The Commodores: "Nightshift" (1985)

"Nightshift" is a 1985 hit song by the Commodores and title track from the album of the same name. The song was a tribute to Jackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye, two famous R&B musicians who had died in 1984.

This song was the first hit attained by the Commodores following Lionel Richie's departure from the group. It was also their biggest hit after Richie's departure, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and rising to number one on the Hot Black Singles chart, as well as number three in the UK Singles Chart. Although the band was against the label's decision to release it as a single, it won a Grammy Award in 1985 for Best Vocal R&B Performance by a Duo/Group.

The Commodores re-recorded a version dedicated to Michael Jackson in 2010.


- Lyrics:

Marvin, he was a friend of mine
And he could sing his 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
Oh talk to me, so you can see, what’s goin’ on
Say you will, sing your songs, for evermore, evermore

Gonna be some sweet sounds
Comin’ down, on the nightshift
I bet you’re singing proud
Oh, I’ll bet you’re full of pride
Gonna be a long night, it’s gonna be alright, on the nightshift
You found another home,
I know you’re not alone, on the nightshift, oooh
You found another home,
I know you’re not alone, on the nightshift

Jackie, oooh, 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
For evermore, evermore, evermore

Gonna be some sweet sounds
Comin’ down, on the nightshift
I bet you’re singing proud
Oh I’ll bet you’re full of pride
Gonna be a long night (gonna be a long night)
It’s gonna be alright, on the nightshift
You found another home
I know you’re not alone, on the nightshift

Gonna be some sweet sounds (sweet sounds)
Comin’ down, on the nightshift (oh on the nightshift)
I’ll bet you’re singing proud (I know you’re singing proud)
Oh, I’ll bet you’re full of pride (oh yeah)
Gonna be a long night (gonna be alright) it’s gonna be alright
On the nightshift, on the nightshift
You found another home
I know you’re not alone, on the nightshift

Gonna miss your sweet voice, (sweet)
That soulful noise (soulful noise)
On the nightshift, nightshift (on the nightshift)
We all remember you, remember you, remember you
Oooh you’re songs are comin' through
Oh oooh oh oooh oh oh oh
At the end of a long day (a long day)
It’s gonna be OK (OK)
On the nightshift, nightshift
You found another home
I know you’re not alone, on the nightshift
Gonna be some sweet sounds, sweet sweet sounds