Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Midnight in Harlem
Tedeschi Trucks Band Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning

Well, I came to the city
I was running from the past
My heart was bleeding
And it hurt my bones to laugh
Stayed in the city
No exception to the rules, to the rule
He was born to love me
I was raised to be his fool, his fool

Walk that line, torn apart
Gotta spend your whole life trying
Ride that train, and free your heart
It's midnight up in Harlem

I went down to the river
And I took a look around
There were old man's shoes
There were needles on the ground
No more mysteries, baby
No more secrets, no more clues
The stars are out there
You can almost see the moon
The streets are windy
And the subway's closing down
Gonna carry this dream
To the other side of town

Walk that line, torn apart
Gotta spend your whole life trying
Ride that train, and free your heart
It's midnight up in Harlem

Overall Meaning

The song 'Midnight in Harlem' by Tedeschi Trucks Band narrates the story of a heartbroken person who travels to New York City to escape from their past. The lyrics describe the protagonist's struggles with their emotions and the difficulties they encounter while adjusting to city life. The phrase "My heart was bleeding and it hurt my bones to laugh" emphasizes the turmoil that the protagonist is going through. Despite their difficult past, they find love with someone who was meant to be their soulmate. However, the protagonist was raised to be "his fool," which emphasizes their vulnerability and lack of control in the relationship.


In the chorus, the song talks about the idea of walking the line that separates love and pain. The phrase "Gotta spend your whole life trying" emphasizes the continuous effort that is necessary to maintain a relationship. The lines "Ride that train and free your heart, it's midnight up in Harlem" evoke an atmosphere of hope and freedom.


The second verse picks up the mood and paints a picture of New York City, where the protagonist finds solace at the river. The dirty, gritty streets of the city are contrasted with the beauty of the night sky, which symbolizes the hope for a better future. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and the idea of finding freedom, even in difficult circumstances.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, I came to the city
I left my hometown and arrived in the city.


I was running from the past
I left to forget the past and start anew.


My heart was bleeding
My heart was broken and aching with pain.


And it hurt my bones to laugh
I couldn't even laugh as it physically hurt me.


Stayed in the city
I remained in the city, not leaving.


No exception to the rules, to the rule
I didn't break any rules or go against any norms.


He was born to love me
My partner was destined to love me.


I was raised to be his fool, his fool
I was brought up to love him and be a fool for his love.


Walk that line, torn apart
Keep going even when it feels impossible to do so.


Gotta spend your whole life trying
It takes a lifetime to achieve what you want.


Ride that train, and free your heart
Take a journey and let go of any emotional baggage.


It's midnight up in Harlem
It's late at night in Harlem.


I went down to the river
I went to the riverbank.


And I took a look around
I surveyed my surroundings.


There were old man's shoes
There were abandoned shoes, possibly belonging to an old man.


There were needles on the ground
Drug paraphernalia was scattered around.


No more mysteries, baby
There are no more secrets or hidden things, my dear.


No more secrets, no more clues
There are no more secrets or hints to uncover.


The stars are out there
The stars are shining in the sky.


You can almost see the moon
The moon is almost visible.


The streets are windy
The roads are twisting.


And the subway's closing down
The subway system is closing for the night.


Gonna carry this dream
I will hold onto this dream.


To the other side of town
To a different part of the city.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Mike Mattison, Derek Trucks

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

mara gore

This is most incredible song ever to be written, with mind, body and soul this band shows what and how music
is suppose to be, with feeling and that emotional jolt and brings those deep hearted feelings back to life
again in our inter souls. For those who really appreciate the magic on playing any musical item knows the
talent of playing one, the dedication , the want and love of instrutment to become that person to bring the notes
out in a piece of music as this is totally incredible. I didn't think that after the Allman brothers that there could
be a band such as this, Derek Trucks has that look of Dwayne and Greg Allman and posses that oh so awesome slide.
Susan has the living soul of beauty and the voice that can't be taught, it's all of them that carries that natural
beauty that plays that of given Gods. I hope they will be around for me to see them live someday. Please
God send to Las Vegas soon.................................................



All comments from YouTube:

Merilee Watmand

This is the most soul healing music I have every heard in my life. I am battling with Cancer. I believe that I am winning my current battle. This group is perfect in the sense that it helps my soul heal, as well as my mind. Thank you for the restoration.

michael nettles

God bless you

Claire Taylor

Great music GQ

joyce daly

❤️Healing prayers Flint Michigan

Bruce Ferguson

Bless you my dear!!💓❤

36 More Replies...

rosevea1

I really don't think it's possible to get tired of this song.

Gary Venz

Two or three times a night!

Renee

Or her voice!

Randall McCary

It's not. I've been listening to this particular video for over a decade now.

Skylar Filbanks

😄

More Comments

More Videos