10,000 Maniacs — Because The Night
Album: MTV UnpluggedAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1691
Length: 3:36
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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Take me now, baby, here as I am
Hold me close, and 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 under your command
Take my hand, as the sun descends
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 us
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
Have I a doubt, baby, when I'm alone
Love is a ring, a telephone
Love is an angel, disguised as lust
Here in our beds 'til 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 hurt you now
Can't hurt you now
Can't hurt you now
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
With love we sleep,
With doubt the vicious circle turns, and burns
Without you, oh I cannot live,
Forgive the yearning burning
I believe it's time to heal to feel,
So take me now
Take me now
Take me now
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
Hold me close, and 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 under your command
Take my hand, as the sun descends
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 us
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
Have I a doubt, baby, when I'm alone
Love is a ring, a telephone
Love is an angel, disguised as lust
Here in our beds 'til 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 hurt you now
Can't hurt you now
Can't hurt you now
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
With love we sleep,
With doubt the vicious circle turns, and burns
Without you, oh I cannot live,
Forgive the yearning burning
I believe it's time to heal to feel,
So take me now
Take me now
Take me now
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
Comments (175)add comment
I love Natalie solo and with maniacs but she bit off more than she could chew on this one. Not nearly enough yearn or pathos.
robspeds wrote:
No, not at all.
This is actually painful.
No, not at all.
TheJack wrote:
Yes - this is insipid.
Give me the Patti Smith version!
Yes - this is insipid.
peterush1959 wrote:
That's because Patti Smith is an original. But I like the 10,000 Maniac's version too.
I'll take the Patti Smith original all day, every day.
That's because Patti Smith is an original. But I like the 10,000 Maniac's version too.
This is actually painful.
Proclivities wrote:
"Haughty, Cold, & Distant" was the name of a band I played in back in my college days. We often did a klezmer version of Bobby Goldsboro's "Honey" to open the shows.
I'm thinking you have never seen her live. She's amazing.
"Haughty, Cold, & Distant" was the name of a band I played in back in my college days. We often did a klezmer version of Bobby Goldsboro's "Honey" to open the shows.
I'm thinking you have never seen her live. She's amazing.
It's a great song, and I just love Merchant, so.. you know... 9
admascott wrote:
Music by Bruce. Lyrics by Patti.
She also wrote lyrics on some of the early Blue Öyster Cult albums.
the patti smith song written by Bruce Springsteen?
Sorry, but Natalie Merchant is just not the right singer to cover one of Patti Smith's best songs ever.
Music by Bruce. Lyrics by Patti.
She also wrote lyrics on some of the early Blue Öyster Cult albums.
I'll take the Patti Smith original all day, every day.
Signwrtr61 wrote:
Don't know why but, Natalie sounded SO much better when with 10k maniacs. I like her solo work, has a beautiful voice but, seems solo, she lacks something.
and 'lacking something' sums up this version for me. Unleaded or decaffeinated!Seriously? I had the time to look for Garbage & Screaming Females version, hear them power through it, notice how much better their version is, then come back here and it is still not over?
Ugh.
Ugh.
Frater_Kork wrote:
OM*G. Thank you for that intro. Holy cow, better than the original. Goosebumps all the way through.
OM*G. Thank you for that intro. Holy cow, better than the original. Goosebumps all the way through.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Or to the cover by Patti Smith ;-)
Patti is the co-author of the song and her version was released before Springsteen released his version. Moreover, I don't think there is a studio version of this by Springsteen. First released by him as part of the 1975-85 5 LP set.
Or to the cover by Patti Smith ;-)
Patti is the co-author of the song and her version was released before Springsteen released his version. Moreover, I don't think there is a studio version of this by Springsteen. First released by him as part of the 1975-85 5 LP set.
Edweirdo wrote:
Anything is an improvement on Patti Smith, the most over-rated artist since ... well, Pet Shop Boys.
This order of artists makes little sense, as Patti Smith was around quite a few years before the Pet Shop Boys.
I also disagree with your assessemnt of Patti (and the Pet Shop Boys for that matter) but that is a different topic and a matter of opinion.
