Red Light Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Two could be complete without the rest of the world
Two could be complete without the rest of the world

Do it for the people that have died for your sake
An entire generation that has nothing to say
How'd you make your way to me?

[Chorus 1]
Oh, let's say you made a deal with me
And I got your name and your home address
Oh, you're all trashed up with your big red belt
I would almost say that you might need help
I could drop you off at the next red light
If it don't make sense or it don't feel right
All the girls could never make me love them the way I love you

[Verse 2]
Can't you see the sky is not the limit no more?
I can see the elevator crash through the floor
I can still see yesterday, sailing away

Seven billion people who got nothing to say
Are you coming on to me?

[Chorus 2]
Well, I saw your face, then I heard that song
It was so inviting, it hurt my bones
Well, it looks like you but your eyes are gray
And your hair is gone but your mind's okay
Yes, I like your smile but your forehead's cold
I don't want you to be afraid and go
I would cheat and lie and steal, now I'll stay at home and kneel for you
[Bridge]
I was waiting for my baby to arrive
Right by my side
Oh, please, leave me alone tonight
Forget the past

[Verse 3]
Two could be complete without the rest of the world
Oh, you know I said it just to get you to laugh
Do it for the people that have died for your sake
An entire generation of entertainers to blame
The light is red, the camera's on


[Outro]
Get yourself a lawyer and a gun
Hate your friend's new friends like everyone

Childhood's end can be so competitive
Oh, the sky's not the limit and you're never gonna guess what is, oh

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About

Genius Annotation

The final track on Impressions of Earth is about the hesitation of falling back in love. The term “Red Light” refers both to traffic signals and the famous “Red-Light District” of Amsterdam, where prostitution is legal.

In a 2005 NME interview, he revealed that the song was inspired by a live performance of Mozart’s “Requiem”:

I was just really stoned, so afterwards I thought it would be cool to write something inspired by opera. I went back, got this really strong melody together and there it was… ’Red Light’!

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did The Strokes say about "Red Light"?
Genius Answer

Somebody got me tickets for Mozart’s ‘Requiem’, I was just really stoned, so afterwards I thought it would be cool to write something inspired by opera. I went back, got this really strong melody together and there it was….’Red Light’!

Julian Casablancas (from a 2005 NME interview)

Credits
Produced By
Bass Guitar
Drums, Percussion
Recorded At
Red Carpet Studios, Allaire Studios
Release Date
January 3, 2006
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