Home > Encyclopedia > SongBase
City by Night
Words & Music:
Giant/ Baum/ KayeWhen shadows beckon on dim-lit avenues
Night people hear the call
From hidden alleys, secret rendezvous
They come out one and all
The city by night I'm wide awake
It never sleeps make no mistake
Whatever sets off the spark
A magic glow lights the dark
Then I'm intrigued by the sight
Of the city by night
Those crowded nightclubs
Those picturesque cafes
Are scenes no-one forgets
And I'm enchanted, music softly plays
By dancing silhouettes
The city by night I'm wide awake
It never sleeps make no mistake
The evening's full of surprise
It's magic opens my eyes
And I'm intrigued by the sight
Of the city by night
Yeah! Recorded:
1966/06/28, first released on
Double TroubleReactions
Tom Parker wanted Elvis voice to be upfront; this embarrased Elvis a lot. This song sounds like a Sinatra song. I'm thankful that Elvis is singing it, not Frank.
This is such a magnificent song and it's always been my favorite song from the movie "Double Trouble".
Yes a sultry atmospheric performance of yet another under appreciated song, from a less than remarkable film. I agree with the upfront Elvis being overplayed but I add echo to these performances and that seems to improve this aspect of the recordng no end. I never skip this one.
An interesting, smokey song from the movie and soundtrack LP "Double Trouble". Not great, but definitely different. The song does feature Elvis way too much up in front and that damages the finished product (Why did RCA think that was a good thing?).
this song comes often to my mind, when I work through the night. Great song, Great voice. Elvis is the greates could sing everything
One of my all time favorates. I prefer Elvis to any singer that has ever lived, but I also like Bobby Darin, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. This is the kinda song you'd expect to hear from one of those guys; a lounge type song. I wish Elvis would have done few more of these type lonely late-night songs. "City By Night" and "I Need Somebody To Lean On" make a great combination. "It's Midnight" would be great with a new backing track. I'd love an entire cd with new backing tracks of Elvis After Midnight songs....
Always loved this. One of the better soundtrack songs. May we have your comments Dopey & Slosh.
Not a bad song, but poorly produced. Elvis way too much up front. Sounded like the band was in another room. Good movie song though.
I recall the release of this song. Quite intruiging. In those days the album was released long before we even could see the movie. Very different from the usual. Liked it then and still do. Something for the late evening listenings. It shows the versatile Elvis.
If ever there was an underrated song, this is it. Imaginative, moody, very atmospheric, so evocative of a smoking jazz club, winding down, in the early morning hours. He never recorded another song like this one! 5/5
Available Alternate Versions