Anything is an improvement on Patti Smith, the most over-rated artist since ... well, Pet Shop Boys.
I also disagree with your assessemnt of Patti (and the Pet Shop Boys for that matter) but that is a different topic and a matter of opinion.
So bland compared to Patti Smith.
Co-written by Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen, but originally released and performed by Smith. Classic.
This version? Not so much...
Much better than Patti Smith.
pixel-pusher wrote:
Anything is an improvement on Patti Smith, the most over-rated artist since ... well, Pet Shop Boys.
Sorry, but Natalie Merchant is just not the right singer to cover one of Patti Smith's best songs ever.
Anything is an improvement on Patti Smith, the most over-rated artist since ... well, Pet Shop Boys.
pankman wrote:
Or to the cover by Patti Smith ;-)
Needless (imho). Adds nothing new to the unbeaten original.
Or to the cover by Patti Smith ;-)
Ropes wrote:
Was about to say the same. Garbage... version is like a shot of whiskey to clear out the taste of a sugary drink.
And that guitar solo!
Thanks to all for the heads-up for the Garbage and Screaming Females version. 10,000 Maniacs? Puh-leez...
Was about to say the same. Garbage... version is like a shot of whiskey to clear out the taste of a sugary drink.
And that guitar solo!
Don't know why but, Natalie sounded SO much better when with 10k maniacs. I like her solo work, has a beautiful voice but, seems solo, she lacks something.
Proclivities wrote:
Give me a hot kazoo any day! (Uh oh. That doesn't sound so good on a family site like this.)
shmuelman wrote:
"Haughty, Cold, & Distant" was the name of a band I played in back in my college days. We often did a klezmer version of Bobby Goldsboro's "Honey" to open the shows.
Natalie Merchant is about as passionless as I can imagine for a singer. She is haughty, cold and distant...
"Haughty, Cold, & Distant" was the name of a band I played in back in my college days. We often did a klezmer version of Bobby Goldsboro's "Honey" to open the shows.
Give me a hot kazoo any day! (Uh oh. That doesn't sound so good on a family site like this.)
Frater_Kork wrote:
That version is incredible. Obviously, it's always going to be Patti's song, but that cover still blows my mind every time I hear it. Paternoster's guitar work is just so damn satisfying!
That version is incredible. Obviously, it's always going to be Patti's song, but that cover still blows my mind every time I hear it. Paternoster's guitar work is just so damn satisfying!
Such an "empty" voice...
Great to hear this song visited by such a talented singer. !
the patti smith song written by Bruce Springsteen?
Sorry, but Natalie Merchant is just not the right singer to cover one of Patti Smith's best songs ever.
Sorry, but Natalie Merchant is just not the right singer to cover one of Patti Smith's best songs ever.
Good cover.
Im reading about Ted Bundy and suddenly 10,000 Maniacs starts to play...
Fantastic artist!!....In my opinion!!
Have not heard this song in years
stalfnzo wrote:
That is because it is not Patti Smith!
Had this rated 7, but I must drop it to a 6. Nowhere near as good as Patti's version.
That is because it is not Patti Smith!
Frater_Kork wrote:
thewiseking wrote:
Natalie was singing long before Starbucks existed for crying out loud, and I'm not even really a fan. And Margo does what she does because it suits her voice and she does it damn well.
leafmold wrote:
Thanks, Natalie, for sucking every ounce of passion out of this song with your vacuous, bloodless version.
Natalie belongs in the same (minor) league as Margo Timmins and Norah Jones in this regard. Music manufactured for a Starbucks.Natalie was singing long before Starbucks existed for crying out loud, and I'm not even really a fan. And Margo does what she does because it suits her voice and she does it damn well.
leafmold wrote:
Thanks, Natalie, for sucking every ounce of passion out of this song with your vacuous, bloodless version.
Natalie belongs in the same (minor) league as Margo Timmins and Norah Jones in this regard. Music manufactured for a Starbucks. shmuelman wrote:
"Haughty, Cold, & Distant" was the name of a band I played in back in my college days. We often did a klezmer version of Bobby Goldsboro's "Honey" to open the shows.
