Shadows of the Night

Run with Pat Benatar's "Shadows of the Night"! This driving 1982 Hard Rock anthem captured the airwaves with its powerful vocals, urgent energy, and memorable chorus. A Grammy-winning smash hit, it remains one of Benatar's most iconic and enduring rock tracks from her early 80s peak.

Released in 1982 on Pat Benatar's platinum-selling album Get Nervous, "Shadows of the Night" became an instant rock classic. Written by D.L. Byron, the track perfectly showcased Benatar's powerhouse vocals and her husband/guitarist Neil Giraldo's driving guitar work. Its blend of urgent Hard Rock energy, atmospheric keyboards, and a soaring chorus defined the compelling arena rock sound dominating the era.

"Shadows of the Night" was a major chart success and earned Pat Benatar a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. Its popularity was further fueled by a dramatic, widely-played MTV music video featuring a World War II theme. The song's themes of escape and finding freedom in darkness continue to resonate, ensuring its legacy as a signature Benatar anthem today, April 13, 2025.

SONG MEANING: "Shadows of the Night" speaks about finding freedom, connection, or pursuing dreams under the protective cover of darkness, away from the potential judgments or harsh realities of the day. The lyrics ("We're running with the shadows of the night / So baby take my hand, it'll be all right") suggest two people finding solace and courage together ("Surrender all your dreams to me tonight / They'll come true in the end") in the liberating anonymity and possibility offered by the night.