About the song
“Living for the Night” is a poignant country ballad by George Strait, released in May 2009 as the lead single from his album Twang. This track holds particular significance in Strait’s illustrious career, marking the first time he co-wrote a single, collaborating with his son, George “Bubba” Strait Jr., and esteemed songwriter Dean Dillon.
The song delves into the profound sense of loss and the coping mechanisms one adopts in the aftermath. The narrator describes the weight of each day without a loved one, seeking refuge in the night to momentarily escape the pain. Lyrics such as “Every day’s a lifetime without you” and “I’m living for the night” encapsulate the depth of his sorrow and his reliance on nighttime escapades to numb his heartache.
The collaboration between Strait, his son Bubba, and Dillon brought a fresh perspective to the songwriting process. Dillon recounted the experience, noting that Bubba approached songwriting from a unique angle, enriching their creative sessions. The trio spent two to three hours crafting the song at Strait’s ranch in south Texas, resulting in a composition that resonated deeply with audiences.
Video
Lyrics
Everyday is a lifetime without you
Hard to get through, since you’ve been gone
So I do the only thing I know how to, to get by
I’m living for the night
I’ve drawn all the curtains in this old house
To keep the sun out and off my face
Friends stop by to check-in ’cause I’ve checked out
I tell them I’m fine, I’m living for the night
I can’t hide the tears I cry, the pain that came with your goodbyes
The memories that keep me out of sight
Every night I venture out, into those neon arms that hold me tight
I’m living for the night
I’m a whole lot easier to talk to,
When I’ve had a few, I settle down
Whiskey kills the man you’ve turned me into
And I come alive
I’m living for the night
Daylight can’t hide the tears I cried, the pain that came with your goodbyes
The memories that keep me out of sight
Every night I venture out, into those neon arms that hold me tight
I’m living for the night
I’m living for the night
Everyday is a lifetime without you
