. 18 Sep 2003 at Rentschler Field, Hartford, CT
  9. 20 Sep 2003 at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, Buffalo, NY
  10. 21 Sep 2003 at Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
  11. 25 Sep 2003 at Invesco Field At Mile High, Denver, CO
  12. 27 Sep 2003 at Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI
  13. 01 Oct 2003 at Shea Stadium, New York City, NY
  14. 03 Oct 2003 at Shea Stadium, New York City, NY
  15. 04 Oct 2003 at Shea Stadium, New York City, NY

In preparation for the Vote For Change Tour, BECAUSE THE NIGHT is known to have been practiced during one of the tour's three private rehearsals that took place from 27 to 29 Sep 2004 in Asbury Park.

  1. 28 Sep 2004 at Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ (private rehearsal)

BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed 6 times during the Vote For Change Tour (7 dates, October 2004). On this tour, the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement, as a duet with Michael Stipe.

  1. 01 Oct 2004 at Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA
  2. 02 Oct 2004 at Gund Arena, Cleveland, OH
  3. 03 Oct 2004 at Cobo Arena, Detroit, MI
  4. 05 Oct 2004 at Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN
  5. 08 Oct 2004 at TD Waterhouse Centre, Orlando, FL
  6. 11 Oct 2004 at Mci Center, Washington, DC

Live History: off-tour

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed off-tour on 30 Dec 1977 at CBGB Theater in New York City, NY, during a guest appearance at a Pattis Smith concert. Bruce Springsteen played guitar and sang background vocals during BECAUSE THE NIGHT. This was the song's live debut by either artist.

BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed off-tour on 18 Jul 2015 at Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ, during a guest appearance with Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers.

  1. 30 Dec 1977 at CBGB Theater, New York City, NY
  2. 18 Jul 2015 at Wonder Bar, Asbury Park, NJ

BECAUSE THE NIGHT was performed during all three 2003 Asbury Park holiday shows. These concerts were billed as "Bruce Springsteen with The Max Weinberg 7 and Friends", with The Max Weinberg 7 serving as the house band, and Springsteen bringing guests on and off the stage throughout the shows. On these shows the song was played in its traditional full-band arrangement, with Nils Lofgren on lead vocals; Springsteen played rhythm guitar throughout the song and joined on vocals for the chorus at the end of the song.

  1. 05 Dec 2003 at Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ
  2. 07 Dec 2003 at Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ
  3. 08 Dec 2003 at Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ

Appearance in Movies

Bruce Springsteen's official studio version of BECAUSE THE NIGHT appears in one movie.

Promotional poster for the film "Blinded By The Light"
Blinded By The Light

It was used in the 2019 film Blinded By The Light, directed by Gurinder Chadha and starring Viveik Kalra. The song was also included in the film's soundtrack album.

See I'LL STAND BY YOU (the "Blinded By The Light" section) for more details.

Covers

SECTION NOT YET COMPLETED

At least 14 artists have recorded and released Bruce Springsteen's BECAUSE THE NIGHT.

10,000 Maniacs -- MTV Unplugged
10,000 Maniacs -- MTV Unplugged

CD - Elektra (9 61569-2) - USA, 1993

This is a live album.
Melodious Thunk -- Melodious Thunk '94-'95
Melodious Thunk -- Melodious Thunk '94-'95

CD - no label (no catalog number) - USA, 1995
Richard De Groot -- Man At The Top: Medley Of Springsteen Songs
Richard De Groot -- Man At The Top: Medley Of Springsteen Songs

CD EP - Roulette Records (RR001) - Holland, 1997

This EP contains a cover of MAN AT THE TOP plus two versions (electric and acoustic) of a medley consisting of 8 Springsteen covers: BECAUSE THE NIGHT, BORN IN THE U.S.A., BORN TO RUN, DANCING IN THE DARK, FIRE, FOR YOU, MAN AT THE TOP, and THUNDER ROAD. Also included is a CD-ROM track containing interactive material.
Tahúres Zurdos -- El Tiempo De La Luz
Tahúres Zurdos -- El Tiempo De La Luz

