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Midnight City
M83 Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of M83’s song “Midnight City” convey a sense of anticipation, mystery and a longing for something. The singer speaks about waiting in the car, in the dark, for a ride. As they wait, they observe the city and its nightlife. The neon signs and the glowing horizon provide a contrast to the darkness they are embraced in. As they sit and wait, they feel as though the city is their church, comforting them in its own unique way.


The chorus of the song repeats the same lines over and over. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and restlessness, as though the singer is constantly waiting for something to happen. The ambiguity of what they are waiting for adds to the sense of mystery and anticipation. The line “the city is my church” is especially interesting as it suggests that for the singer, the city represents a form of worship, a way of seeking meaning and connection to something greater than themselves.


Overall, the lyrics of “Midnight City” capture the feelings of the night, the city, and the unknown. They convey a sense of longing and restlessness, as well as the beauty and mystery of the urban landscape.


Line by Line Meaning

Waiting in the car
Sitting in the vehicle anticipating the next move


Waiting for the ride in the dark
Anxious for something to happen in the obscurity


At night the city grows
The metropolis comes to life at night


Look at the horizon glow
Observe the radiance in the distance


Drinking in the lounge
Consuming beverages in a spacious room


Following the neon signs
Pursuing the illuminated symbols


Waiting for a word
Expecting to hear something specific


Looking at the milky skyline
Observing the skyline that appears hazy


The city is my church
The urban environment is my place of worship


It wraps me in its blinding twilight
It encloses me in its brilliant, dreamlike illumination


Waiting in the car
Sitting in the vehicle anticipating the next move


Waiting for the ride in the dark
Anxious for something to happen in the obscurity


Waiting in the car
Sitting in the vehicle anticipating the next move


Waiting for the ride in the dark
Anxious for something to happen in the obscurity


Waiting in the car
Sitting in the vehicle anticipating the next move


Waiting for the ride in the dark
Anxious for something to happen in the obscurity




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Anthony Gerard Gonzalez, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Morgan Grace Kibby

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@Jacklanton

i copy paste this from someone interpretation on songmeaning.

It is an utterly wonderful piece of music which can be interpreted and resonate with your personal way and that is the reason why it is so beautiful. But if you really care what the creator wants to express, pls remember Anthony G. particularly stressed this album as a record and reflection of himself and his course of making music. 
As to Midnight City. I think it is rather a reflection on the road of making music. It is not an easy dream to pursuit obviously. So many hardship , frustration but the at same time too much anticipation motivation, and hope from the orgastic future. Give the background at that time he came to LA pursuing his dream The city is the place where he paid too much for this dream to come true. This intimacy with the city he thrives is too strong to him it is too special place to him.

Wait is also my favorite. this music lifts my emotion to the highest level of intensity i have ever experienced. Thank you M83. to let that happen

well...agree..fully agree..
and..thanks M83 to make such a track!



@Mepemepedung

- Launch GTA V
- Wait for the loading to end
- Get on a fast sport car
- Wait till the night
- Go to the road near the beach
- Turn on the radio and choose None Stop Pop
- This song starts
- Drive at the highest speed possible

Still the best feeling 10 years later



All comments from YouTube:

@M83

Thanks for voting! Midnight City is BBC Radio 1's A List #10 http://bbc.in/1484FoO

@anthonyramos2159

great song!

@Jacklanton

i copy paste this from someone interpretation on songmeaning.

It is an utterly wonderful piece of music which can be interpreted and resonate with your personal way and that is the reason why it is so beautiful. But if you really care what the creator wants to express, pls remember Anthony G. particularly stressed this album as a record and reflection of himself and his course of making music. 
As to Midnight City. I think it is rather a reflection on the road of making music. It is not an easy dream to pursuit obviously. So many hardship , frustration but the at same time too much anticipation motivation, and hope from the orgastic future. Give the background at that time he came to LA pursuing his dream The city is the place where he paid too much for this dream to come true. This intimacy with the city he thrives is too strong to him it is too special place to him.

Wait is also my favorite. this music lifts my emotion to the highest level of intensity i have ever experienced. Thank you M83. to let that happen

well...agree..fully agree..
and..thanks M83 to make such a track!

@vitorix24

No, thank you for bring us your talent. Thanks!

@gregnew1

vitorix24 ye brilliant, ty

@juiceboxmonster

I love you M83!! Thank you for making wonderful music that sets my emotions on fire!

231 More Replies...

@Infamous_wu13

if theres a song id listen to at the end of the world this would be it

@TeenPerspektiva

For real

@Skittles-bu9le

I'd be playing at high volume when the world ends

@JackIsG00dYT

This and mice on venus = idc, I just vibe

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