Into the Night" is a song that deals in themes of abandonment and aiding, about helping to lift someone out of a tough situation. In an interview with KZfaqr Professor of Rock before his passing, Mardones explains the origins of the song date back to the writing process for the Never Run, Never Hide album.

Benny was an amazing singer and songwriter. This song was lightly about a neighbor and good friends daughter that he helped out a lot when she was a single mom. His buddy saw the daughter one day and mentioned she was cute. Benny told the dude Hey she’s just 16 years off leave her alone. A few minutes research would’ve told you this.

It’s not about inappropriate statutory relations. It’s about a girl (real girl, along with her siblings), who were abandoned by their father. They lived in his building. He helped raise them and found them long-term shelter.

Benny Mardones lived in an apartment complex. He had a neighbor who was a struggling set creator on broadway. The family had come upon some tough times and had very little. When the father made it big, rather then help out the family he moved off with a 24 year old girl who was in the shows choir. One day the families 3 little kids came up to his door and began to cry, they told Benny that their Dad had left them. Benny told them that they would get through it. Benny created odd jobs for them throughout his apartment. The young boy would run out and get cigarettes for Benny and keep the change from 20$. The one girl would clean Benny's apartment for 50$ a week. The final daughter, 16 years old, would come over in the morning and let Benny's dog out. The 16 year old girl came in when he was writing the song. She came in after a night of writing and she came in to walk his dog. His partner with whom he was writing the song the song said "Oh wow," regarding how good looking she was for a 16 year old. Benny then said said "She's just 16 years old, just leave her alone." Straight from Benny's mouth. It was a great story.

Please do your research. There are many interviews about the origin of the song. This is about a girl who lived in Benny's building. Her father abandoned the family. The girl, Heidi, walked Benny's dog for him. One morning, she came into Benny's apartment and his songwriting partner, Bobby, was there. Bobby said "Oh my" and Benny said "She's 16, leave her alone." I admit that the video for the song doesn't help peoples' opinions, but that was on the record company and the director of the video. It's a song. Just a song. It could have been written from an 18 year old's perspective. If you're going to torch Benny, then torch Ringo Starr, Chuck, Berry & Neil Sedaka, too. The man was amazing. I know because he was one of my dearest friends and I managed his social media and website, to this day. For those who say this could have been a smash hit, it was! It charted at least 3 times. Leave him alone, it is an amazing song, sung by an amazing person, who had a heart of gold.

What is the meaning of the song Into the Night? "Into the Night" is a song that deals in themes of abandonment and aiding, about helping to lift someone out of a tough situation. In an interview with KZfaqr Professor of Rock before his passing, Mardones explains the origins of the song date back to the writing process for the Never Run, Never Hide album.

This song is a marvelously constructed and performed song. It was a masterpiece .

That's not what the songs about. Benny tells the story in an interview. It's actually about a girl he was protecting. Her family was going through a tough time and Benny was helping them out by hiring her and her siblings for odd jobs. According to Benny she was very mature looking. One day his writing partner was over and saw her and was like "wow!" Benny said to him, "Nah man, she's just 16 years old. Leave her alone." The rest is history.

Never thought bad of him. It was a beautiful song. I dreamed of a castle and knights. He was my everything!

One of the best hits of all time. And one the worst reviews of all time on utube attacking a man he knows nothing about.

This song SOUNDS bad, but it actually has a good story behind it. The opening came from an all nighter when his neighbor's daughter came by to walk his dog. His friend gave him a look and her told his friend "leave her alone, she's 16 years old" and he finally had the start to his song. The rest of the song is basically a true story that happened to the girl and her family. Her dad won the lottery and ditched them with his secretary, leaving them destitute... but the singer, before he was famous, helped the family. He paid the girl for walking his dog and paid her brother to run to the store for him. And after all this, the girl married the son of a rich hotel mogul whom also hired her brother. The song was about helping out this girl and her family and to let them know everything would be alright after their family life was shattered.

Yeah .. That is not what this song is about, But on a factual note..... Young ladies have been marrying older Men for tens of thousands of years, It's only been in the last one hundred years, Things have changed, Stop thinking Sick perverted thoughts , There is a very old saying... If you spot it... You got it!!!

Lol @ your reaction

NO HES NOT A PUNK YOU NEED TO READ THE STORY , SHE WAS WALKING A DOG PASSING BY HE LOOKED AT HER HIS FRIEND SAID LEAVE IT ALONE SHES 16 SO HE MADE A SONG ABOUT IT

It is a song about the loss in a girls life. It's not about under age sex.

