Midnight Special
Harry Belafonte Lyrics

Well, I wake up in the mornin'
The song starts with the singer waking up in the morning.

And the ding dong rings
A bell rings, perhaps signaling breakfast time.

You go a marchin' to the table
The singer goes to the table where breakfast is served.

You see the same old thing
The artist sees the same meal they always have for breakfast.

Baby, all I want to tell ya
The artist addresses the listener as 'baby' and wants to impart some knowledge to them.

A knife, a fork and a pan
The singer only sees three items on the table for breakfast.

And if you say a thing about it
The singer warns the listener that if they complain about the limited breakfast options, they will face consequences.

You're in trouble with the man
The 'man' may refer to someone in authority who could punish the listener.

Let the midnight special
The song's chorus begins, calling forth the 'midnight special.'

Shine a light on me
The artist is requesting that the 'midnight special' shine a light on them.

Let the midnight special
The repetition of the chorus helps to amplify the singer's request.

Shine its everlovin' light on me
The artist wants the 'midnight special' to shine its light on them forever.

Yes, let the midnight special
The singer agrees with their previous request.

If you're ever go to Houston
The singer is now offering some travel advice to the listener.

Then you better walk or ride
The singer thinks it's best to walk or ride in Houston, rather than stagger or fight.

You better not stagger
The artist suggests not walking in a way that would indicate drunkenness.

And you better not fight
The artist also warns the listener to avoid fighting.

'Cause sheriff Benson will arrest you
The reason behind the warnings become apparent - being arrested by Sheriff Benson.

He'll carry you on down
If the listener does get arrested, they will be escorted somewhere by Sheriff Benson.

And if the jury finds you guilty
The listener will face punishment if they are found guilty by a jury.

You're penitentiary bound
The punishment for being found guilty is going to prison.

Yonder comes miss Rosie
The narrative now shifts to someone named 'miss Rosie' approaching.

How I wonder did you know
The singer is curious if the listener knows something about 'miss Rosie.'

Well, I know about apron
The artist knows something about 'miss Rosie's' article of clothing, an apron.

And the dress she wore
The singer also knows something about 'miss Rosie's' dress.

Umbrella on her shoulder
The singer mentions that 'miss Rosie' is carrying an umbrella.

Piece of paper in her hand
The singer notices that 'miss Rosie' is also carrying a piece of paper.

She goes a-walkin' to the captain
'Miss Rosie' is on her way to see the captain.

Says, I'm losing my man
Once 'miss Rosie' reaches the captain, she reveals that she is losing her significant other.

Let that midnight special
The chorus is repeated again for emphasis.

Shine its everlovin' light on me
The singer once again requests that the 'midnight special' shine its light on them.

Let the midnight special
The chorus continues to be repeated.

Shine its light on me
The artist restates their desire for the 'midnight special' to shine its light on them.

Let the midnight special
The chorus is repeated yet again.

Shine its everlovin' light on me
The song ends with another request for the 'midnight special' to shine its light on the singer.