Lyrics: If It Wasn’t For The Nights by ABBA
I got appointments, work I have to do Keeping me so busy all the day through They're the things that keep me from thinking of you Ohhh baby, I miss you so, I know I'm never gonna make it Oh, I'm so restless, I don't care what I say And I lose my temper ten times a day Still it's even worse when the night's on its way It's bad, oh, so bad Somehow I'd be doing alright if it wasn't for the nights (If it wasn't for the nights I think that I could make it) I'd have courage left to fight if it wasn't for the nights (If it wasn't for the nights I think that I could take it) How I fear the time when shadows start to fall Sitting here alone and staring at the wall Even I could see a light if it wasn't for the nights (Even I could see a light I think that I could make it) Somehow I'd be doing alright if it wasn't for the nights (If it wasn't for the nights I think that I could take it) No one to turn to, you know how it is I was not prepared for something like this Now I see them clearly, the things that I miss Ohhh baby, I feel so bad, I know I'm never gonna make it I got my business to help me through the day People I must write to, bills I must pay But everything's so different when night's on its way It's bad, oh, so bad Somehow I'd be doing alright if it wasn't for the nights (If it wasn't for the nights I think that I could make it) I'd have courage left to fight if it wasn't for the nights (If it wasn't for the nights I think that I could take it) How I fear the time when shadows start to fall Sitting here alone and staring at the wall Even I could see a light if it wasn't for the nights (Even I could see a light I think that I could make it) Guess my future would look bright if it wasn't for the nights (If it wasn't for the nights I think that I could make it) If it wasn't for the nights (If it wasn't for the nights I think that I could take it) if it wasn't for the nights (If it wasn't for the nights I think that I could make it) Even I could see a light if it wasn't for the nights (Even I could see a light I think that I could make it) Guess my future would look bright if it wasn't for the nights (If it wasn't for the nights I think that I could take it) If it wasn't for the nights (If it wasn't for the nights I think that I could make it) If it wasn't for the nights (If it wasn't for the nights I think that I could take it) Even I could see a light if it wasn't for the nights (Even I could see a light I think that I could make it) Guess my future would look bright if it wasn't for the nights [fade]
Understanding “If It Wasn’t For The Nights”: A Deep Dive
The Struggle of Day vs. Night
“If It Wasn’t For The Nights” captures the inner turmoil of someone grappling with loneliness and heartbreak. During the day, the narrator distracts themselves with appointments, work, and daily tasks—anything to avoid thinking about a lost love. The daylight hours provide a sense of structure and temporary relief from emotional pain.
The Night as a Symbol of Vulnerability
As evening falls, the defenses built up during the day begin to crumble. The lyrics repeat the phrase “if it wasn’t for the nights,” emphasizing how nightfall brings with it an overwhelming sense of sadness and longing. Alone with their thoughts, the narrator is forced to confront their feelings, making the nights feel “so bad” and nearly unbearable. Shadows, silence, and stillness amplify their vulnerability and despair.
Hope and Resilience Amidst Sorrow
Despite the prevailing melancholy, there is a thread of hope running through the song. The narrator believes that, without the hardship of the nights, they could “make it,” “take it,” and even see a brighter future. This notion of resilience, masked by the pain of solitude, is a testament to the narrator’s underlying strength and longing for healing. The song resonates with anyone who has ever tried to survive heartbreak by staying busy, only to be haunted by memories when the world quiets down.
Song Credits
“If It Wasn’t For The Nights” is performed by ABBA. The song was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. It was released in 1979 as part of their iconic album “Voulez-Vous” under Polar Music.