After Midnight
J.J. Cale & Leon Russell Lyrics
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We're gonna let it all hang out
After midnight
We're gonna chug-a-lug and shout
We're gonna 'cause talk and suspicion
Give an exhibition
Find out what it is all about
We're gonna let it all hang out
After midnight
Gonna shake your tambourine
After midnight it's gonna be peaches and cream, hmm
We're gonna cause talk and suspicion
Give an exhibition
Find out what it is all about
After midnight
We're gonna let it all hang out
We're gonna 'cause talk and suspicion
Give an exhibition
Find out what it is all about
After midnight
We're gonna let it all hang out
After midnight
We're gonna let it all hang out
J.J. Cale’s song “After Midnight” is a song about letting loose and having a good time. The lyrics talk about staying up late and enjoying oneself with friends. The first verse sets the tone with “After midnight, we’re gonna let it all hang out” and “After midnight, we’re gonna chug-a-lug and shout.”
The lyrics seem to be about breaking down social norms and expectations, with “We’re gonna ‘cause talk and suspicion, give an exhibition” indicating a desire to be noticed and to stand out. This may be seen as rebellious or irresponsible behavior, but the phrase “Find out what it is all about” suggests that there is something to be gained from breaking the rules and enjoying oneself.
Overall, the song celebrates the joy of being carefree and enjoying life, even if it may not be “appropriate” or “proper.” The repeated refrain of “After midnight, we’re gonna let it all hang out” emphasizes the idea that the time to let go and have fun is after conventional hours.
Line by Line Meaning
After midnight
Late at night
We're gonna let it all hang out
We're going to be uninhibited and let loose
After midnight
Late at night
We're gonna chug-a-lug and shout
We're going to drink a lot and make noise
We're gonna 'cause talk and suspicion
We're going to do things that may attract gossip and suspicion
Give an exhibition
We're going to put on a show or display
Find out what it is all about
We're going to discover or experience something new
After midnight
Late at night
Gonna shake your tambourine
We're going to have fun and dance
After midnight it's gonna be peaches and cream, hmm
Things will be wonderful and pleasant later at night
We're gonna cause talk and suspicion
We're going to do things that may attract gossip and suspicion
Give an exhibition
We're going to put on a show or display
Find out what it is all about
We're going to discover or experience something new
After midnight
Late at night
We're gonna let it all hang out
We're going to be uninhibited and let loose
After midnight
Late at night
We're gonna let it all hang out
We're going to be uninhibited and let loose
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John W. Cale
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@music8753
I LIVED IN TULSA FOR 15 YEARS FROM 1973-1988. THE TULSA SOUND WAS AN ABSOLUTE TREAT TO WITNESS! ON SUNDAY I'D LOOK IN THE MOVIE SECTION AND SEE A SMALL AD SAYING "TONIGHT LARRY BELL AND FRIENDS!" ANYWHERE 10-20 MUSICIANS WOULD SHOW UP. OMG WHAT A TREAT TO SEE THEM ALL GET UP AND JAM. MANY TIMES I'D BE 10-12 FEET AWAY FROM THE STAGE. MEMORIES I WILL NEVER EVER FORGET!
@lyndonmassa1991
I am from and still live in Tulsa and you should see the newly rebuilt Church Studio! Leon's old studio! It's frickin beautiful! Just reopened last week as a museum and recording studio!
@timhalloran8337
Aside from the great performance and pairing, the sound on this is fantastic!
@captaincraig9
Unbelievable. Legends.
@shanesweeney3583
Smooth, locked in band.
@tulsafamilylaw
RIP JJ Cale.
@djf71104
Listening to that Tulsa Sound makes me wanna drill an oil well!!
@alhagopian3874
This is fantastic !!! What a jam !!! Was this released on an album or CD ???
@RLM575
This is from the June 1979 sessions at Leon's Paradise Studio in LA
@-dimaio5617
one of the best sessions in msic history