Journey’s “Lights”: A Love Letter to San Francisco That Stood the Test of Time
Few songs capture the essence of a city quite like “Lights” by Journey. Released in 1978 as one of the band’s early singles after Steve Perry joined as lead vocalist, it originally charted modestly, peaking at No. 68 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, over the decades, it has transcended its initial reception, becoming one of Journey’s most beloved anthems and an unofficial theme song for San Francisco. The song’s warm, yearning melody and nostalgic lyrics have given it a timeless, almost cinematic quality, evoking imagery of a city settling into nightfall beneath the glow of its skyline.
Interestingly, “Lights” wasn’t initially written for San Francisco. Perry had begun composing it while living in Los Angeles, intending to sing about the glow of L.A. at night. But fate—and Journey—led him to the Bay Area, where he instantly connected with the city’s mystique and beauty. Realizing how naturally “the bay” fit into the lyrics, Perry rewrote the song, transforming it into an ode to his new home. In his words, it was inspired by early morning drives across the Bay Bridge, where the contrast of the rising sun and fading city lights created an unforgettable moment.
Despite its modest chart performance, the song’s popularity grew exponentially over time. Its gentle, soaring melody, combined with Perry’s soulful delivery, captures an aching sense of longing and belonging—a feeling that resonates far beyond the boundaries of San Francisco. For fans of Journey, it is more than just a song; it’s a moment frozen in time, a snapshot of a city at dusk, painted with the golden hues of nostalgia.
The song has become a fixture at San Francisco sporting events, especially for the San Francisco Giants, where it plays at Oracle Park as a rallying cry for the city. Perry himself has led the crowd in singing it during key moments, such as during the Giants’ 2010, 2012, and 2014 World Series runs. It’s also heard at San Francisco 49ers games, and even across the bay at Oakland Athletics fireworks nights—proof of how deeply it has embedded itself into Bay Area culture.
Musically, “Lights” embodies Journey’s signature blend of rock and melody-driven balladry. Neal Schon’s warm, blues-infused guitar tone drapes the song in a dreamlike quality, while Perry’s vocals—always rich with emotion—soar with a quiet reverence for the city he had come to love. The simplicity of the lyrics, which might have seemed unassuming at first, has only deepened in meaning over the years. It’s a song that isn’t just about San Francisco—it’s about home, about the places we carry in our hearts long after we leave them behind.
In the grand scope of Journey’s catalog, “Lights” may not have been their biggest chart hit, but it is one of their most enduring and evocative songs. It stands as a musical postcard from San Francisco, capturing the magic of a city as its lights dim and a new day begins. For anyone who has ever fallen in love with a place and felt the pull of nostalgia, “Lights” is a song that needs no explanation—it simply feels like home.