After Midnight
J.J. Cale feat. Leon Russell Lyrics


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After midnight, 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
After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out
After midnight, gonna shake your tambourine
After midnight, it's gonna be peaches and cream
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

Overall Meaning

The song "After Midnight" by J.J. Cale feat. Leon Russell is a classic rock and roll song about the experience of letting loose and having fun after the clock strikes midnight. The lyrics describe a desire to break free from societal norms and expectations, and to explore new and exciting experiences with friends or loved ones. The chorus, "After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out", is a celebration of this desire to let go and forget about the stresses of everyday life.


The song also touches on themes of rebellion and individuality. By causing "talk and suspicion" and giving an "exhibition", the song suggests that the characters in the song are willing to take risks and push back against the status quo. This message is reinforced in the second verse when they state that "after midnight, it's gonna be peaches and cream", implying that they are not concerned with the consequences of their actions.


Line by Line Meaning

After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out
We will forget our inhibitions and enjoy ourselves with abandon during the nighttime hours.


After midnight, we're gonna chug-a-lug and shout
We will consume alcohol and make loud noises to revel in the freedom that comes with the darkness.


We're gonna cause talk and suspicion
Our actions will attract attention and possibly be viewed with suspicion or disapproval by others.


Give an exhibition
We will put on a show for others to see and enjoy, displaying our skills and talents.


Find out what it is all about
We will explore and experience the excitement and mystery of the night.


After midnight, gonna shake your tambourine
We will celebrate by making music and dancing.


After midnight, it's gonna be peaches and cream
The nighttime will be sweet and enjoyable, free from any worries or problems.




Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN W. CALE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@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

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