The Meaning Behind The Song: Moonlighting by Al Jarreau
Al Jarreau was a legendary singer, songwriter, and musician who passed away in 2017. He was popular for his unique style of music which blended jazz, R&B, and pop genres. One of his greatest hits and arguably his most popular song was “Moonlighting”. The song was the theme song for the American TV show with the same name which was popular in the 1980s. In this article, we’ll dive into the meaning behind the song and explore what Al Jarreau was trying to say through his lyrics.
Table of Contents
Moonlighting: An Overview
“Moonlighting” was released in 1987, as the title track of the popular TV show “Moonlighting.” The show was a romantic-comedy that featured Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd. The song was written by Lee Holdridge and Al Jarreau and was performed by Al Jarreau. It was a part of his eleventh studio album “L is for Lover’.
The song’s music is upbeat and bright, featuring an infectious melody with catchy rhythms. It quickly became a hit and stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for nearly a year. It was ranked number one on the Adult Contemporary chart and number 23 on the Billboard pop chart.
The Lyrics of Moonlighting
The lyrics of the song “Moonlighting” are poetic and layered with meaning. Al Jarreau sings of someone who is experiencing life as if they are “moonlighting” – living a double life, pretending to be one thing by day and something else entirely by night.
The song opens with Al Jarreau singing the line “Some walk by night, some fly by day,” which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics go on to explore different aspects of being a moonlighter like “A full-time love is the life we’ve been living,” which could be a reference to someone who is trying to balance a full-time job and a full-time relationship.
Another line that stands out is “We’ll feel so alive in the light of day; but in the dark, we’ll fade away,” which suggests that the person being referred to in the song may have something to hide or is not being true to themselves or others. There is a sense of longing, sadness, and even desperation in the lyrics, as the person sings of feeling like they are always living a double life.
The Interpretation of Moonlighting
The meaning of the song “Moonlighting” has been interpreted in different ways by different people. Some see it as a romantic song that speaks to the complexity of relationships, while others see it as a commentary on the duality of life.
The recurring line of “Some walk by night, some fly by day” suggests that the song is about people who are leading multiple lives – one during the day and another at night. This could refer to people who are struggling to balance their professional and personal lives or those who are simply leading complicated lives.
Overall, the interpretation of the song is left open for the listener to decide. However, Al Jarreau’s unique voice and brilliant lyrics make the song a timeless classic that resonates with people across generations.
The Legacy of Moonlighting
“Moonlighting” has left a lasting impact, even decades after its release. The song has featured in several movies and TV shows over the years, further cementing its place in pop culture history. It was even nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music and Lyrics in 1986.
The song’s popularity also helped propel Al Jarreau to an even greater level of fame and cement his place as one of the most talented and respected musicians of his time.
FAQs
1. What inspired Al Jarreau to write Moonlighting?
It is not certain what inspired Al Jarreau to write “Moonlighting” specifically. However, given the context of the song as the theme for the popular TV show, it is highly likely that he was inspired by the show’s characters and storylines.
2. What does the line “Some walk by night, some fly by day” mean?
The line “Some walk by night, some fly by day” suggests that people are leading different lives – one during the night and another during the day. This could be interpreted as people living double lives or trying to balance different aspects of their lives.
3. Was “Moonlighting” written specifically for the TV show of the same name?
Yes, “Moonlighting” was written specifically for the TV show of the same name. It was the show’s theme song and played during the show’s opening credits.
4. What genre does Moonlighting belong to?
“Moonlighting” belongs to the pop, R&B, and jazz genres. It blends different elements of each style to create a unique sound that is characteristic of Al Jarreau’s music.
5. What was Al Jarreau’s most famous song?
Al Jarreau’s most famous song was “Moonlighting,” which remains one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s. Other notable songs by Al Jarreau include “We’re in This Love Together,” “After All,” and “Boogie Down.”
6. What awards did Moonlighting receive?
Moonlighting was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music and Lyrics in 1986.
7. What was Al Jarreau’s overall message in his music?
Al Jarreau’s music was characterized by its positivity, joy, and celebration of life. He often sang about love, freedom, and the beauty of the world, while also exploring deeper themes like the duality of life and the complexity of relationships.
8. Was Al Jarreau considered a talented musician?
Yes, Al Jarreau was considered one of the most talented and respected musicians of his time. He was known for his unique voice, his ability to blend different genres of music, and his natural charisma on stage.
9. What impact did Al Jarreau have on the music industry?
Al Jarreau had a significant impact on the music industry and was considered a trailblazer in many ways. He was one of the first singers to blend different genres of music, paving the way for future artists to do the same. He was also known for his dynamic live performances, which inspired many musicians to increase their showmanship.
10. What was Al Jarreau’s legacy?
Al Jarreau’s legacy includes his many hit songs, his unique style, and his influence on the music industry as a whole. He was a pioneer in blending different genres of music, and his music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers.
