The Sun Goes Down

Album: Thunder And Lightning (1983)
Charted: 52
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Introducing this song at the Regal Theatre, Hitchin, in 1983, Thin Lizzy leader Phil Lynott said it is the only slow number on the new album - Thunder And Lightning - it is, he said, a deep, meaningful song.
  • Co-written with new boy Darren Wharton, this would be the band's last single, and is one of Phil Lynott's most acclaimed compositions. Released on the Vertigo label August 6, 1983 in both 7-inch and 12-inch formats, it was backed by "Baby Please Don't Go." Running to a full 6 minutes 19 seconds - surprisingly long for a single - it was produced by the band and Chris Tsangarides. In keeping with the spirit of the track, it features some fine, subdued guitar rather than the customary twin lead manic soloing. The single reached only #52 in the UK charts.
  • "The Sun Goes Down" is one of those songs that is open to a myriad interpretations, but undoubtedly Lynott's own inner demons played a part in it. Less than three years later, he would be dead. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 3

Comments: 2

  • AnonymousI figured this song was telling a fantasy horror story, but I've also noticed a similarity between the lyrics and the story of Bram Stoker's famous novel "Dracula".
  • Sandra Batty from AberdeenshireI just love the song the sun goes down,Phil lynott died too young
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Mark Arm of Mudhoney

Mark Arm of MudhoneySongwriter Interviews

When he was asked to write a song for the Singles soundtrack, Mark thought the Seattle grunge scene was already overblown, so that's what he wrote about.

Director Wes Edwards ("Drunk on a Plane")

Director Wes Edwards ("Drunk on a Plane")Song Writing

Wes Edwards takes us behind the scenes of videos he shot for Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley and Chase Bryant. The train was real - the airplane was not.

Wolfgang Van Halen

Wolfgang Van HalenSongwriter Interviews

Wolfgang Van Halen breaks down the songs on his debut album, Mammoth WVH, and names the definitive Van Halen songs from the Sammy and Dave eras.

Colbie Caillat

Colbie CaillatSongwriter Interviews

Since emerging from MySpace with her hit "Bubbly," Colbie has become a top songwriter, even crafting a hit with Taylor Swift.

David Bowie Lyrics Quiz

David Bowie Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

How well do you know your David Bowie lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Shaun Morgan of Seether

Shaun Morgan of SeetherSongwriter Interviews

Shaun breaks down the Seether songs, including the one about his brother, the one about Ozzy, and the one that may or may not be about his ex-girlfriend Amy Lee.