Shine a Little Light

Album: Let's Rock (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Shine a Little Light" is the opening track of Let's Rock, an album that represented a deliberate return by Black Keys to focus on guitar. This song, built around a monster riff, is a case in point. Dan Auerbach told Uncut magazine they didn't go into the studio heavily prepared.

    "We wrote them all on the spot. I didn't bring anything in with me. I didn't want to overthink it I wanted it to feel spontaneous I wanted to be able to like record something not dissimilar to Louie Louie and be perfectly happy with it. I was looking for The Troggs."
  • Lyrically, this song is a meditation on death and grieving for a lost loved one. The subject matter links in with the album title, which was inspired by a Tennessee news story about the execution of double killer Edmund Zagorski. When guards asked Zagorski if he had any last words, he replied, "Let's rock."

    Auerbach explained to Rolling Stone that he read the account while the band was recording the album. "Nothing makes you think more about life than death," he quipped.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."

Dave Edmunds

Dave EdmundsSongwriter Interviews

A renowned guitarist and rock revivalist, Dave took "I Hear You Knocking" to the top of the UK charts and was the first to record Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk."

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.

Justin Timberlake

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesSongwriter Interviews

"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.

Women Who Rock

Women Who RockSong Writing

Evelyn McDonnell, editor of the book Women Who Rock, on why the Supremes are just as important as Bob Dylan.