About The Song
Background
“Last Night” is an instrumental piece of music recorded by The Mar-Keys, a studio band primarily composed of session musicians who were instrumental in shaping the sound of Stax Records. Released in 1961, it was the first track ever released on the Stax label and quickly became a seminal work in the development of soul and R&B music.
The Mar-Keys were formed in Memphis, Tennessee, and were comprised of talented musicians who were in high demand for studio work. The group’s core members included guitarist and songwriter Steve Cropper, keyboardist Booker T. Jones, bassist Lewie Steinberg, and drummer Al Jackson Jr. Their versatility and musical prowess made them the go-to band for many of Stax’s biggest artists, including Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Wilson Pickett.
Musical Style
“Last Night” is a quintessential example of the raw energy and infectious groove that defined the early years of Stax Records. The song’s musical style can be categorized as instrumental R&B, with a heavy emphasis on the rhythm section. The driving beat, propelled by Al Jackson Jr.’s powerful drumming and Lewie Steinberg’s solid bassline, provides the foundation for the song’s energetic feel.
Steve Cropper’s guitar work is another standout feature of the track. His distinctive, blues-inflected playing style adds depth and texture to the arrangement. Booker T. Jones’s Hammond organ fills out the sound, providing rich harmonic support and soulful accents.
The song’s arrangement is relatively simple, but it is incredibly effective. The repetition of the main riff creates a hypnotic effect, while the occasional variations in tempo and intensity keep the listener engaged. The overall feel of the song is one of raw power and excitement, which is a hallmark of the Stax sound.
Lyrics
As an instrumental piece, “Last Night” does not contain any lyrics. However, the music itself tells a story of its own. The driving rhythm and soulful melodies evoke a sense of longing and desire, suggesting a night of passion and excitement. The absence of lyrics allows the listener to project their own meaning onto the music, which has contributed to the song’s enduring popularity.
Cultural Impact
“Last Night” had a profound impact on popular music, both during its time of release and in the decades that followed. It helped to establish Stax Records as a major force in the music industry and introduced the world to the unique sound of the Memphis soul scene. The song’s infectious groove and innovative approach to instrumental music influenced countless artists and paved the way for the development of funk, disco, and other dance-oriented genres.
Furthermore, “Last Night” has been sampled and interpolated by numerous hip-hop and electronic music artists, ensuring its legacy in contemporary popular culture. The song’s enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless quality and the brilliance of the musicians who created it.
Conclusion
“Last Night” by The Mar-Keys is a seminal piece of music that has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The song’s infectious groove, innovative arrangement, and raw energy have made it a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. As the first release on Stax Records, it helped to establish the label’s reputation for producing high-quality soul music and paved the way for the success of countless artists. The Mar-Keys’ masterful musicianship is on full display in this track, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in their footsteps.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Last night
I couldn’t even get an answer
I Tried to call
But my pride wouldn’t let me dial
And I’m sitting here
With this blank expression
And the way I feel
I wanna curl up like a child
I know you can hear me
I know you can feel me
I can’t live without you
God please make me better
I wish I wasn’t the way I am
If I told you once, I told you twice,
You can see it in my eyes.
I’m all cried out, with nothing to say.
You’re everything I wanted to be.
If you could only see,
Your heart belongs to me.
I love you so much,
I’m yearning for your touch.
Come and set me free,
Forever yours I’ll be,
Baby won’t you come and
take this pain away.
Last night
I couldn’t even get an answer
I Tried to call
But my pride wouldn’t let me dial
And I’m sitting here
With this blank expression
And the way I feel
I wanna curl up like a child
I need you,
And you need me
This is so plain to see,
And I will never let you go and,
I will always love you so.
I will…
If you could only see,
Your heart belongs to me.
I love you so much,
I’m yearning for your touch.
Come and set me free,
Forever yours I’ll be,
Baby won’t you come and
take this pain awaayy.
Last night
I couldn’t even get an answer
I Tried to call
But my pride wouldn’t let me dial
And I’m sitting here
With this blank expression
And the way I feel
I wanna curl up like a child
Tell me What….words to say,
To make you come back,
And break me like that.
And if it matters I’ll rather stay home,
With you I’m never alone.
Don’t want to wait till you’re gone,
Don’t ever you be, just don’t leave me.
Last night,
I couldn’t even get an answer.
Tried to call,
But my pride wouldn’t let me dial.
And I’m sitting here,
With this blank expression.
And the way I feel,
I wanna curl up like a child.
I need you,
And you need me.
This is so plain to see,
And I will never let you go and,
I will always love you so.
I will…
If you could only see,
Your heart belongs to me.
I love you so much,
I’m yearning for your touch.
Come and set me free,
Forever yours I’ll be,
Baby won’t you come and
take my pain awaayy.
Last night,
I couldn’t even get an answer.
Tried to call,
But my pride wouldn’t let me dial.
And I’m sitting here,
With this blank expression.
And the way I feel,
I wanna curl up like a child.
I’m so alone I’m so lonely,
Why don’t you pick the phone,
And dial up my number,
And call me a baby,
I’m waiting on you.
Why don’t you pick the phone,
And dial up my number,
Just call me a baby,
I’m waiting on you.