The Commodores had been around for a while, long enough that a lot of their friends and inspirations died. They give a special dedication to two of those friends, Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. The Commodores imagine them living in the afterworld, which they call “the nightshift.” Night shift wor...
[Verse 1]
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 minds, and I still can hear him say
"Aw talk to me, so you can see, what's going on"
Say you will sing your songs forevermore
[Chorus]
Gonna be some sweet sounds coming down on the nightshift
I bet you're singing proud, oh I bet you'll pull a crowd
Gonna be a long night, it's gonna be all right, on the nightshift
You found another home, I know you're not alone on the nightshift
You found another home, I know you're not alone on the nightshift
[Verse 2]
Jackie, hey what you doing now?
It seems like yesterday when we were working out
Jackie, oh 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
[Chorus]
Gonna be some sweet sounds coming down on the nightshift
I bet you're singing proud, oh I bet you'll pull a crowd
Gonna be a long night, it's gonna be all right on the nightshift
You found another home, I know you're not alone on the nightshift
Gonna be some sweet sounds, coming down on the nightshift
I bet you're singing proud, I bet you'll pull a crowd
Gonna be a long night, it's gonna be all right on the nightshift
You found another home, I know you're not alone on the nightshift
Gonna miss your sweet voice, that soulful noise on the nightshift
We all remember you, your songs are coming through
At the end of a long day, it's gonna be okay on the nightshift
You found another home, I know you're not alone on the nightshift
Gonna be some sweet sounds
Nightshift was written by Franne Golde & Dennis Lambert & Walter Orange.
Nightshift was produced by Dennis Lambert.
Commodores released Nightshift on Fri Jan 18 1985.
The great Jackie Wilson, who had immense success in the 50s and 60s and was renowned for his showmanship. Unfortunately, he had a stroke in 1975 which led to his passing in 1984.
The song was written by the band’s lead singer, Walter Orange.
No. Lionel left in 1982 to pursue his solo career, and “Nightshift” was the Commodores' first (and only) significant hit after his departure.