Starting out as a hip-hop producer at the age of 13, Dapperton made the switch to his current sound after a serious hospitalisation and the failure of his laptop.
Pairing infectious, nostalgia-laden tunes with high-concept filmclips, lauded for their high-concept cinematic execution, has proven to be a recipe for success. Blowing up through 2017, with two EPs dropped, and fans and the press alike taking notice, Dapperton's future looks bright.
Midnight Train
Gus Dapperton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Only love's in my way
Picture-perfect world
Crop me out of the frame
And no, it's not to say
Things will never change
I'm afraid this time
It'd take an act of fate
On the midnight train
Dopamine in my brain
Special K, full tank
Give to sol my thanks
And though it's not your thing
I don't hesitate
I'm afraid this time
It'll be too late
How could I trust myself?
Runnin' right off of the rails
How could I break the spell?
Up this high, the ride prevails
On the midnight train
Fire and ice in my veins
Pretty name, new flame
Pretty out of my lane
And though it don't equate
I am lost by grace
I'm afraid this time
Things will be too grave
How could I trust myself?
Runnin' right off of the rails
Up this high, the ride prevails
I can't slow up, I need you show up
I can't slow up, I need you show up
I can't slow up, I need you show up
I can't slow the ride
(I can't slow up, I need you show up)
How could I trust myself? (I can't slow up, I need you show up)
(I can't slow up, I need you show up)
Runnin' right off of the rails (I can't slow the ride)
(I can't slow up, I need you show up)
How could I break the spell? (I can't slow up, I need you show up)
(I can't slow up, I need you show up)
Up this high, the ride (I can't slow the ride)
In Gus Dapperton's song "Midnight Train," the lyrics reflect a sense of uncertainty and fear concerning love and change. The singer is on a metaphorical journey, symbolized by the midnight train, where only love seems to stand in their way. They feel like an outsider in a picture-perfect world, wanting to be removed from the frame, suggesting a desire to escape from societal expectations or norms.
The mention of "Dopamine in my brain" and "Special K, full tank" refers to the singer seeking temporary pleasure or escape through substances. They acknowledge that this may not be everyone's preference, but they don't hesitate to pursue it anyway. This highlights a need for distraction or numbing from the uncertainties of life.
The repeated question of "How could I trust myself?" suggests self-doubt and a lack of confidence. The singer feels like they are running off the rails, losing control, and breaking the spell of their own emotions. The reference to being "up this high" implies being in a heightened emotional state or experiencing a rush, but it also alludes to the potential dangers of such intense feelings.
Despite the singer's fears and uncertainties, they express a need for someone to show up and be present in their life. They recognize that they can't slow down the ride and need someone else to potentially stabilize or ground them amidst the chaos. The closing lines leave us with a lingering sense of longing and vulnerability.
Overall, "Midnight Train" explores themes of love, fear, self-doubt, and the search for stability within a tumultuous journey.
Line by Line Meaning
On the midnight train
In the dark, lonely hours of the night, on my journey through life
Only love's in my way
Love is the biggest obstacle I face
Picture-perfect world
An ideal, flawless world
Crop me out of the frame
Exclude me from that perfect picture, because I don't fit in
And no, it's not to say
But that doesn't mean
Things will never change
That things will always stay the same
I'm afraid this time
I'm worried that this time
It'd take an act of fate
It would require a stroke of luck or a twist of destiny
Dopamine in my brain
The chemical in my brain responsible for pleasure and motivation
Special K, full tank
Referring to the drug Ketamine, feeling fully intoxicated
Give to sol my thanks
Expressing gratitude to the sun
And though it's not your thing
And even though it doesn't interest you
I don't hesitate
I don't hold back or second-guess myself
It'll be too late
I'm concerned that I will miss my chance
How could I trust myself?
How can I rely on my own judgment?
Runnin' right off of the rails
Going completely off track
How could I break the spell?
How can I escape from this enchantment?
Up this high, the ride prevails
Despite being at a height, this thrilling journey continues
Fire and ice in my veins
Feeling intense and conflicting emotions
Pretty name, new flame
Attracted to someone with an appealing name, a new love interest
Pretty out of my lane
They are far more attractive or suitable than me
And though it don't equate
And even though it doesn't add up
I am lost by grace
I feel both blessed and directionless
Things will be too grave
I'm worried that things will become too serious or severe
I can't slow up, I need you show up
I can't slow down this fast-paced ride, I need you to be present
I can't slow the ride
I can't control or stop this exhilarating journey
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brendan Patrick Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind