Love is an angel disguised as lust/
Here in our bed until the morning comes.

“Because The Night” is one of Bruce Springsteen’s best songs, but he didn’t want to record it, so he gave it to Patti Smith. This would be her only hit. Perhaps it would sound creepy if a guy was singing it—I don’t know. The lyrics are pretty intense; very lusty. The emotion on this is similar to his “I’m on Fire”, so he could have pulled it off. I am not aware of a Springsteen recording of this, but I am not a Springsteen aficionado.

For another good version of this song check out the MTV Unplugged 10,000 Maniacs version where Natalie Merchant sings lead.

The three different melodies for the verse, chorus and bridge on Because the Night are amazing. Each blend together great and are memorable. The bridge is especially good. Sometimes I feel like those are the hardest to really nail. Smith’s voice sounds great—somewhat raw. The production is top notch; Jimmy Iovine at the top of his game. The song ventures far from the gentle piano intro into a hard guitar rock song by the end.

Because the Night Lyrics

Take me now, baby, here as I am
Pull me close, try and understand
Desire is hunger is the fire I breathe
Love is a banquet on which we feed

Come on now try and understand
The way I feel when I’m in your hands
Take my hand come undercover
They can’t hurt you now
Can’t hurt you now, can’t hurt you now

Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to lust
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us

Have I doubt when I’m alone
Love is a ring, the telephone
Love is an angel disguised as lust
Here in our bed until the morning comes

Come on now try and understand
The way I feel under your command
Take my hand as the sun descends
They can’t touch you now
Can’t touch you now, can’t touch you now

Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to lust
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us

With love we sleep
With doubt the vicious circle
Turn and burns
Without you I cannot live
Forgive, the yearning burning
I believe it’s time, too real to feel
So touch me now, touch me now, touch me now

Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to lust
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
Because tonight there are two lovers
If we believe in the night we trust
Because tonight belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to lust
Because tonight belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to lust
written by Bruce Springsteen