Look into the inview, how the song came about. What it was written about.

One of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard!!❤❤ Benny deserves more respect than this….he wrote this song in a very different manner! RIP Benny you gave me memories I will cherish forever. ❤❤

I originally thought the same thing until i saw several of the interviews with him explaining the true meaning. Love in the song is being interpreted as something sexual by people who don't know the real backstory.

This mf started doing the most at the end 7:00 ....Like 🥷🏿 relax!!!!😂😂😂

This song coulda been written about my life. I had just turned 18, got a 2nd job at pizza hut and met a wsitress rhere and fell for her immediately. She told me she was 16 and tho i thought it was a bit young the feelings took over. In hindsight i guess it was illegal. I met her family the first week and they actually took me in when i got booted from my apartment. Thats when i found out she was only 15...i was gobsmacked. We lived in kansa s city and i ran off to California to get outa the situation. She ran away from home and tried to hitchhike to California and was luckily picked up by a nice trucker that put her on a bus home. After a few months i gave in and came back. Joined the marine corp. By the time i got outa boot camp she had turned 16, her parents took us to the court house and we were married. Course no one thought it would last. Well, i met her in the fall of 1979, married her in the summer of 1980, we have 2 kids and 7 grandchildren and have grown old and fat together. Were we wrong?

The 16-year-old girl, her sister, brother and mother were abandoned by their father when he hit it big and ran off with a younger woman. This artist, that cowrote the song, gave each of the kids around $50 a week back to do some small chores for him. When he was up all night with a group writing a song, the 16 year old came into get the dog to take him for a walk. She was in a mini skirt and heels and after she left one of the other guys said wow! Benny mardones said she's just 16 years old, leave her alone.

What if the protagonist in the song is also 16 or 17?

Just because of his age. Doesn’t mean he is singing that age perspective.

Please do your research, Benny Mardones is a GOOD SINGER! I'LL FRICKING SALUTE HIM TILL THE DAY I DIE!

🚩 back in the day alot of folks were married and having kids by 16,, alot of our grandparents,IT WAS JUST A DIFFERENT TIME

Believe it or not there is a story behind the song video that popped up after this one. It’s entirely different than it sounds. That channel is called Song Facts. How strange

Isn’t it about cultural norms? Back then it was common. My grandparents were 14 and 18 when they met. The question is how old is he?

I grew up listening to this song 😂.

He can sing though...make sure to burn Elvis Presley,R.Kelly,and Others catalogs out there cause they actually dated underage girls. This man could sing!

Julio iglesias jr. sings the song with just a small change and it sounds terrific!

About 2 hours ago I learnt the truth about the story behind. As told by Benny himself.

my parents liked this song way back when and they too were saying WTH back then. however i found the song is not what everyone thinks it is. mardones told the story - a true story about how he lived as a starving musician in a less than perfect apartment complex. a family next door with no mother with a father that picked up and abandoned his family a brother and a sixteen year old girl. he helped them financially as much as a poor person could. the song is about how a family can have it all and next have nothing. how could ppl be so heartless in their actions. referring to the girls father who abandoned them. the story has a happy ending however as the girl "heidi" was interviewed by media along with mardones and when there she met a wealthy developers son who worked at the radio station. they eventually married and did keep in touch with mardones. hopefully you can "relike" the song again..... as i did when hearing mardones tell this story. he told media what the words meant back then, but i never knew this back then nor my parents. today information is at our fingertips.

George Michael Father Figure 😢

So funny that I never thought of this as a teenager listening. Hits different now for sure. I wanted to hug you for your concerned expressions❤

Into The Night - The Story Behind The Song

The song was about Providing Love and help to family that had been abandoned. He wanted to take away her pain and lift her up.

I think most of you need to listen to what Benny Mardonas explained about how the song and the lyrics came about. I see quite a few misinterpretations

If the lyrics had been into the light, there would have been no controversy.

I was about 17 when this song came out and I loved it then and still do now but at the time I thought it was about a 20-year-old and a 16-year-old. It didn't seem horrible. That happens every day. Then I saw the video and they really should of used a male teenager because Benny who was 34 at the time played the character who was in love with a 16-year-old kid. Not a good look for the guy but I found out years later that in fact it wasn't about what we all thought at the time or what the video portrayed. It's actually a beautiful story of how Benny helped a family of teenagers after being abandoned by their father. You should watch some of the interviews with Benny explaining the origin of the song. at any rate, the song and his vocals are amazing.

The ignorance that is portrayed about this song is astounding. And people that think the video is the truth... no words for that one. Do people seriously believe all music videos are documentaries? Go listen to the boatload of interviews about this song!

