The song is about power cuts in London in the mid-‘70s, and the various economic problems and strikes in Britain at the time which were causing such problems.
[Instrumental]
[Verse 1]
Wind blows back and the batons charging
It winds all the way
Right to the butt of my gun
Maybe now your time has come
[Verse 2]
From the back streets there's a rumblin'
Smell of anarchy
No more nice time, bright boy shoe shines
Pie in the sky dreams
[Chorus]
Lights out, lights out in London
Hold 'em tight 'til the end
Better now you know we'll never
Wait until tomorrow
Lights out, lights out in London
Hold 'em tight 'til the end
God knows when I'm comin' on my run
[Verse 3]
Heaven help those who help themselves
That's the way it goes
Frightening thoughts, what's been taught
And now it shows
[Chorus]
Lights out, lights out in London
Hold 'em tight 'til the end
Better now, you know we'll never
Wait until tomorrow
Lights out, lights out in London
Hold 'em tight 'til the end
God knows when I'm comin' on my run
[Guitar solo]
[Chorus]
Lights out, lights out in London
Hold 'em tight 'til the end
Better now you know we'll never
Wait until tomorrow
Lights out, lights out in London
Hold 'em tight 'til the end
God knows when I'm comin' on my run
[Verse 4]
You keep comin', there's no runnin'
I tried a thousand times
Under your feet the grass is growin'
Time we said, goodbye
[Chorus]
Lights out, lights out in London
Hold 'em tight 'til the end
Better now you know we'll never
Wait till tomorrow
Lights out, lights out in London
Hold 'em tight 'til the end
God knows when I'm comin' on my run
[Guitar solo/Outro]
Lights out, lights out in London
Lights out, lights out in London
Lights Out was written by Andy Parker & Pete Way & Phil Mogg & Michael Schenker.
Lights Out was produced by Ron Nevison.
UFO released Lights Out on Sat May 07 1977.