Put Your Lights On by Santana (featuring Everlast)

Album: Supernatural (1999)

Charted: 118

License This Song

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

Everlast wrote this song and sang lead. The term "put your lights on" basically means "watch out," and is frequently addressed to the "sinners." When Everlast (Erik Schrody) left House Of Pain, he gave up alcohol and nicotine, then converted to Islam. The song has a religious meaning to him, and even includes the Muslim prayer "la ilaha il Allah," which translates to "there is only Allah." Everlast wasn't sure if he should leave that part in, but Santana, who is a very spiritual being, wanted it in there.
Everlast had a house in the mountains where he could see a city below. He was inspired by the lights that would come on one by one at sunset.
Everlast was one of several stars to guest on Santana's Supernatural album, the brainchild of Clive Davis at Arista Records, who signed the band in 1997. Davis crafted the album around group leader Carlos Santana, with his guitar the only real constant. The band Santana made a big showing at Woodstock and was one of the biggest acts of the '70s, but most of their fans were going grey by 1999. Supernatural was a startling comeback, blending elements of the group's classic sound with modern productions and all those A-listers, which also included Lauryn Hill, Dave Matthews and Eric Clapton.
The kinetic "Jump Around" was a huge hit for Everlast's group House Of Pain in 1993, but his solo work was much more mellow. His biggest solo hit was "What It's Like" in 1998, which has a similar vibe to "Put Your Lights On."
This was the second single from Supernatural, following the megahit "Smooth," a feel-good song featuring Rob Thomas. That one spent 12 weeks at #1 in America, but "Put Your Lights On" sputtered at #118. The next single was "Maria Maria," which like "Smooth" is upbeat with some Latin flavor. It went to the top for 10 weeks.

"Put Your Lights On" aged well and became a regular feature at Everlast's concerts, but it just didn't have much pop appeal - the uptempo songs about girls cast a much wider net than Everlast singing about the monsters under his bed.
In addition to writing this song and singing lead, Everlast also played the acoustic guitar. Carlos Santana played electric and added percussion. It was produced by the team of Dante Ross and John Gamble.
The song was part of Santana's Grammy haul at the 2000 ceremony, taking the prize for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. Santana won eight awards that night (out of 10 nominations), including Album Of The Year for Supernatural and Record Of The Year for "Smooth."

Comments: 10

Kevin from JapanNo God but God
Jen from OnThis song got me through lake effect snow in Upstate New York so many times. Driving in the dark on the Interstate in a small white car, often at about 20kph, I played this song over and over until the snow stopped. This was years ago. I did not want to know if the lyrics made this use of the song completely inappropriate, specifically the monster and the killer bit, so I did not look it up until today.
AnonymousI believe that God is universal and accepted in many different ways. Shame on the guys talking shit about Islam. None of your business. He has a good message. His faith. Not your business. I'm southern Baptist by birth but the golden rule is love thy neighbor and don't forget, judge not lest ye be judged. Do your thing, whoever you are and know God loves you just the way you are.
Os from PaYeah, its all that but I'm not singing or praising another God! There's only ONE! He is probably better keeping that to himself. Jmo
Joel from Columbia, ScI shared a room with this guy (at a mental health facility) who wore the cassette tape of this song out. He was fasinated with the killer reference.
The monster is under my bed and in my head line has always bothered me though I'm not sure why.
Anyway good song and for the most part I have really enjoyed reading the other comments.
Kane from Wytheville, Vawow a powerful song truly
i luv it
i've listened to everlast from this song to what its like
i didnt know it had it had an islam prayer in it that kinda creep
i bet if you play this song backwards it says
"im not really muslum" and" i really dont even look a little bit black even though i made a song called black jesus which is funny cuz im muslum right it should black alla"
yea check it out
p.s that was a joke!! dont really listen to it backward cuz it'll turn you into stone
Trist\'n from Cheyenne, WyThe first time I heard this song was while watching Roswell. I couldn't get it out of my head for weeks!
Ben from Little Rock, ArI agree. It is fun to listen to this song during intense thunder storms. Very spiritual. Chilling.
Matt from Iglooplutonia, GreenlandThis was the first song Everlast wrote after comming out of a heart attack. He said, "I wouldn't give up this song to anyone, but then Santana came along."
Jolene from Melbourne, AustraliaAmazing song, i got shivers the first time I heard it. The guitar from everlast and santana are amazing. Vastly underrated song.