About the song
Let’s journey back to the 1970s with “The Night Chicago Died” by Paper Lace. Released in 1974, this narrative-driven song has captivated audiences with its vivid storytelling and catchy melody.
Written by Mitch Murray and Peter Callander, “The Night Chicago Died” was featured on Paper Lace’s album “First Edition.” This album showcased the band’s ability to blend rock and pop elements with storytelling lyrics, earning them critical acclaim and commercial success.
Upon its release, “The Night Chicago Died” quickly climbed the music charts, reaching an impressive #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. Its gripping tale of crime and justice in the Windy City struck a chord with listeners, making it a memorable hit of the 1970s.
With its dramatic narrative and infectious chorus, “The Night Chicago Died” remains a beloved classic that continues to be played on radio stations and in movies and TV shows.
So, if you’re in the mood for a musical journey through the streets of Chicago, let Paper Lace’s “The Night Chicago Died” be your guide—it’s a captivating tale that will transport you back in time.
Video
Lyrics
Daddy was a cop on the east side of Chicago
Back in the USA, back in the bad old days
In the heat of a summer night
In the land of the dollar bill
When the town of Chicago died
And they talk about it still
When a man named Al Capone
Tried to make that town his own
And he called his gang to war
With the forces of the law
I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother, what a night it really was
Brother, what a fight it really was
Glory be
I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother, what a night the people saw
Brother, what a fight the people saw
Yes, indeed
And the sound of the battle rang
Through the streets of the old east side
‘Til the last of the hoodlum gang
Had surrendered up or died
There was shouting in the street
And the sound of running feet
And I asked someone who said
“‘Bout a hundred cops are dead!”
I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother, what a night it really was
Brother, what a fight it really was
Glory be
I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother, what a night the people saw
Brother, what a fight the people saw
Yes, indeed
Then there was no sound at all
But the clock up on the wall
Then the door burst open wide
And my daddy stepped inside
And he kissed my mama’s face
And he brushed her tears away
The night Chicago died
(Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na-na)
The night Chicago died
Brother, what a night the people saw
Brother, what a fight the people saw
Yes, indeed
The night Chicago died
(Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na-na)
The night Chicago died
Brother, what a night it really was
Brother, what a fight it really was
Glory be
The night Chicago died
(Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na-na)
The night Chicago died
Brother what a night the people saw
Brother what a fight the people saw