About the song
For those who grew up in the golden age of radio and vinyl records, the name Paper Lace likely evokes a sense of nostalgia. Their music, a blend of folk and pop, captured the hearts of millions with its heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies. One such song that continues to resonate with listeners today is “The Night Chicago Died”.
Released in 1974, this haunting ballad tells the story of a tragic event that forever changed the lives of those involved. While the specifics of the “Chicago” in question may be open to interpretation, the song’s evocative imagery and emotional depth transcend the limitations of a specific time or place.
The opening lines, “Well, I remember the night Chicago died,” immediately draw the listener into the narrative. The narrator, with a voice filled with both sorrow and longing, paints a vivid picture of a city in mourning. The lyrics, rich with symbolism and metaphor, suggest a more profound loss than simply a physical death. Perhaps it’s the death of innocence, of a way of life, or even of hope.
Paper Lace’s skillful use of harmonies and instrumentation adds to the song’s emotional impact. The gentle acoustic guitar strumming creates a melancholic atmosphere, while the soaring vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and despair. The haunting melody, once heard, is difficult to forget, and it’s easy to imagine this song becoming a part of the soundtrack to countless lives.
Beyond its musical merits, “The Night Chicago Died” is also a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. The song’s ability to evoke such strong emotions in listeners is a testament to the songwriting skills of Paper Lace. By tapping into universal themes of loss, love, and longing, they have created a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate with new generations of fans.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Paper Lace or simply appreciate well-crafted pop music, “The Night Chicago Died” is a song worth exploring. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, music has the power to heal and inspire.
Video
Lyrics
Daddy was a cop on the east side of Chicago
Back in the USA, back in the bad old days
In the heat of a summer night
In the land of the dollar bill
When the town of Chicago died
And they talk about it still
When a man named Al Capone
Tried to make that town his own
And he called his gang to war
With the forces of the law
I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother, what a night it really was
Brother, what a fight it really was
Glory be
I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother, what a night the people saw
Brother, what a fight the people saw
Yes, indeed
And the sound of the battle rang
Through the streets of the old east side
‘Til the last of the hoodlum gang
Had surrendered up or died
There was shouting in the street
And the sound of running feet
And I asked someone who said
“‘Bout a hundred cops are dead!”
I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother, what a night it really was
Brother, what a fight it really was
Glory be
I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother, what a night the people saw
Brother, what a fight the people saw
Yes, indeed
Then there was no sound at all
But the clock up on the wall
Then the door burst open wide
And my daddy stepped inside
And he kissed my mama’s face
And he brushed her tears away
The night Chicago died
(Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na-na)
The night Chicago died
Brother, what a night the people saw
Brother, what a fight the people saw
Yes, indeed
The night Chicago died
(Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na-na)
The night Chicago died
Brother, what a night it really was
Brother, what a fight it really was
Glory be
The night Chicago died
(Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na-na)
The night Chicago died
Brother what a night the people saw
Brother what a fight the people saw