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Lyrics
Waiting in the car Waiting for the ride in the dark At night the city grows Look at the horizon glow Waiting in the car Waiting for the ride in the dark Drinking in the lounge Following the neon signs Waiting for a word Looking at the milky skyline The city is my church It wraps me in its blinding twilight Waiting in the car Waiting for the ride in the dark Waiting in the car Waiting for the ride in the dark Waiting in the car Waiting for the ride in the dark Waiting in the car Waiting for the ride in the dark Waiting in the car Waiting for the ride in the dark
About
"Midnight City," released in 2011 as part of M83's double album "Hurry Up, We're Dreaming," is a song that has transcended its original medium to become a cultural touchstone. With its pulsating rhythm, layered synths, and an iconic saxophone solo, the track encapsulates the very essence of the nocturnal, capturing the feeling of driving through a city's glowing streets after dark. The brainchild of M83's frontman Anthony Gonzalez, "Midnight City" deftly melds nostalgia and futurism into a captivating sonic experience. Inspired by the cityscape of Los Angeles, where the album was conceived and recorded, the song is imbued with the tension and excitement that cities radiate after the sun goes down. It’s about freedom, youth, and the ephemeral beauty of a moment—themes that are universally relatable, making the song resonate deeply with audiences across the globe. What sets "Midnight City" apart is its emotional complexity. Beneath the catchy melody lies a sense of yearning, a melancholic undertone that adds depth to its otherwise exuberant surface. With the first few chords, it beckons listeners into a world that's both intimate and expansive, where personal reflection meets collective euphoria. Musically, the track was a departure for M83, offering a more synthesized sound in contrast to their earlier, guitar-centric albums. Yet, it still carried the cinematic undertone that the band is known for, making it a perfect fit for various mediums beyond music. Soon after its release, the track found its way into commercials, TV shows, and movie soundtracks, earning a kind of ubiquity that few songs achieve. Even so, it never felt overplayed; instead, each new context seemed to reveal another layer of its multifaceted composition. The climax of "Midnight City," a sweeping saxophone solo, elevates the song from a synth-pop hit to an anthem. It's a surprising but brilliant choice, hearkening back to '80s pop while feeling entirely fresh. This masterstroke epitomizes the song's—and by extension, M83's—ability to defy categorization. It's as if the song itself refuses to be confined by time or genre, much like the city it seeks to capture. In terms of cultural impact, "Midnight City" has earned its place in the modern musical lexicon. It not only propelled M83 into mainstream recognition but also crystallized a moment in time, capturing the zeitgeist of the early 2010s. But perhaps the song's most significant achievement is its timeless quality; nearly a decade after its release, it still feels as relevant and evocative as ever. In summary, "Midnight City" is more than just a song; it's a phenomenon. Its blend of nostalgia, melancholy, and euphoria speaks to a universal human experience, while its sonic ingenuity sets it apart as a modern classic. Whether heard on a dance floor, in a film, or during a solitary late-night drive, "Midnight City" remains an enduring symbol of the magic that can happen when the moon is high, and the world feels both impossibly big and intimately small.
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1 credits
Song Info
Release Year
2011
Genres
Electric
Electro
Indie
Moods
-
Vocals
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