The British music press (notably NME and Melody Maker) called this genre "shoegazing" because the musicians in these bands often maintained a motionless performing style, standing on stage and staring down at their effects pedals while playing their instruments (hence, the idea that they were gazing at their shoes). The shoegazing sound featured extensive use of guitar effects, and indistinguishable vocal melodies that blended into the creative noise of the guitars. Few shoegazers were dynamic performers or interesting interviewees, which prevented them from breaking through into markets in the United States. A lump description given to shoegaze bands in London in the early 1990s was "The Scene That Celebrates Itself." In the 1990s, shoegaze groups were pushed aside by the likes of American grunge and Britpop, forcing bands to breakup or evolve into a different style. Recent times have seen a renewed interest in the genre, among so-called "nu-gaze/newgaze" bands.
Midnight City
M83 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
@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
@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!
@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