City Lights
Bill Anderson
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The bright array of city lights as far as I can see The great white way shines through the night for lonely guys like me The cabaretes and honky tonks their flashing signs invite A broken heart to lose itself in the glow of city lights (Lights that say forget her name) in a glass of sherry wine (Lights that offer other girls) for empty hearts like mine They paint a pretty picture of a world that's gay and bright But it's just a mask for loneliness behind those city lights The world was dark and God made stars to brighten up the night Did the God who put those stars above make those city lights Did he make a place for men to cry when things don't turn out right Are we just supposed to run and hide behind those city lights (Lights that say forget her love) in a different athmosphere (Lights that lure are nothing) but a masquarade for tears They paint a pretty picture but my arms can't hold them tight And I just can't say I love you to a street of city lights
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2 fans
Written by: BILL ANDERSON
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC,
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
14 facts about this song
Country Music Origin"City Lights" is a country music song written by Bill Anderson and performed by Ray Price. This song secured its place in the golden era of country music.
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Songwriting FeatBill Anderson was only 19 years old when he penned the song. This makes him one of the youngest country music songwriters to create a hit song.
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Chart TopperThe song was an instant hit, and Ray Price's version scaled to number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in July 1958.
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Duration of Popularity"City Lights" stayed at the top of the Billboard country chart for an impressive total of 13 weeks and helped cement Ray Price’s place in country music history.
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Prolific CoversThe song's popularity has led to it being covered by other artists over the years, including country music giants like Mickey Gilley and Dottie West.
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Notable CoversMickey Gilley's version of "City Lights" also charted at number 1 in 1975, making it one of the few songs to reach the top spot with two different artists.
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Signature Song"City Lights" became a signature song for both Bill Anderson as a songwriter and Ray Price as an artist.
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Historical ImportanceThe song is historically significant, as it represents the Nashville sound, a sound that defines country music in the 1950s and 60s.
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LegacyToday, "City Lights" is regarded as one of the classic country songs and is a testament to the enduring legacy of both Bill Anderson and Ray Price.
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Induction into Country Music Hall of FameBoth Bill Anderson and Ray Price were given a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame, in large part, due to their contributions to country music and successes like "City Lights".
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Song Inspiration"City Lights" was allegedly written by Bill Anderson from the viewpoint of his WJJC Commerce apartment, looking at the street lights around Commerce square.
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Album Success"City Lights" was the title track of one of Ray Price's most successful albums.
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Country Music Television RecognitionIn a ranking by Country Music Television (CMT), "City Lights" was placed 84th on their list of the 100 Greatest Songs in Country Music in the year 2003.
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Ray Price's Career BoostThe popularity and success of "City Lights" played a huge role in defining Ray Price's career and shaping his future work.
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Citation
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"City Lights Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8827/Bill+Anderson/City+Lights>.
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