Night Life

Aretha Franklin · 100 Hits Legends-Aretha Franklin [2010]

In the evening

When the sun goes down

You're gonna find me

Sittin' around



The night life

Ain't no good life

But it's my life



O, good people

Just like you and me

Sittin' around dreaming

Up what there used to be



I tell you that the night life

Sure ain't no good life

But it's my life, yes it is



O, listen to the blues

To the blues and what they're saying

Listen to the blues, to the blues and what they're playing



They seem to be saying to me

Many people have loved

And many people have lost

They might not have loved at all

Had they known that they couldn't pay the cost



They tell me, they tell me

That life is just an empty scene

Older than the oldest broken heart

Newer than the newest broken dreams



I tell you the night life, the night life

Sure ain't no good life

But do you know that it's my life



Yeah, yeah, I tell you that the night life

Sure ain't no good life

But do you know that it's my life

Night Life

Night Life stands as a vibrant testament to Aretha Franklin's enduring mastery of soul and R&B. Recorded during a period where she continued to refine her signature sound, the track showcases her powerful vocal delivery and emotional depth. While often associated with her extensive discography of classics, this recording highlights her ability to navigate the rhythmic complexities of the genre with grace and authority. The song fits seamlessly within her broader catalogue, reflecting the dynamic energy that defined her performances throughout her career. As a key song in her body of work, it remains a compelling example of her influence on popular music, offering listeners a glimpse into the rich texture of her artistry without relying on fleeting trends.