Lights

The song Lights by Journey, featured on their 1978 album Infinity, holds a special place in the band’s history with its heartfelt ode to San Francisco. Steve Perry, the band’s iconic vocalist, originally wrote the song about Los Angeles, with the lyrics “when the lights go down in the city and the sun shines on LA.” However, after joining Journey and relocating, Perry reworked the song to reflect his love for San Francisco, changing the line to “and the sun shines on the bay.” In an interview with Louder, Perry shared that the inspiration struck while he was at Griffith Park Observatory, watching the sunrise over San Francisco, capturing the city’s magic. This shift not only personalized the song but also resonated deeply with fans, making it a staple at Journey concerts.

Another intriguing tidbit about Lights comes from its evolution over time. According to Songfacts, it was the third single from Infinity and only reached #68 on the Billboard Hot 100, overshadowed by other tracks like Wheel in the Sky. Yet, its popularity grew steadily, becoming one of Journey’s most beloved songs, played at nearly every concert. In 2017, guitarist Neal Schon began dedicating Lights to Steve Perry during live performances, a gesture of reconciliation after tensions arose when Perry left the band in 1999. This dedication, as noted on Songfacts, symbolized an olive branch, highlighting the song’s emotional weight within the band’s dynamic.

Journey formed in San Francisco in 1973, emerging from the vibrant Bay Area music scene. The band was initially conceived by former Santana manager Herbie Herbert as the Golden Gate Rhythm Section, intended to serve as a backup group for local artists. The lineup included Santana alumni Neal Schon on lead guitar and Gregg Rolie on keyboards and vocals, alongside Ross Valory on bass, George Tickner on rhythm guitar, and Prairie Prince on drums. After a performance in Hawaii, they abandoned the backup concept, embracing a jazz-fusion style. A roadie, John Villanueva, suggested the name “Journey” after an unsuccessful radio contest, and the band made their public debut at the Winterland Ballroom on New Year’s Eve 1973. Their early years were marked by a progressive rock sound, but the addition of Steve Perry in 1977, as detailed on Wikipedia, shifted them toward a pop-rock direction, leading to the breakthrough success of Infinity.

The band’s official website, journeymusic.com, offers fans access to tour dates, merchandise, and news, while their social media presence keeps the Zoo Freaks connected. Follow Journey on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on performances and nostalgic posts about classics like Lights. Fans can also dive into dedicated communities like the Journey Band Wiki, a fan-run site with detailed song and album histories. On Facebook, groups like “Journey Fan Club” provide a space for Zoo Freaks to share memories, discuss concerts, and celebrate the band’s legacy, keeping the spirit of Lights alive.