Possibly about a 18 year old boy singing about a sixteen-year-old girl?

You people who think this Song is bad have No idea what you are talking about. Go listen to the Professor of Rock on U Tube and he Interviews Benny Mardones about the meaning behind this song. It's nothing like what some of you are thinking. Benny Mardones is a great man.

There is a story behind the song.

I do not condone underage anything. Sounds are great in this song, what makes it tricky! You think words bad??? Go watch original VID Benny , in a sailor ( sleeve less shirt ) Knocks on girl front door, dad ( looks" Like Grizzle Adams" love child)tells him go away. Close door, calls all fools... Then heads around corner of same house house...is talking to her.....in the ally through an open 1 floor window! Look on her face priceless...( says nothing...just " red-faced "looking 16 years old . Leaves make a Pay phone call to her, then comes back .....through her open window... throw a magic carpet! both lay on "making out" suck faced.....as fly over New your harbor! Statue liberty... Yes song actually about 3 kids were old man leaves Mom, Benny actually hires kids watch dog clean up apt.... While writing songs all night , Bennny co writer see 16 year old come in early in the morning, ( she walk the dog) his friend( the co writer ) starts " Checking out the 16 year old...... Benny says To friend " KNOCK IT off..... She Jusst 16 years old....LEAVE HER ALONE!." That where that came from.....But the vid says a different story.... {In England at age 16 you can give consent.... It little frowned on with a Guy 2 times her age.} where I thought was released....no big deal....but Think was done in New York.. All H broke out! HERE IS best part most radio stations thought Benny Mardone was black singer... The vocals are just soo good....no cared what song was saying. Other songs ....talking about under age females ..... The problem is start off song with references... being 16. Fleetwood Mack " ON Edge of 17" Beetles "only 16 you "know what I mean! Elton John GBYBRoad " Your sister cannot twist but she can rock and roll ...only 16 plain to see!" Great creapy son..... ah 80's Later...

In the uk 🇬🇧 16 is the age of consent with you’re parents permission and 18 without but that’s only if both people are 16 at the same time

Mrlboyd is so mad he likes this song lol you can see it in his face at the end. He wants to like it. It sounds phenomenal but what it’s about he’s in disgust. Thanks for the laughs 😂

He’s talking about when he was young

Your expression is PRICELESS 😂 … 16 will get you 20🤣 I’ve always loved this song. It is just a beautiful song … even if it may make you feel a certain way.

Christine Sixteen, Only Sixteen, Sweet Sixteen, and Sweet Little Sixteen are but a few titles that have played in the past. There are many other songs that have alluded to this age. Nothing new with lyrics as I could spend hours pointing out what many believe to be inappropriate in countless songs as I'm sure you could as well. This song expresses longing, not acting on his desire. We don't like to admit that we recall being 16 and if we happen to see beauty in someone of that age after we have turned 18 it still doesn't negate human attraction. We just have to be smart and not act on the desire as aforementioned. Around 30 states have 16 as the age of concent. They can obviously take this 16 year old into the night.

When he did his tv show he was taking a 16 year kid

I think it’s about forbidden love that he cannot have I think this song is about a slightly older boy in love with a girl who is slightly too young…. But he will wait for her. I guess you could find it dirty or you could find it romantic depending on how it turned out. 30 and 24 are not that far apart but 16 and 22 are….!!!!!

What's next, Seventeen by Winger?

Yes, things were like that for all of human history until your generation. Js

Please watch Professor of Rock interview Benny Mardones. The lyrics are not what you may think. He was her protector (my words).

It isn't what your incinuating, do some background. Sorry I don't want to be rude but just had to point out in my way what others have said in my way

This song is so misunderstood.

Hey, I understand you thoughts here. But had I not watch the Professor of Rock on KZfaq I would have felt the same way you expressed. I’d post a link to it but am not sure if that’s against the rules. The story is heartbreaking. He changed those kids life by setting them up for success and introduced the 16 year old girl later to a wealthy man that fell in love with her. She sent him a card every year thanking him for saving her life.

You did a total Injustice to this song and to this man by this video. What a shame!!!

What if he is singing this from a teenager's perspective. Looking back. You know? I see no reason to assume this classic song is disgusting. But maybe someone will say different. Many reactors do make the same assumption as you. I think you are wrong. It says alot about society that automatically the worst has to be assumed. If anyything that grosses me out that you (and others) automaticaly go there. MY guess is very likely wrong, too. BUT I doubt this song would be the classic that it is, if it was as sinister as you make it sound. Didn't like this reaction, sorry.

