Commodores - Nightshift

The Commodores' 1985 hit single "Nightshift" emerged as a poignant tribute to two fallen giants of soul music, Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson, and marked a significant turning point for the band in the post-Lionel Richie era. Following Richie's departure in 1982, many in the music industry had written off the Commodores, but "Nightshift" proved them wrong, becoming one of their biggest successes.

The song was penned by Dennis Lambert, Franne Gold, and the Commodores' own Walter Orange, with Lambert also taking on production duties. The lyrics skillfully weave together remembrances of both Gaye and Wilson, who had both passed away in 1984. For Marvin Gaye, the song references his seminal work "What's Going On," with lines like "a friend of mine... sang of the joy and pain, he opened up our minds." Jackie Wilson, a dynamic performer known for his energetic stage presence, is honored with the lyric "It seems like yesterday when we were working out," a clear nod to his 1963 hit "Baby Workout."

With Lionel Richie no longer in the group, Walter Orange resumed lead vocal responsibilities, sharing them with new vocalist J.D. Nicholas, formerly of the UK soul group Heatwave. Both vocalists contributed verses to "Nightshift," showcasing a revitalized sound for the Commodores. The song quickly resonated with audiences, achieving considerable crossover success. It climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, replicated this feat in the UK, and topped the charts in Holland. Notably, it spent four weeks at the summit of the R&B survey, following Diana Ross's Marvin Gaye tribute "Missing You," which had held the top spot for three weeks prior.

"Nightshift" not only earned the Commodores a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance but also solidified their place in music history as a resilient and evolving group. The song's emotional depth and heartfelt homage to their musical predecessors ensured its status as a soul music classic, demonstrating the Commodores' ability to craft impactful and successful music even after a major lineup change. The enduring legacy of "Nightshift" continues to be celebrated, with artists like Bruce Springsteen even recording a new version for his 2022 album Only The Strong Survive.

Commodores Nightshift Lyrics

Hmm
Hmm

Marvin
He was a friend of mine
And he could sing a song
His heart in every line

Marvin
Sang of the joy and pain
He opened up our mind
And I still can hear him say

"Oh, talk to me
So you can see what's goin' on"
Say you will sing your songs
Forevermore, evermore

Gonna be some sweet sounds
Comin' down on the night shift
I bet you're singin' proud
Oh, I bet you'll pull a crowd

Gonna be a long night
It's gonna be all right on the night shift
You found another home
I know you're not alone on the night shift, oh
You found another home
I know you're not alone on the night shift

Jackie
Hmm-mm, hey, what you doin' now?
It seems like yesterday
When we were workin' out

Jackie
Whoa, you set the world on fire
You came and gifted us
Your love, it lifted us higher and higher

Keep it up
And we'll be there at your side
Oh, say you will sing your songs
Forevermore, evermore

Gonna be some sweet sounds
Comin' down on the night shift
I bet you're singin' proud
Oh, I bet you'll pull a crowd

Gonna be a long night (gonna be a long night)
It's gonna be all right on the night shift
You found another home
I know you're not alone on the night shift

Gonna be some sweet sounds (sweet sounds)
Comin' down on the night shift (oh, on the night shift)
I bet you're singin' proud (I know you're singin' proud)
Oh, I bet you'll pull a crowd (oh, yeah)

Gonna be a long night (gonna be all right)
It's gonna be all right on the night shift (on the night shift)
You found another home
I know you're not alone on the night shift

Gonna miss your sweet voice (sweet)
That soulful noise (soulful noise)
On the night shift (night shift, on the night shift)
We all remember you (remember you, remember you)
Ooh, the songs are comin' through (whoa, oh-oh-oh)

At the end of a long day (a long day)
It's gonna be okay (okay)
On the night shift (night shift)
You found another home
I know you're not alone on the night shift

Gonna be some sweet sounds (sweet, sweet sounds)
Comin' down (comin' down)
On the night shift (ooh, yeah)
I bet you're singin' proud