“The Boss” Does the Commodores Proud

Nearly 40 years after the Commodores had a hit with “Nightshift,” Bruce Springsteen included it on his album “Only the Strong Survive.” He didn’t make wholesale changes to the song, remaining true to its rhythm-and-blues roots. He made sure, however, to tailor the presentation to his, at the time, 72-year-old voice, telling Howard Stern that it was a lot of fun to get his voice out front during the recording.

Gaye and Wilson Deserve Remembering

The lyrics are in memory of both Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson just after the two died in early 1984. The song is a far cry from the “heartland rock” upon which Springsteen built his earliest success with songs like “Jungleland” and “Born to Run.” His understated delivery makes Marvin and Jackie the stars instead of himself, and it’s a touching homage to two great Black musicians. Still the gravel in his unmistakable voice is there even though his vocal style is a near carbon copy of Walter Orange’s on the song. In every way, it’s a worthy cover of a timeless song dedicated to old friends and great musicians. The song is wistful about its two subjects, a quiet musing on the subject of missing those who are no longer with us.

Springsteen previously released other motown songs that appear on “Only the Strong Survive,” such as Frank Wilson’s “Do I love you? (Indeed I Do).” That one appeared on November 11, 2022, from Columbia Records. Springsteen was also wise to include savvy soul singer Sam Moore on the song. On both these tunes, and also all of the album, the E Street Band horns play exceptionally and have impeccable timing, tuning, and articulation. Clarence Clemons isn’t with them, unfortunately, because he died in 2011. It is interesting to think about whether of not the homage included a nod to the legendary saxophonist as well as to the two singers. Six professional backup singers provide exquisite harmonies that meld effortlessly with the horns to create what is known in jazz, soul, and blues circles as a “fat sound.”

One amusing note, pardon the pair of puns, is that both Springsteen and his producer, Ron Aniello, and the sound engineer Rob Lebret gave themselves the name “The Night Shift” because of the all the work that had to go into both the whole album and “Nightshift” itself. Their goal was to make the iconic song as close to the original as possible, and they succeeded.

Lyrics

“Nightshift”
(originally by Commodores)

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, I still can hear him say
“Oh talk to me, so you can see, what’s going on”
Say you will sing your songs forevermore (forevermore)

Gonna be some sweet sounds, coming down on the nightshift
I bet you’re singing proud, I bet you’ll pull a crowd
Gonna be a long night, it’s gonna be all right, on the nightshift (on the nightshift)
You found another home, I know you’re not alone, on the nightshift

Jackie, hey what you doing now?
It seems like yesterday when we were working out
Jackie, 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
Say you will sing your songs forevermore (forevermore)

Gonna be some sweet sounds, coming down on the nightshift (on the nightshift)
I bet you’re singing proud, I bet you’ll pull a crowd
It’s gonna be a long night, it’s gonna be all right, on the nightshift (on the nightshift)
You found another home, I know you’re not alone, on the nightshift

Gonna miss your sweet voice, that soulful noise, on the nightshift
We all remember you, your song is coming through
Gonna be a long night, it’s gonna be all right, on the nightshift (on the nightshift)
You found another home, I know you’re not alone, on the nightshift
You found another home, I know you’re not alone, on the nightshift

On the nightshift
On the nightshift…

Listeners that enjoy this song about Aspiration may also enjoy the song Starboy by The weekend