About the song
Have you ever listened to a song that transports you to another time? A song that paints vivid pictures in your mind with just a few verses and a melody? “The Night Chicago Died” by Paper Lace is one such song. Released in 1973, this haunting ballad tells the tale of a fateful night in the Windy City, a time when the allure of jazz clubs and speakeasies was giving way to the harsh realities of the Prohibition era.
The song’s narrative is as captivating as it is tragic. It paints a vivid picture of a city on the brink, where the lines between right and wrong blur and the consequences of one’s actions can be far-reaching. The lyrics, filled with evocative imagery and a touch of nostalgia, transport listeners back to a bygone era. We can almost feel the smoky atmosphere of the jazz clubs, hear the clinking of glasses, and sense the underlying tension that permeated the city.
“The Night Chicago Died” is more than just a song about a specific event; it’s a reflection on the human condition. The themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life resonate deeply with listeners of all ages. The chorus, with its haunting melody and repeated refrain, is particularly memorable: “The night Chicago died, the music played on.” These words encapsulate the song’s central message: even in the face of tragedy, life goes on.
The music itself is a perfect complement to the lyrics. The gentle piano melody, combined with the soulful vocals of Paper Lace, creates a melancholic atmosphere that is both haunting and beautiful. The arrangement is simple yet effective, allowing the lyrics to take center stage.
“The Night Chicago Died” by Paper Lace has become a classic of the soft rock genre. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless quality of the song’s themes and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock or simply appreciate a well-crafted song, this is one track that is well worth adding to your playlist.
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