About the song
“Lonely Is the Night” is a poignant ballad by the Australian-British band Air Supply, released in 1986 as the lead single from their ninth studio album, *Hearts in Motion*. This touching song was crafted by the talented duo Albert Hammond and Diane Warren, with John Boylan handling the production.
The song’s lyrics explore the emotional struggles of a long-distance relationship. In the verses, Russell Hitchcock, the band’s lead vocalist, expresses his initial belief that he could manage without his partner. However, as the song progresses, he reveals his deep sense of loss and yearning. The chorus captures the heartache of being apart: “Lonely is the night when I’m not with you, lonely is the night ain’t no light shining through, till you’re in my arms till you’re here by my side, lonely am I.” The lyrics vividly convey the feeling of emptiness that fills the night when loved ones are separated.
Upon its release, “Lonely Is the Night” achieved modest success in the United States, peaking at number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it fared better on the Adult Contemporary chart, reaching number 12. The song was also associated with the grand opening of Nancy’s Golden Needle store in Evansville, Indiana, in the fall of 1986.
Over the years, the song has been featured in several of Air Supply’s compilation albums, including *Ultimate Collection* (2000), *Best of Air Supply* (2002), *Platinum & Gold Collection* (2004), and *Forever Love: 36 Greatest Hits 1980-2001* (2005). It also appeared on *Collections* (2006), *The Best of Air Supply: Ones That You Love* (2007), and *The Collection* (2009). Despite its limited chart success in North America, “Lonely Is the Night” has retained its charm and continues to resonate with fans.
While the song did not feature prominently in the band’s live performances after their 1987 appearance at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival, its emotional depth and lyrical beauty remain a testament to Air Supply’s enduring appeal.
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Lyrics
Really thought that I could live without you
Really thought that I could make it on my own
Sent you away, yeah, I said I didn’t need you
I let you go, I let you go, I let you go
Now I’m so lost without you
Now you’re not here and now I know
Lonely is the night when I’m not with you
Lonely is the night, ain’t no light shining through
‘Til you’re in my arms, ’til you’re here by my side
Lonely am I
Never thought that I, that I would need you
Never thought that I, that I’d be missing you
Gotta get you back, I’ve just got to find a way now
To let you know, to let you know, to let you know
That I’m so lost without you
And now this world just ain’t right
Lonely is the night when I’m not with you
Lonely is the night, ain’t no light shining through
‘Til you’re in my arms, ’til you’re here by my side
Lonely am I
I can make it through the day
I can fake it okay
I just smile and pretend
And I tell myself I’ll be alright
But lonely is the night
Lonely is the night
Now I’m so lost without you
Now you’re not here and now I know
Lonely is the night when I’m not with you
Lonely is the night, there’s no light shining through
‘Til you’re in my arms, ’til you’re here by my side
Lonely is the night
Lonely is the night when I’m not with you
Lonely is the night, there’s no light shining through
‘Til you’re in my arms, ’til you’re here by my side
Lonely is the night
Lonely is the night when I’m not with you
Lonely is the night, there’s no light shining through
‘Til you’re in my arms, ’til you’re here by my side
Lonely is the night