brake and head light issues

ok i have a questiong about my 93' escort...when i turn on my headlights my tail lights and brake lights wont work...yet if i turn off the headlights my breaklights work.... and im not quite sure how to fix it cause i dont want to be driving around at night and get mushedmaybee a fuse? or shorts? grounding? wire damage?also a funny noise below my AT shifter thing when i press the brakes.. :) ty for all help