The duo started performing together in Toronto in 1959. By 1962, they were living in New York City, where they caught the attention of manager Albert Grossman, who managed Peter, Paul and Mary and would soon become Bob Dylan's manager. Grossman secured them a contract with Vanguard Records and they released their first album late in the year.
Four Strong Winds, their second album, featured title song "Four Strong Winds", written by Ian Tyson. "Four Strong Winds" was a major hit in Canada and ensured their stardom. Years later, the song was named as the greatest Canadian song of all time by the CBC-Radio program 50 Tracks: The Canadian Version.
Their third album, Northern Journey, featured the song "Someday Soon", a composition by Ian Tyson that would rival "Four Strong Winds" in its popularity.
Their fourth album, Early Morning Rain, introduced the work of the couple's fellow Canadian songwriter and performer Gordon Lightfoot through the title song and "(That's What You Get) For Lovin' Me".
In 1969, Ian & Sylvia formed the country rock group Great Speckled Bird.
By 1975, Ian & Sylvia had stopped performing together and soon afterwards were divorced.
In 1992, they were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
In 1994, they were both made Members of the Order of Canada.
midnight
Ian & Sylvia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've come for you, A heaven's aid
Hold my hand, lets fly away
Leave your things, no need to pray
Hush baby, don't be afraid
Take my hand, your pain will fade
Fly with me, fly with me
Before the end of this symphony
Just close your eyes, I'll stay by
your side
And take you to the paradise
Rock-A-Bye baby, sleep well tonight
Just close your eyes, I'll stay by
your side
And take you to the paradise
Hush baby, don't be afraid (don't be afraid)
Hush baby, don't be afraid (don't be afraid)
Hush baby, don't be afraid (don't be afraid)
Hush baby, don't be afraid (don't be afraid)
The lyrics of Ian & Sylvia's song "Midnight" evoke a sense of anticipation and excitement, with the singer holding his lover close as they wait for the bells to ring in Christmas morning. The couple can't sleep as they eagerly await the festivities to come, and despite the title of the song, it's not clear whether it's actually midnight or not - the lyrics suggest that they are waiting for the stroke of twelve, but they could be referencing the general period of time leading up to the holiday.
The theme of the song, then, is the joy and excitement of Christmas, and the anticipation that comes with it. The singer wants to make sure that his lover feels just as giddy as he does, so he has planned a surprise for her in the crib - perhaps some special treats or presents to keep them occupied until the morning. There is also a slight hint of naughtiness in the lyrics - the singer teases his lover for being "naughty", but still wants her to come sit on his lap.
Overall, "Midnight" is a fun and upbeat holiday song that captures the magic of Christmas Eve. It's a time for staying up late with loved ones, feeling excited for the gifts and festivities to come, and reveling in the joy of the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
It’s the night before Christmas
The current time is Christmas Eve.
And you say you can’t sleep
You are having trouble sleeping.
What’s on your mind?
I am wondering if there is something bothering you.
Girl you know I can’t read it
I do not have the ability to know what you are thinking without you telling me.
We’re wasting time ’til the morning bells ring
We are not being productive and are just waiting for morning to come.
Ring, ring
The sound of morning bells ringing.
They ring yea
The morning bells are indeed ringing.
Well baby girl the midnight’s here
It is now midnight.
And I got something special waiting for you in the crib baby
I have a surprise waiting for you, my love.
Came up on a midnight clear
The arrival of midnight was peaceful and calm.
Can’t you hear the angels singing in your head?
Can you not feel the joy and peace that comes with the holiday season?
What we doin’ before midnight girl?
What plans do we have before midnight?
What we doin’ before the clock strikes twelve?
What activities should we engage in before midnight arrives?
What we doin’?
What activities are we engaging in?
Girl
My love.
Waited until midnight hit
We have been patiently waiting for midnight to arrive.
Wanted to hear the angels sing
We were looking forward to experiencing the peacefulness of the holiday season.
It’s after midnight
The time is now after midnight.
All I wanna do is get you right
I just want to make sure you are okay.
All I want is you coming out them presents
All I want for Christmas is to spend time with you.
Get lost under the tree
I want us to spend time together under the Christmas tree.
Come and feel up on me
I want us to be physically intimate.
Come and feel up on Lee
Referring to himself in third person, the singer wants his love to be physically intimate with him.
I got something for you
I have a gift for you.
Even though you’ve been naughty
Despite any misdeeds or mistakes you might have made, I still care for you.
Come sit here on my lap
I want you to sit on my lap.
Ooh shawty
An expression of admiration and desire for his love.
Is it midnight?
He is confirming what time it is.
I can’t wait
He is excited and impatient.
Got me feeling like Christmas day
He has a feeling of excitement and joy similar to that of Christmas day.
If you’re here, then let it ring
He wants his love to show her presence and spread joy, similar to the idea of bells ringing.
I need you by midnight clear
He wants his love to be present and experience the calm of midnight.
Come to me, just fly your wings
He wants his love to come to him and experience freedom and happiness.
I want to hear angels sing
He wants to experience the peacefulness and joy of the holiday season.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Ian Emanuel Egido
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dianne Simmons
on Ella Speed
Those are the lyrics on the CD I have of Ian & Sylvia's greatest hits. What are yours?
Lee Middleton
on Rocks And Gravel
Did no one bother to see if the lyrics match what they are singing? These are the entirely wrong lyrics. I know every Ian and Sylvia song and I don't know these lyrics.
Cindy Cornell
on Summer Wages
The Creators of Rain
Maybe written by Smokey and His Sister, (released 1967)
Also released by Ian and Sylvia
In the beginning, land was stained
Washed by the sun, desert, and plains
Then the Creators of the Land created rain
I was that barren, wasted land
I was too weak to stand
Then the Creators of Rain created you
High on a mountain growing bare
Land was plenty, trees were rare
Then the Creators of the Rain created air
I was that mountain growing bare
My life was empty, nothing there
Then the Creators of Air created you
There would be no land, no seas
No clouds, no trees for me without you
Life had forgot the caring of
Dreams that were lost to fade above
Then the Creators of Rain created love
I was that dream that love had made
To search in endless hope and faith
Then the Creators of Love created you
Created you, Created you
For me.