Nelson was inspired to write the song during one of his trips from his home in Pasadena, Texas, to his work, singing at the Esquire Ballroom in Houston.

To avoid legal actions, it was recorded as "Nite Life" under the artist name of "Paul Buskirk and the Little Men featuring Hugh Nelson."

In 1963 Bellaire Records reissued the single under the original title of "Night Life," recrediting it to "Willie Nelson."

On the way, Nelson stopped by the Esquire Ballroom to sell songs to house band singer Larry Butler.

Butler refused to purchase Nelson's songs, giving him instead a $50 loan to rent an apartment and a six-night job singing in the club.

[2] Nelson rented an apartment near Houston in Pasadena, Texas, where he also worked at a local radio station as a DJ.

[6] The song was recorded as "Nite Life," and credited to "Paul Buskirk and the Little Men featuring Hugh Nelson.

"[4] Released through Rx Records, few copies of the single were pressed,[6] and it received limited airplay by DJ Uncle Hank Craig on XEG.

[7] In 1960 Ray Price purchased the song and recorded a cover of it as the title track of his 1963 album Night Life.

[13] Al Hirt included the song in his 1964 LP Sugar Lips, singing the verses and playing behind the chorus.