About the song
Paper Lace, a British pop group known for their soft rock and easy listening style, delivered a timeless classic with “The Night Chicago Died.” Released in 1974, this song became a worldwide hit, captivating audiences with its haunting melody and evocative lyrics.
“The Night Chicago Died” paints a vivid picture of a fateful night in Chicago’s history, drawing inspiration from the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929. While the song doesn’t explicitly mention the event, the lyrics allude to the violence and bloodshed that characterized that era.
The song’s introspective tone and melancholic atmosphere are immediately apparent. The haunting piano riff sets the stage for a tale of loss and regret. The lyrics, delivered in a poignant and heartfelt manner, explore themes of love, betrayal, and the enduring consequences of violence.
Paper Lace’s harmonies and vocal arrangements are a hallmark of their style. The group’s ability to blend their voices seamlessly creates a rich and textured sound. The song’s arrangement is both simple and effective, allowing the lyrics and melody to take center stage.
“The Night Chicago Died” remains a beloved and enduring classic. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke emotions and transport listeners to a bygone era. The song’s haunting melody and evocative lyrics continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, making it a testament to Paper Lace’s songwriting prowess.
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