JOURNEY - LIGHTS

Released: June 16, 1978

Charts: US: #68 

“Lights” is a song by American rock band Journey, written by Steve Perry and Neal Schon it was released as the third single from the “Infinity” album in 1978. Although it initially peaked at only No. 68 on the Billboard Hot 100, it has grown in popularity over the years, becaming one of the band’s signature so

“Lights” is one of Journey’s earliest songs featuring lead singer Steve Perry, originally written about Los Angeles but later revised to reflect the band’s hometown of San Francisco. Perry changed the lyrics after joining Journey, inspired by the view of the city at sunrise. He and guitarist Neal Schon finished the song in about 20 minutes. 

“Lights” reflects a deep sense of homesickness and emotional longing. While the song centers on San Francisco, it goes beyond just missing a place—it captures the universal feeling of wanting to return to something familiar and comforting. The chorus highlights the pull of home, while the verse “So you think you’re lonely, well my friend, I’m lonely too” reveals a shared sense of isolation, hinting at missing not only a city but also a person.