Funniest Reaction 😂

❤😂

Do your homework. Not about pedo.

It's a song. Songs are art and a form of expression. It's a good song. Nobody did anything with the girl in real life. Everything is fine.

In certain countries 16 is legal. Also he could be singing from the perspective of someone the same age, or even of his memories from being 16. Or he’s openly giving the perspective of a bad guy.

Yeah.... So if you do some research on this song you'll find that it is actually innocent, just the wording sounds off. 😅 We use to buy Albums (vinyl record) and they had stories and background on the songs unlike today. Type in " Into the night- the story behind the song".

Cultural norms have changed since 1980, when this the song was released.

And in this song how old is our guy? Not the singer, the pretend guy in the girls head.

The video makes this so much worse.

Back then we didn't think about it.. NOW.. were like "TF.. STAGE 5 CLINGER OF A MINOR

Everyone should RESEARCH the background of a person before making STUPID comments!

Goto Professor of rock, into the night interview, explains it all 🙏

OMG it's a song, not an autobiography. People have really flown the coop blowing this out of proportion. I wish times were as innocent now. Benny was a Vietnam veteran that likely contracted Parkinson's disease from his being burned by agent orange, and had a lot of pain in his life. Stop making problems that don't exist!

"It has the nerve to sound good...".

dude, before you judge look in to the inspiration of the lyrics to the song

He was 33 when he released this song!!!!! FOUL BALL DUDE!

That was legal and ok in history

Perfect reaction !!! Wtf?

Unfortunately, that was the culture in the 70s. There were not laws back then like they have now. It's very unfortunate. I grew up during the 70s. I knew alot of teen girls dating a grown man.

Yr making too much out of this. He didn't write the song Yr thing on here is to critique the music. He is one of the greatest singers ever The song is fantastic..I read somewhere the song isn't out what yr making it to be.A disappointing reaction tho I dug yr other reactions

Also the age of consent is 16 alot of places so you might look at that. I don't approve but the law does . If you look back 9 was the youngest in America

Do some research before you judge! Benny Mardones has explained many, many times, about how this song was about the abandonment of a family by their father. The 16 yr old girl walked his dog every day and he paid her and her sister and brother for jobs they did for him, so they could buy food and survive! He is loved and revered by everyone in the music business, and died years ago from Parkinson's. You made a complete fool of yourself here, bro.

Benny🥰

I hate when people give opinions on things they know nothing about

I love this song, and I’m still entertained by your reaction…😂 But sonically , vocally it sounds so good….

Come pn my Brother, you smarter then thst😅. People been singing about 16 for ever. This is a bad ass song and you are being way too political correct 😁. Disturbing? Really? Imma very disappointed, man of your intelligence, rayray ✊✌️🤙

He's talking about a story about a young girl a d her own life at a young age. He's doing about what heard about the young girl he's not a werido

That review was funny! You have no clue what this song is really about!!!

Hell u wanna beat him down how’s about Diddy

With all due respect my brother, you know not what you speak of.

Late getting to this party. Man, you missed the boat on the story behind the song. I see you did not react to any explanations about the meaning. At face value, your reaction is an honest one. But wow, did you unfairly trash him.

There was a lot of songs with Creepers in it like this when I was a kid..🤢 (they always sounded “romantic” like this) . THATS WHATS WRONG WITH THIS WORLD)

You have have have have to watch the actual music video. It's amazing.

You miss out you should of did the music video now that would of been an show

You better check yourself ....

The truth is he took the high road after a friend of his "noticed" the neighbors daughter who was walking his dog. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fqp6qZuFlrfehnk.htmlsi=bMpLqCxxHpbTIxCV

Drakes Anthem

Charted #1 on three diff occasions I believe. Once was over a decade later. Was the soundtrack to some big movie. I forgot which. If that very first line was different, this would be one of greatest vocals of all time. But I’m with you. That cringe factor is too much to overcome. His explanation does not do him any better 😂

Its an 80's song, it was normal at that time, people are so soft nowadays. Its a song about a fantasy. IF I could fly I'd pick you up. IF... do you know what "IF" Means?

Benny didn’t do anything bad to this girl. It’s just a song, nothing more.

I have three daughters; they are now adults and are living good lives. There were times I had to yank them out of situations, omg the weeping and wailing and I hate yous. There were times I would have ended some man talking about my daughter in this way. Regardless of any high moral background that may have influenced the writing, any number of people between the writing, recording, and giving the public this R-rated fluff ought to have pointed out that it was, at best, in bad taste. These days I just have the two granddaughters (so far) to keep an open eye on.