Until you’ve been beside a man
You don’t know what he wants
You don’t know if he cries at night
You don’t know if he don’t
When nothin comes easy
Old nightmares are real
Until you’ ve been beside a man
You don’t know how he feels
Once inside a woman’s heart
A man must keep his head
Heaven opens up the door
Where angels fear to tread
Some men go crazy
Some men go slow
Some men go just where they want
Some men never go
Oh blame it on midnight
Ooh shame on the moon
Everywhere it’s all around
Comfort in a crowd
Strangers faces all around
Laughin right out loud
Hey watch where your goin
Step light on old toes
Cause until you’ve been beside a man
You don’t know who he knows
Oh blame it on midnight
Ooh shame on the moon
Oh blame it on midnight
Ooh shame on the moon
Exploring Vulnerability and Empathy
“Shame On The Moon” by Bob Seger delves into the complexities of understanding another person’s inner world. The lyrics suggest that true empathy comes from experience—”until you’ve been beside a man, you don’t know how he feels.” This refrain highlights the challenge of truly knowing someone else’s struggles, dreams, and pain. The song paints vivid images of isolation, emotional battles, and the delicate dance of intimacy, especially when navigating the often mysterious terrain of the human heart. The recurring line, “blame it on midnight, shame on the moon,” serves as a poetic metaphor for the uncertainties and misunderstandings that can arise in relationships, especially under the cover of darkness or vulnerability.
Song Credits
“Shame On The Moon” was written by Rodney Crowell. Bob Seger released his rendition in 1982 under Capitol Records.