CD - Epic (EPC 498105 2 / 4981052000) - Spain, 2000

BECAUSE THE NIGHT is a Spanish adaptation titled "La Noche Es...".
The Studio Sound Ensemble -- 70 Covers Of The 70's
The Studio Sound Ensemble -- 70 Covers Of The 70's

Digital album - Countdown Media (unknown catalog number) - Germany, 2008

This is a download-only digital album. Includes two Bruce Springsteen covers: BECAUSE THE NIGHT and BLINDED BY THE LIGHT.
Domina Noctis -- Second Rose
Domina Noctis -- Second Rose

CD - MetalAgen Records (MARCD-20-09) - Russia, 2009
Various artists -- Play Some Pool, Skip Some School, Act Real Cool: A Global Pop Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
Various artists -- Play Some Pool, Skip Some School, Act Real Cool: A Global Pop Tribute To Bruce Springsteen

2xCD - Where It's At Is Where You Are (WIACD20) - UK, 2009

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album. BECAUSE THE NIGHT is performed by Brontosaurus Chorus.
Das Traumstern-Orchester -- Spielt Hits Von Bruce Springsteen
Das Traumstern-Orchester -- Spielt Hits Von Bruce Springsteen

CD - Europa Family Music / Sony Music (88765 47379 2) - Germany, 2013

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Garbage / Screaming Females -- Because The Night
Garbage / Screaming Females -- Because The Night

10" EP - Stun Volume (STNVOL-007) - USA, 2013
Judson Mancebo -- Babies Love Bruce Springsteen
Judson Mancebo -- Babies Love Bruce Springsteen

CD - Sony Music (88765482692) - Brazil, 2013
CD - DIVUCSA (38-534) - Spain, 2015

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.
Various artists -- Rock Made In USA
Various artists -- Rock Made In USA

Digital album - Open Records (unknown catalog number) - unknown country, 2014

This is a download-only digital album. 13 of the 20 tracks are covers of Bruce Springsteen songs. BECAUSE THE NIGHT is performed by Shania Robson.
Various artists -- Tramps Like Us - My Music Factory's Bruce Springsteen Tribute
Various artists -- Tramps Like Us - My Music Factory's Bruce Springsteen Tribute

Digital album - no label (no catalog number) - unknown country, 2014

This is a free download-only digital Bruce Springsteen tribute album. BECAUSE THE NIGHT is performed by La Chambre.
Various artists -- Glory Days In Rimini - Keep On Dreaming
Various artists -- Glory Days In Rimini - Keep On Dreaming

CD - no label (no catalog number) - Italy, 2016

This is a live Bruce Springsteen tribute album. BECAUSE THE NIGHT is performed by Roberta Vittori.
Graziano Romani -- Soul Crusader Again: The Songs Of Bruce Springsteen
Graziano Romani -- Soul Crusader Again: The Songs Of Bruce Springsteen

CD - Route 66 Music (RT612017004) - Italy, 2017

This is a Bruce Springsteen tribute album.

Credist / References

Thanks Francesco Esposito for the lyrics corrections.

Some of the above info about the studio recording and the live performances is taken from Brucebase.

Available Versions

List of available versions of BECAUSE THE NIGHT on this website:

BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Official studio version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Unofficial studio version 1]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Unofficial studio version 2]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 30 May 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 01 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 05 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 07 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 08 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 09 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 12 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 14 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 15 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 16 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 18 Jul 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 09 Aug 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 19 Sep 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 20 Sep 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 30 Sep 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 08 Dec 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 15 Dec 1978 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 03 Oct 1980 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 28 Dec 1980 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 29 Dec 1980 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 31 Dec 1980 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 05 Jun 1981 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 17 Jul 1984 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 12 Jun 1985 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 27 Sep 1985 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 11 Jun 1988 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 03 Jul 1988 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 19 Mar 2000 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 23 Nov 2002 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 02 Oct 2004 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 31 Jul 2012 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 12 Apr 2014 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Live 17 Jan 2016 version]
BECAUSE THE NIGHT [Patti Smith Group's cover version]

Page last updated: 26 Dec 2017