Natalie Merchant is about as passionless as I can imagine for a singer. She is haughty, cold and distant...
"Haughty, Cold, & Distant" was the name of a band I played in back in my college days. We often did a klezmer version of Bobby Goldsboro's "Honey" to open the shows.
Thanks to all for the heads-up for the Garbage and Screaming Females version. 10,000 Maniacs? Puh-leez...
Frater_Kork wrote:
Wow, thanks for the share! I was about to hit PSD as I always do for this song, but decided to check out the comments first. Finally, a version of this song I like!
Wow, thanks for the share! I was about to hit PSD as I always do for this song, but decided to check out the comments first. Finally, a version of this song I like!
Frater_Kork wrote:
Wow....
Just.
Wow.
Wow....
Just.
Wow.
Frater_Kork wrote:
It's not often I get goose pimples these days, but the Garbage/Screaming females version is bangin'. My hair was standing on end. What's left of it.
It's not often I get goose pimples these days, but the Garbage/Screaming females version is bangin'. My hair was standing on end. What's left of it.
ianmoff wrote:
I would like to have some of what you are smokin...talk about an uninspired job by NM...unlistenable
Better than the original.
I would like to have some of what you are smokin...talk about an uninspired job by NM...unlistenable
leafmold wrote:
Thanks, leafmold, for giving me a respiratory infection every spring.
...oh, and for your vacuous song commentary.
Thanks, Natalie, for sucking every ounce of passion out of this song with your vacuous, bloodless version.
Thanks, leafmold, for giving me a respiratory infection every spring.
...oh, and for your vacuous song commentary.
Holy smokes, that solo was amazing. A great take on a great song
Frater_Kork wrote:
Frater_Kork wrote:
sqqqrly wrote:
Her voice cracking is the high-point of this version for me - it shows more emotion or spontaneity than I'm accustomed to hearing from her.
It's odd how many people seem to be unaware that these "unplugged" albums were released by MTV, they were not releases from the artists or their labels. They were live "unplugged" gigs played by the bands for MTV; it seems like throwing in a cover version was done by most of the bands.
I hate the way she says "Take me now". Her voice cracks at one point.
Her voice cracking is the high-point of this version for me - it shows more emotion or spontaneity than I'm accustomed to hearing from her.
It's odd how many people seem to be unaware that these "unplugged" albums were released by MTV, they were not releases from the artists or their labels. They were live "unplugged" gigs played by the bands for MTV; it seems like throwing in a cover version was done by most of the bands.
Better than the original.
Way too long since I heard this
Good song, bad cover, horrible voice. Another jewel ruined by Natalie Merchant ... to be continued.
So much Natalie hate. Her voice does smooth over the passion of Smith's original, but its still not a bad listen. I like the short violin solo.
Awesome version - but I do miss Bruce's guitar solo's
Natalie Merchant should give lessons on how to do terrible covers and ruin other people's songs.
What a useless cover and waste of bandwidth. 1.
Had this rated 7, but I must drop it to a 6. Nowhere near as good as Patti's version.
I've always hated this song. I don't care who sings it. PSD
A wretched version of a great song.
An "OK" song, but compared to Patti's version... well, no comparison
leafmold wrote:
AGREED. Of all the versions around......
Thanks, Natalie, for sucking every ounce of passion out of this song with your vacuous, bloodless version.
AGREED. Of all the versions around......
Thanks, Natalie, for sucking every ounce of passion out of this song with your vacuous, bloodless version.
the addition of my opinion might be unnecessary, but seriously - the easy-listening covers of some amazing songs seem to be a theme here. used sparingly, they can be effective. overused and they induce many an eye roll (and station change)
Patti Smith? Isn't this Natalie Merchant? Ah, this is Natalie covering Patti. I like Natalie.
Mandible wrote:
Bah!
well stated! : ( this version is not good)
Bah!
well stated! : ( this version is not good)
Needless (imho). Adds nothing new to the unbeaten original.
I'm not a big fan of Patti Smith, by and large, but this song is an exception. Why play this Prozac-soaked cover rather than the spine-chilling original is beyond me.
Moirabbit wrote:
I wholeheartedly agree. Stop playing this insipid music with her horrible voice PLEASE!!!!!
