Just Another Night
Background
The story behind this one begins as the story behind many songs written by many musicians begins: “So, I met a girl (a young woman, actually)…” This was back in college. That “girl” was really into me from the moment we met, and, in a moment of utter brilliance, I managed to put myself into the “friend zone”. I talked with her about experiences and feelings, etc…all the stuff that doesn’t tend to make someone who is attracted to a person from the outset find that person an object of desire.
At any rate, following my meeting with this person, the two of us spent tons of time together, with this person telling me about how X guy did something to her that “you wouldn’t do, right?” or saying, <ex-boyfriend’s name here> didn’t like to cuddle after sex. He just wanted to go to sleep. “You wouldn’t do that, right? … because I don’t think I’d like that.” … while never giving me a chance to demonstrate what I would or would not do. I should have abandoned any hope of a romantic relationship with this person, but I kept thinking something would happen. It never did. This person has been married to someone else for over 20 years at this point, as have I.
This song was inspired by that friend zone experience. I wrote it a year after meeting this person. I’ve grown and moved on. I wish her the best and I think she’s found it…but I still like this song as a song. It was originally arranged as a blues song that we used to perform with a different band. We converted it to disco for this music project. That was fun.
—MC
Lyrics
Verse:
You call me on the phone
Before you cry yourself to sleep
Looking for some kind of consolation.
You’re feeling all alone.
It seems your man’s the one to blame.
You’re caught up in this world of complication.
I’ve been there all along you say.
Correct you if you’re wrong you say,
But, to me, he can’t even hold a candle.
Just another night with me, you say,
Your heartache will be gone by day.
This crazy talk is more than I can handle.
Chorus:
You’ve got to choose a lover.
‘can’t have you pittin’ one of us against the other.
You need to make a decision.
‘cause stayin’ on like this just isn’t somethin’ I envision.
Verse:
This heartache is much more than you can take,
And there’s so much that is at stake.
You know you must have hurt his feelings.
But, eventually, his heart will mend.
To get with you a guy must bend.
You’re more than just some chick with whom he’s dealin’.
You’re one of those who’s far too deep,
Always thinkin’ ‘bout how you can keep
More than just one man under your thumb.
Some day your plan is gonna fail.
Don’t come to me to tell your tale.
I knew eventually your time would come.
Chorus:
You’ve got to choose a lover.
‘can’t have you pittin’ one of us against the other.
You need to make a decision.
'cause I can't keep on livin' in a world with these divisions.
Bridge:
You're caught up in a fantasy world.
You think that, once your hair is unfurled,
Any man will bow toward the floor.
The truth is he may play your game
Until he learns he'll never win,
And then his hand will show you to the door.
Chorus:
You've got to choose a lover.
Can't have you pittin' one of us against the other.
You need to make a decision.
'cause stayin' on like this just isn't something I envision.
Verse:
I've got to get free of your clutches.
'cause I can't go on bein' just another of your crutches.
Don't come to me cryin' 'cause he's not me.
'Cause I know of only one solution,
And it's one you just don't see.
Chorus 1 followed by Chorus 2
Can't keep on movin' me around.
I'm not a pawn.
And, hey, why don't you save your breath,
'cause, lady, I've already gone.
Fade out:
You finally chose a lover
After you discovered we're over.
You finally made a decision
After our ideas about this thing met in collision. (repeat ad nauseam)