Laura Branigan was an American singer and actress who was born on July 3, 1952, in Mount Kisco, New York. She became famous in the 1980s for her powerful voice and hit songs like Gloria and Self Control.

Gloria stayed on the U.S. charts for 36 weeks, making her an international star. Branigan also sang other popular songs, such as “Solitaire” and “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You?” She appeared in movies and TV shows, and her music was featured in films like Flashdance and Ghostbusters. Laura Branigan died in 2004 at the age of 52

About the Song

Self Control tells a story of inner conflict, where the narrator is torn between living freely at night and the consequences that come with it.

The lyrics show themes of temptation, weakness, and the loss of innocence, all wrapped in a catchy yet brooding production.

Self Control Lyrics by Laura Branigan

Verse 1

Oh, the night is my world
City light painted girl
In the day, nothing matters
It’s the nighttime that flatters
In the night, no control
Through the wall something’s breaking
Wearing white as you’re walkin’
Down the street of my soul

Pre-Chorus

You take my self, you take my self control
You got me livin’ only for the night
Before the morning comes, the story’s told
You take my self, you take my self control
Another night, another day goes by
I never stop myself to wonder why
You help me to forget to play my role
You take my self, you take my self control

Chorus

I, I live among the creatures of the night
I haven’t got the will to try and fight
Against a new tomorrow, so I guess I’ll just believe it
That tomorrow never comes
A safe night (You take my self, you take my self control)
I’m living in the forest of a dream (You take my self, you take my self control)
I know the night is not as it would seem (You take my self, you take my self control)
I must believe in something, so I’ll make myself believe it (You take my self, you take my self control)
This night will never go

Post-Chorus

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh

Verse 2

Oh, the night is my world
City light painted girl
In the day, nothing matters
It’s the nighttime that flatters

Chorus

I, I live among the creatures of the night
I haven’t got the will to try and fight
Against a new tomorrow, so I guess I’ll just believe it
That tomorrow never comes
A safe night (You take my self, you take my self control)
I’m living in the forest of a dream (You take my self, you take my self control)
I know the night is not as it would seem (You take my self, you take my self control)
I must believe in something, so I’ll make myself believe it (You take my self, you take my self control)
This night will never go

Post-Chorus

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh

Outro

You take my self, you take my self control (Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh)
You take my self, you take my self control (Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh)
You take my self, you take my self control (Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh)
You take my self, you take my self control (Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh)
You take my self, you take my self control (Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh)
You take my self, you take my self control (Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh)
You take my self, you take my self control (Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh)
You take my self, you take my self control (Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh)

Similar Songs Like Self Control

If you love the moody vibe and dramatic flair of Self Control, here are some similar tracks you might enjoy:

• Gloria: Filled with urgency and boldness, Gloria holds the frantic energy of someone spiraling out of control, searching for purpose, while hiding weakness behind powerful vocals and a racing beat.
• Ti Amo: It expresses the heartache of lost love and longing. It’s tender yet dramatic, soaked in bittersweet emotion, and Laura’s voice reveals deep inner sorrow.
• Spanish Eddie: This song tells a story of faded glory and lost dreams. With pulsing beat lyrics, it blends mystery, sadness, and the fleeting nature of youth and fame.

Similar Artists Like Laura Branigan

Looking for more music with powerful vocals and emotional intensity? These artists offer similar sounds to Laura Branigan:

• Pat Benatar
  Genre: Rock, Hard Rock, Pop Rock
  Top Album: Crimes of Passion (1980)
• Belinda Carlisle
  Genre: Pop Rock, New Wave
  Top Album: Heaven on Earth (1987)
• Cyndi Lauper
  Genre: Pop, New Wave, Synth-Pop
  Top Album: She’s So Unusual (1983)
• Kim Wilde
  Genre: New Wave, Pop Rock
  Top Album: Close (1988)

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Self Control Originally Laura Branigan’s Song?

No, it was first recorded by Italian singer Raf. Branigan’s English version became more internationally famous.

What Genre is Self Control?

The song is primarily synthpop and dance-pop, showing the popular electronic sound of mid-1980s music.

Has Self Control Been Covered by Other Artists?

Yes, by artists like Ricky Martin and Infernal, which remain popular for remixes and covers.