Please stop!
I wholeheartedly agree. Stop playing this insipid music with her horrible voice PLEASE!!!!!
Please stop!
I think I get the segue, but it is pretty darned obscure Bill :)
Bobert_ParkCity wrote:
I wholeheartedly agree. Stop playing this insipid music with her horrible voice PLEASE!!!!!
Vapid. Patti and Bruce should file a class action to have this removed from existence.
I wholeheartedly agree. Stop playing this insipid music with her horrible voice PLEASE!!!!!
Vapid. Patti and Bruce should file a class action to have this removed from existence.
I just can't with this. I recently listened to the original Patti Smith version. This is not even a pale comparison—it's annoying in that it doesn't have anything to add but pretensions and off-key vocals.
I don't understand what this cover adds to the world. Compared to the power of Bruce or Patti's version this is just phoning it in.
I can see playing it live, I can't see recording it. Nothing added. Much rather hear Patti.
Nat By visualstimuliphotog
https://www.flickr.com/photos/visualstimuli/
This is a shot of Natalie Merchant when 10,000 Maniacs were cool. They were on tour right after the release of In My Tribe. Most of my close friends, myself included, were completely obsessed with this record, and moreso The Wishing Chair. This concert took place at City Gardens in Trenton, NJ. At the show, Natalie announced that she needed money to do her laundry. She asked for someone to buy a sketch that she did. One of our posse bought the sketch for $5.
All rights reservedI hate the way she says "Take me now". Her voice cracks at one point.
hallogallo wrote:
I like 10k Maniacs just fine, but this is a degradation of the Patti Smith classic. Patti makes it a testament, Natalie makes it like reading cue cards.
Bloody well put!
I like 10k Maniacs just fine, but this is a degradation of the Patti Smith classic. Patti makes it a testament, Natalie makes it like reading cue cards.
Bloody well put!
kaybee wrote:
I think Natalie Merchant's attempt doesn't succeed as well as it could have because although pleasant (to me anyway) her voice, unlike that of Patti Smith or Springsteen, isn't quite passionate enough for this song. I would love to hear Bruce's version.
Exactly. A bit like Rufus Wainwright's version of Hallelujah —- unneccessary.
I think Natalie Merchant's attempt doesn't succeed as well as it could have because although pleasant (to me anyway) her voice, unlike that of Patti Smith or Springsteen, isn't quite passionate enough for this song. I would love to hear Bruce's version.
Exactly. A bit like Rufus Wainwright's version of Hallelujah —- unneccessary.
I like 10k Maniacs just fine, but this is a degradation of the Patti Smith classic. Patti makes it a testament, Natalie makes it like reading cue cards.
Not only is Natalie ≠ Patti, but Natalie < Patti.
I normally like Natalie's voice, but there is a distinct lack of passion here.
I normally like Natalie's voice, but there is a distinct lack of passion here.
Bah!
Nice, I haven't heard this for mucho tiempo.
gorgeous!
most of the comments here disregard her voice. but I must confess that I somehow like her voice and this song. although I'm a huge patti fan. but I always had this thing with strange female voices.
Despite all the voice critics/car enthusiasts out there, this is a great cover and interpretation - a nice rock edge w/ violins and acoustics. Brings me back to blacklight high school parties!
skdenfeld wrote:
More like a Yugo. When you hear her voice yugo somewhere else.
Her voice is a Ford Escort in a world of Bentleys. Blech.
More like a Yugo. When you hear her voice yugo somewhere else.
DeeCee1109 wrote:
However I must qualify that I think Natalie Merchant's attempt doesn't succeed as well as it could have because although pleasant (to me anyway) her voice, unlike that of Patti Smith or Springsteen, isn't quite passionate enough for this song. I would love to hear Bruce's version.
She took a shot - that's what an artist should do ... . .
However I must qualify that I think Natalie Merchant's attempt doesn't succeed as well as it could have because although pleasant (to me anyway) her voice, unlike that of Patti Smith or Springsteen, isn't quite passionate enough for this song. I would love to hear Bruce's version. skdenfeld wrote:
But then we recall the cover of her Motherland album, and all is quickly forgiven.
