About the song
Kenny Rogers’ 1983 album, “We’ve Got Tonight,” stands as a hallmark in his illustrious career, marking his final release under Liberty Records before transitioning to RCA Records. The album’s title track, a poignant duet with Sheena Easton, catapulted Rogers to new heights of success, becoming one of his most iconic songs. Peaking at No. 1 on the country charts and No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart, with a strong showing at No. 6 on the Hot 100, “We’ve Got Tonight” captured the hearts of listeners worldwide.
Beyond its titular hit, the album features other notable singles such as “All My Life” and “Scarlet Fever.” While “All My Life” reached No. 13 on the country charts in the US, it achieved greater success in Canada, climbing to No. 3. “Scarlet Fever,” though less recognized, still managed to secure positions at No. 5 in the US and No. 4 in Canada, underscoring Rogers’ widespread appeal across North America.
The album’s title, borrowed from Bob Seger’s song “We’ve Got Tonight” from his album “Stranger in Town,” pays homage to its standout track. Interestingly, Rogers’ rendition surpassed Seger’s original in commercial success, highlighting its enduring popularity five years after Seger’s release.
Among the album’s gems is “You Are So Beautiful,” a soul-stirring track that, while never released as a single, became one of Rogers’ signature songs. Placed strategically as the album’s closing piece, it resonated deeply with Rogers’ female audience, cementing its place as a fan favorite and showcasing Rogers’ emotive vocal range.
Contributions from songwriter Lionel Richie, including the track “How Long,” further enriched the album’s diverse musical landscape. Richie’s collaboration with Rogers continued to bear fruit, adding depth and variety to Rogers’ repertoire.
“We’ve Got Tonight” not only ascended to No. 3 on the country album chart but also reached No. 18 on the Billboard 200, underscoring its broad appeal across different musical genres. The album achieved Platinum status in both the United States and Canada, solidifying Rogers’ status as a cross-genre icon whose music transcends boundaries.
In retrospect, “We’ve Got Tonight” remains a testament to Kenny Rogers’ enduring legacy, blending heartfelt ballads with energetic melodies that continue to resonate with audiences decades after its release. It represents a pivotal moment in Rogers’ career, marking a successful transition between record labels while reaffirming his stature as a beloved figure in American music.
Video
Lyrics
I know it’s late
I know you’re weary
And I know your plans don’t include me
Still, here we are, both of us lonely
Longing for shelter from all that we see
Why should we worry? No one will care girl
Look at the stars now, so far away
We’ve got tonight
Who needs tomorrow?
We’ve got tonight, babe
Why don’t you stay?
Deep in my soul
I’ve been so lonely
All of my hopes fading away
I’ve longed for love
Like everyone else does
I know I’ll keep searching after today
So there it is girl
We’ve got it all now
And here we are, babe
What do you say?
We’ve got tonight
Who needs tomorrow?
We’ve got tonight, babe
Why don’t we stay?
I know it’s late and I know you’re weary
I know your plans don’t include me (still here we are)
Both of us lonely
Both of us lonely
We’ve got tonight
Who needs tomorrow?
Let’s make it last
Let’s find a way
Turn out the light
Come take my hand now
We’ve got tonight, babe
Why don’t we stay?
We’ve got tonight, babe
Why don’t we stay?