Round Midnight
Carmen Mc Rae Lyrics
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I do pretty well till after sundown
Suppertime I'm feelin' sad
But it really gets bad 'round midnight
Memories always start 'round midnight
Haven't got the heart to stand those memories
When my heart is still with you
When a quarrel we had needs mending
Does it mean that our love is ending?
Darlin', I need you; lately I find
You're out of my heart and I'm out of my mind
Let our hearts take wings 'round midnight, midnight
Let the angels sing for your returning
Till our love is safe and sound
And old midnight comes around
Feelin' sad, really gets bad
'Round, 'round, 'round midnight
Carmen McRae's Round Midnight is a song about love and loss. The song tells the story of someone who is haunted by memories of a past lover, especially around midnight when the loneliness and sadness become unbearable. The singer cannot get over the love lost, and question whether a quarrel has led to the end of the relationship. The lyrics show the character's vulnerability, as the memories of the past lover and a longing to be reunited with the lover consume their thoughts.
The repeating phrase “‘round midnight” creates an ambiance of loneliness and despair. It emphasizes the feeling of timelessness that overtakes one when battling with heartbreak. The past lover's memory is said to be burdensome, to the point of feeling as though the world is closing in. The imagery is poignant but creates a sense of release when the singer talks about letting their heart take wings around midnight, as if they are allowing themselves to feel free from the shackles of heartbreak. The song's tone is a missing and yearning one, yet, the mention of the angels singing for the returning lovers implies there is determination to get back the love that is now lost.
Line by Line Meaning
It begins to tell 'round midnight, midnight
The feeling of being alone and sad starts to creep in around midnight.
I do pretty well till after sundown
During the day things seem to be going fine, but as soon as the sun goes down things take a turn for the worse.
Suppertime I'm feelin' sad
The thought of eating alone is a constant reminder of loneliness and sadness.
But it really gets bad 'round midnight
The deepest feelings of loneliness and sadness occur around midnight.
Memories always start 'round midnight
The memories of lost love and happier times always come flooding back around midnight.
Haven't got the heart to stand those memories
The memories are too painful to bear, and the singer can't bring herself to confront them head-on.
When my heart is still with you
Despite the passage of time, the singer's heart still belongs to the person she has lost.
And old midnight knows it too
Midnight is a reminder of the love that has been lost, and it seems to know that the singer's heart still belongs to someone else.
When a quarrel we had needs mending
A past argument that needs to be resolved comes to mind.
Does it mean that our love is ending?
The singer wonders if unresolved arguments mean the end of a once great love.
Darlin', I need you; lately I find
The singer's heart still yearns for the lost love, and she realizes how much she needs that person in her life.
You're out of my heart and I'm out of my mind
Despite trying to move on, the person remains in the singer's heart and drives her to madness.
Let our hearts take wings 'round midnight, midnight
The singer longs for the lost love to come back, and hopes that they can have a second chance at happiness around midnight.
Let the angels sing for your returning
The singer is praying for the lost love to return and be reunited with her.
Till our love is safe and sound
The singer hopes that their love can be made strong and secure.
And old midnight comes around
As each day turns into midnight, the singer renews her hope for being reunited with the lost love.
Feelin' sad, really gets bad
The feelings of sadness and loneliness are overwhelming and difficult to bear.
'Round, 'round, 'round midnight
The cycle of despair and hope repeats itself every night around midnight.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
geanina militaru
What a legend! Thanks Carmen McRae for that beautiful soul! I love this version
Yuko Yamamoto
Wow!! I love her voice!
James Bryant
Carmen Mcrae sings Monk,sends my soul on a journey, all l can say is thank you for this beautiful tribute to Monk.
LOVE YOU CARMEN
JB Bryant
jazztemple2
James, wholly agree! She was awesome, especially when doing Monk?
Ced Sidewinder
That HAS TO BE Eric Gunnison on keys. Love Carmen McRae's interpretation of Monk's compositions! My mother and I were extremely close.She loved Carmen McRae, Sara Vaughn, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and pretty much azad all of those legendary greats of times past.. Even though it's been over 16 years since my mom passed away, I still cry when I hear this version of Round Midnight.
James White
Carmen was one of my favorite singers. Her voice was so earthly.
SuperSharyn1
Wow.... This is terrific!!! Thanks for posting...
richard hertz
I listen to this very often and have been a fan of her almost 40yrs . When I worked , as a printer on nights in the 80's , I would play her tapes on my boombox and my helper , who was a singer in a heavy medal band pleaded with me to stop . He like her, but he told me she was affecting his singing and his band wanted to know what was wrong with him . I saw him years later and he told me he still listened to her still .
Bill Brown
Carmen sure felt this song. Sing on Jazzy C
Bandzinger
Quality.