Her voice is a Ford Escort in a world of Bentleys. Blech.
But then we recall the cover of her Motherland album, and all is quickly forgiven.
orrible song
Patti Smith wrote it with Bruce Springsteen, strangely enough.
toterola wrote:
Only thing is, Patti's is an altered version of Springsteen's original song. So how does that shake out?
toterola wrote:
Only thing is, Patti's is an altered version of Springsteen's original song. So how does that shake out?
She took a shot - that's what an artist should do - but she misses the mark with this one. There is a mis-match bewixt the voice and the lyrics . . .
Although Pat Boone's covers of hard rock tunes was hilarious and fun. This....not so much.
thewiseking wrote:
thewiseking wrote:
her cover is to Patti Smiths original what Pat Boones was to Little Richard's
thewiseking wrote:
her cover is to Patti Smiths original what Pat Boones was to Little Richard's
Only thing is, Patti's is an altered version of Springsteen's original song. So how does that shake out?
her cover is to Patti Smiths original what Pat Boones was to Little Richard's
A poor version..sounds like she's singing inside a phone booth too.
Her voice is a Ford Escort in a world of Bentleys. Blech.
Krispian wrote:
Make it stop!!!
please!! I didn't like it when it came out, my feelings have not changed since then...
shmuelman wrote:
Natalie Merchant is about as passionless as I can imagine for a singer. She is haughty, cold and distant, and should stick to singing about child abuse.
No kidding! Her voice has always made me feel icky... and I bet she's a real drag to hang out with, too.
bizon wrote:
Oh, the pain!!!
I'm with ya "bizon"
Muchas gracias, senor Bruce Springsteen!
Oh, the pain!!!
Natalie Merchant is about as passionless as I can imagine for a singer. She is haughty, cold and distant, and should stick to singing about child abuse.
Make it stop!!!
2 -> 3
Just because the original version is nice.
Because this cover...
makes me long for Patty's version...
it gets a 4.
What a soothing ear salve after that Jeff Buckley caterwauling !
Wimpy and dammit but her voice sounds flatter than flat.
classic 10K song. love this album, too! i used to listen to this on tape non-stop.
JJAB wrote:
I wonder about Natalie's motivations for doing this song. Not a great pick to showcase Merchant's genius talent. 
True, overshadowed somewhat by Patti.
Flippin' awesome song though.
Fantastic song, fantastic MTV moment, fantastic band now fragmented into several entities.
I know I could get shot for saying this, but I'm going to anyway.
This is better than the original. Natalie Merchant's voice is perfectly suited for it.
I don't buy into the Patti myth. Damn, there she's on now. Talentless harridan.
Where is Patti Smith when we need her?
Talking about Aretha's version of his song, Otis Redding was quoted playfully describing "Respect" as "a song a girl took away from me".
Well, Springsteen might say the same about Patti Smith's version of "Because the Night"
But I have no idea what he might say about this pathetic little echo.... I was excited when it started and I immediately recognized it... then wondered what the hell was going on.
now, guess what I really want to hear?
Patti owns this tune. No sale.
kaz wrote:
I liked her when they were starting out (they played a tiny club "288 Lark" in Albany NY frequently in the late 70s), but the initial passion soon faded...
I loved 288 Lark. It was my second home until it closed sometime in the early 1980s.
Anyway, while Patti Smith's version of this song is great, let's not forget that Bruce Springsteen penned the lyrics.
I liked her when they were starting out (they played a tiny club \"288 Lark\" in Albany NY frequently in the late 70s), but the initial passion soon faded...
Kinda wimpy.
I echo what's already been said...Bill, please play Patti!
Yeah, I ordinarily like Natalie, but this is Patti's song! If you're going to cover another artist's work, give it your own, **unique** (operative word) interpretation.
This doesn't hold a candle to the original by Patti Smith. Natalie Merchant was always a smug one.
What a let-down. I thought I was gonna get Patti, then I heard that horrid voice.
I once had tickets to see the Maniacs, only because Zap Mama was opening for them. Some in ZM got laryngitis and cancelled, so I got a refund and went home.