Bright Lights

Album: Blak and Blu (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Gary Clark Jr. penned this song "about hanging out in New York City." He explained to Artist Direct: "I think it was the second time I've been there. I was running around with some friends. I'm from Austin, Texas, and it's a little slower-paced of a city. Being caught up in that energy, it's exciting, new, and loud. There are billboards everywhere, and it's something I'm not used to seeing all the time. It's basically the experience of what I saw."
  • "Bright Lights" first appeared on Clark's 2010 EP Gary Clark Jr., released on his own label. Clark's reputation grew, and that same year he was invited to play the Crossroads Guitar Festival, and event organized by Eric Clapton as a benefit for his Crossroads rehab center. Clark wowed the crowd with his performance of this song; he stayed on stage for two more numbers, joined by Clapton, Sheryl Crow, Susan Tedeschi, and Doyle Bramhall II. Soon after, Warner Bros. signed him. His first release on the label was Blak and Blu in 2012, which included "Bright Lights" on the track list.
  • This soundtracked a 2011 Jack Daniel's commercial.

Comments: 1

  • Troy from Mars This song is amazing!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Maria Muldaur

Maria MuldaurSongwriter Interviews

The "Midnight At The Oasis" singer is an Old Time gal. She talks about her jug band beginnings and shares a Dylan story.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Rush: Album by Album - A Conversation With Martin Popoff

Rush: Album by Album - A Conversation With Martin PopoffSong Writing

A talk with Martin Popoff about his latest book on Rush and how he assessed the thousands of albums he reviewed.