Here comes the Night
Them were a British rock band formed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in April 1964, most prominently known for the rock standard “Gloria” and launching singer Van Morrison‘s musical career.[5] The original five-member band consisted of Morrison, Alan Henderson, Ronnie Milling, Billy Harrison and Eric Wrixon.
Them scored two UK hits in 1965 with “Baby, Please Don’t Go” (UK No. 10) and “Here Comes the Night” (UK No. 2; Ireland No. 2). The latter song and “Mystic Eyes” were top 40 hits in the US.[5]
Morrison quit the band in 1966 and went on to a successful career as a solo artist. Despite their relatively few hit singles, the Belfast group had considerable influence on other bands, such as the Doors.[5]
The band’s 1964 recording of “Gloria” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.[6] It was rated at No.69 on Dave Marsh‘s 1989 book, The Heart of Rock and Soul, The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever and “Mystic Eyes” was rated at No.458.[7] “Gloria” was listed at No.208 on the 2004 Rolling Stone magazine’s feature, The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.[8]
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Another great pick, Radioman. I love the contrast between the much faster tempo of the verses to the chorus which is by no means slow.
I wonder why I remember this song more than say yesterday’s by Roy Head. I know my older brother had “Gloria” by Them on a 45 so maybe he had this one as well.
What I do know is as a 13 year old I wasn’t paying attention to the lyrics and if I had there was no way I would have understood the anguish the narrator is going through. He sees his former girlfriend as she walks down the street with a new guy’s arm around her. He wonders why he was dumped and why he can’t let it go. Fair enough but what’s with the last verse.
She’s with him he’s turning down the lights
And now he’s holding her
The way I used to do
I could see, her closing her eyes
And tellin’ him lies
Exactly like she told me, too
“I could see” is a bit ambiguous. Is he actually watching them or torturing himself through his imagining.