The band's style is a mixture of country music, rockabilly, and blues. Their marathon live shows were legendary, but many felt that the spirit of those performances was never fully captured in the band's recordings.
You can also see Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen or Commander Cody on Last.fm.
Midnight Shift
Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
Well Annie puts her hair up on her head
Paints them lips up bright bright red
Wears them dresses that fit so tight
Starts slippin' round in the middle of the night
Brother, there just ain't no ifs
Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
Well if she acts a little funny, looks a little strange
Starts spending your money for brand new things
Says that she wants to use the car
Never explains what she wants it for
Says that her friends will give her a lift
Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
Spoken:
[indecipherable]
Well if you got a good mama that's stayin' at home
You better enjoy, 'cause it won't last long
When you think everything's all right
She starts slippin' round in the middle of the night
Brother, there just ain't no ifs
Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
Brother, there just ain't no ifs
Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
The song "Midnight Shift" by Commander Cody And His Lost Planet Airmen is a lively tune about a woman named Annie who works on the night shift. The song describes how Annie puts on bright red lipstick and tight dresses to work into the night. The lyrics suggest that Annie may be earning money from dubious means, as she asks to use the car but doesn't explain why, and she spends money on new things. The song also suggests that Annie's husband or partner may be unaware of her supposed night job, as she slips out in the middle of the night.
The song taps into the cultural fascination with the night shift and the people who work it. The night shift is often associated with danger, mystery, and subversion, and the song plays up to these associations. The lyrics suggest that Annie is living a double life and that her actions on the night shift are unconventional and possibly even immoral. The final verse is especially ominous, suggesting that even good mothers can be tempted by the mysteries of the night, and that no one is safe from the pull of the midnight shift.
Overall, "Midnight Shift" is a fun and catchy song with a dark undertone. The lyrics play on cultural stereotypes about the night shift and offer a peek into the secret life of a woman who works through the night.
Line by Line Meaning
Well if you see ol' Annie, better give her a lift
If you happen to come across Annie, it would be kind to give her a ride.
'Cause Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
Annie has been working late at night.
Well Annie puts her hair up on her head
Annie puts up her hair.
Paints them lips up bright bright red
She applies an intense shade of lipstick.
Wears them dresses that fit so tight
Annie wears dresses that are form-fitting.
Starts slippin' round in the middle of the night
She starts sneaking around during late hours.
Brother, there just ain't no ifs
There is no doubt about it.
Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
Annie has been working late at night.
Well if she acts a little funny, looks a little strange
If Annie seems a bit unusual or odd.
Starts spending your money for brand new things
She begins using your money to buy new items.
Says that she wants to use the car
Annie expresses her desire to use the car.
Never explains what she wants it for
However, she never clarifies why she needs it.
Says that her friends will give her a lift
She suggests that her friends will provide her with a ride.
Well if you got a good mama that's stayin' at home
If you have a mother who stays home.
You better enjoy, 'cause it won't last long
You should appreciate it, since it will not last indefinitely.
When you think everything's all right
When you believe everything is going well.
She starts slippin' round in the middle of the night
Annie begins sneaking around during late hours.
Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
Annie has been working late at night.
Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
Annie has been working late at night.
Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
Annie has been working late at night.
Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
Annie has been working late at night.
Brother, there just ain't no ifs
There is no doubt about it.
Annie's been a-workin' on the midnight shift
Annie has been working late at night.
Contributed by Owen O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.