All of the Lights Lyrics

How to Format Lyrics:

  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
  • Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
  • Use italics (<i>lyric</i>) and bold (<b>lyric</b>) to distinguish between different vocalists in the same song part
  • If you don’t understand a lyric, use [?]

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About

Genius Annotation

“All of the Lights” is the 4th single from Kanye West’s 5th studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

The song is about Kanye’s qualms living as a celebrity with personal problems in the public eye. He conveys this through the image of lights and the story of a troubled family – domestic abuse, imprisonment, separation/divorce etc. The song serves as a literal story of troubles in the home, and also as a metaphor for Kanye’s struggles with fame and his relation to hip-hop.

Although the song has contributions from 14 other renowned artists (including Drake, Alicia Keys, John Legend, and more), they are listed as additional vocalists in the liner notes. Rihanna is solely credited as the featured artist on the single.

After its release, Kanye said that he had worked for over 2 years on the song, working with many other artists because he just couldn’t find the one.

Q&A

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

What did Kanye West say about "All of the Lights"?
Verified Commentary
Rihanna
via MTV
Genius Answer

[Kanye] actually played his album to me, like, three months ago, and ‘All of the Lights,’ that was one of my favorite songs. So when he asked me to come up to the studio at 2 o'clock in the morning, I had to, because I loved it, I knew it was that song.

What has Kid Cudi said about the song?
Genius Answer

Does this track have any RIAA certifications?
Genius Answer

Yes. “All of the Lights” was certified 5x platinum by the RIAA on November 12, 2020.

Live Performance
Credits
Phonographic Copyright ℗
Keyboards
Video Director
Performance Rights
Cello Arranger
Horn Arranger
Orchestral Arranger
Mixing Engineer
Orchestral Conductor
Co-Producer
Recorded At
Avex Recording Studio, Honolulu, HI; Electric Lady Studios, NYC
Release Date
November 22, 2010
All of the Lights Live Performances
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