About the song
Lionel Richie’s “All Night Long (All Night)” is more than just a dance floor anthem. It’s a vibrant fusion of musical styles that captured the spirit of the 1980s and continues to bring people together today. Released in 1983 from Richie’s solo album “Can’t Slow Down,” the song became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide.
“All Night Long” blends Richie’s signature soulful vocals with infectious Caribbean rhythms. The song’s upbeat tempo and playful lyrics create an irresistible atmosphere of celebration. While the primary lyrics are in English, the song includes playful phrases like “Tam bo li de say de moi ya” and “Jambo jumbo.” Richie himself has admitted these are not actual languages, but rather a “wonderful joke” born out of his desire to incorporate a foreign flavor without the time constraints of hiring a translator.
Despite the lighthearted approach to the “African” lyrics, “All Night Long” boasts impressive musicality. Cash Box magazine praised Richie’s “command of diverse musical elements” and the song’s dynamic shifts. The accompanying music video, directed by Bob Rafelson, further solidified the song’s celebratory spirit with its vibrant visuals.
“All Night Long” transcended the boundaries of pop music. It became a cultural touchstone, performed at the closing ceremonies of the 1984 Summer Olympics and featured in iconic shows like “Miami Vice.” The song’s enduring appeal is further evidenced by its recent inclusion in Mattress Firm commercials, demonstrating its ability to resonate across generations.
“All Night Long (All Night)” is a testament to the power of music to unite people. It’s a song that transcends language barriers and cultural divides, inviting everyone to move their bodies and celebrate life. So, the next time you hear this infectious song, remember Lionel Richie, the artist who dared to infuse pop with a taste of the Caribbean, creating a global dance party that continues to this day.
Video
Lyrics
Da Da, ooooh
Well, my friends, the time has come
To raise the roof and have some fun
Throw away the work to be done
Let the music play on (play on, play on, play on…)
Everybody sing, everybody dance
Lose yourself in wild romance
We’re going to Party, Karamu, Fiesta, forever
Come on and sing along!
We’re going to Party, Karamu, Fiesta, forever
Come on and sing along!
All night long (all night), All night (all night)
All night long (all night), All night (all night)
All night long (all night), All night (all night)
All night long! (all night), Ooh, yeah (all night)
People dancing all in the street
See the rhythm all in their feet
Life is good, wild and sweet
Let the music play on…(Play on, play on, play on…)
Feel it in your heart and feel it in your soul
Let the music take control
We’re going to Party, Liming, Fiesta, forever
Come on and sing along
We’re going to Party, Liming, Fiesta, forever
Come on and sing my song!
All night long (all night), oooh, (all night)
All night long (all night), yeaz, (all night)
All night long (all night), yeah, (all night)
All night long (all night)…(all night)
Yeah, once you get started you can’t sit down
Come join the fun, it’s a merry-go-round
Everyone’s dancing their troubles away
Come join our party, See how we play!
Come on! Come on!
Everybody dance like Jimmy
Come on!
Tam bo li de say de moi ya
Hey Jambo Jumbo
Way to parti o we goin’
Oh, jambali
Tam bo li de say de moi ya
Yeah, Jambo, jumbo
Oh, O, O, O, yes
We’re going to have a party! (Yeah… ugh)
All night long (all night), All night, (all night)
All night long (all night), All night, (all night)
All night long (all night), All night, (all night)
All night long (all night)…
Everyone you meet (all night)
They’re jamming in the street (all night)
All night long! (All night)
Everyone you meet (all night)
They’re jamming in the street (all night)
All night long! (All night)
Everybody come on!
Feel good! Feel good!
Come on!
Come on!
Sing about here, everybody!
All night long (all night), All night, (all night)
All night long (all night), All night, (all night)
Come on now
All night long (all night), All night, (all night)