The founding members of the band were drummer Jim Fox, bassist Tom Kriss, guitarist Ronnie Silverman, keyboardist Phil Giallombardo, and guitarist Glen Schwartz. In 1968 Joe Walsh replaced Schwartz when Schwartz left the band to join Pacific Gas & Electric. The band then released its debut album Yer' Album. In July of 1970, the band released its second album James Gang Rides Again which included the hit single "Funk #49." By this time, Dale Peters had replaced Kriss on bass. The band opened for The Who during a tour of Britain. After two more albums, Thirds, with the single "Walk Away,", and the live album James Gang Live in Concert, Walsh left the band to perform solo and later join the Eagles.
Vocalist Roy Kenner and guitarist Domenic Troiano then joined the band. Troiano left to join Guess Who and was replaced by Tommy Bolin. Bolin left in 1974 to replace Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple. After two albums, "Bang" and "Miami", Bolin was replaced by vocalist Bubba Keith and guitarist Richard Shack, who made "Newborn" (which featured a cover of the Elvis Presley song "Heartbreak Hotel"). The band broke up following a final recording, "Jesse Come Home" (which referred to the band's namesake, the outlaw Jesse James), which was made with the collaboration of early member Phil Giallombardo. Fox was the only remaining member of the original quintet when they disbanded early in 1977.
The "classic" lineup of the band (Walsh, Peters, Fox) reunited to perform at an election rally for Bill Clinton in 1996, appearances on The Drew Carey Show in the 1998-99 season, and at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in February 2001, drawing fans from all over the globe.
As of May 2004, Glenn Schwartz was playing guitar and singing Thursday nights at "Major Hooples" in the Flats, Cleveland.
In summer 2006 the Walsh/Peters/Fox lineup of the group toured the United States. In August 2006, the trio appeared performing live on The Howard Stern radio show on Sirius satellite radio.
Midnight Man
James Gang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I do all I can,
To make sure that I am
The Midnight Man.
Midnight Man's on time,
Everything is fine.
All the words in rhyme,
Midnight Man, you're pretty
Midnight Man, you're fine
Midnight Man, be careful,
Midnight Man...
Midnight man, you're mine
The lyrics to James Gang's song Midnight Man are all about the eponymous character who is the singer of the song, describing himself as someone who does everything he can to be the best Midnight Man. It is unclear what being a "Midnight Man" entails, but it seems to involve being punctual, making sure everything is in order, and possibly being in charge of something or someone. The singer further emphasizes his importance by saying that the words he speaks are always in rhyme with everything else.
The repetition of the phrase "Midnight Man" throughout the song gives a hypnotic effect, as if the singer is imposing his will on the listener. When he addresses himself directly as "pretty" and "fine," he may be trying to convince himself of his own worth and importance. The final line, "Midnight man, you're mine," could be interpreted in different ways - it may be an expression of possessiveness or ownership over the idea of the Midnight Man, or a realization that the singer is himself the Midnight Man.
Overall, the lyrics to Midnight Man seem to be more about creating a certain mood and atmosphere rather than having a clear narrative or meaning. The repetition of certain phrases and the hypnotic rhythm of the song contribute to this effect, and the listener is left to interpret the lyrics in their own way.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the Midnight Man,
I am the person who operates in the night
I do all I can,
I put forth all of my effort
To make sure that I am
To ensure that I continue to function as the Midnight Man
The Midnight Man.
The person who works at night
Midnight Man's on time,
The Midnight Man is punctual
Everything is fine.
Everything is going well
All the words in rhyme,
All the words are in agreement
With everything.
With all the events that are happening
Midnight Man, you're pretty
The Midnight Man has a certain level of attractiveness
Midnight Man, you're fine
The Midnight Man is in good health and shape
Midnight Man, be careful,
The Midnight Man should exercise caution
Midnight Man...
A continuation of the previous line
Midnight man, you're mine
The singer lays claim to the Midnight Man
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH FIDLER WALSH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@smokinjz
I'm the Midnight Man,
I do all I can,
To make sure that I am
The Midnight Man.
Midnight Man's on time,
Everything is fine.
All the words in rhyme,
With everything.
Midnight Man, you're pretty
Midnight Man, you're fine
Midnight Man, be careful,
Midnight Man...
Midnight man, you're mine
@timpowers4449
The album and song just blew me away. College from 1969 t0 1973 was epic rock and roll times. Joe rock on.
@billfuller450
This is one of my favorite James Gang songs! Joe walsh, one of the greatist guitarist of all time hands down!
@bernieritters7206
Yeah, I agree 🎶🎵🪕🎼💿🎸🎶🎵
@skinheadyouth66
No question about this guitar work. It's perfect
@marysterpkadelaney7310
It's been fun. And honestly humbling to know people like my voice. I need to get back into singing!
@echopractic
Not "like." More like "survive." Your vocal enabled many folks to get through. Can't thank you enough.
@stevezee5568
Phenomenal! It’s an honor to have the opportunity to tell you how good you did with this song
@EddieVBlueIsland
I couldn't place the voice - thought it was Stevie Knicks - but the career times did not line up - Nice to know whod did sing those few beautiful lines.
@fumblebunny1993
Mary, so good to see your comment! This was my favorite song....1971....14 yrs old and a freshman in high school. Loved your voice 💛💛💛
@rhovey1059
Thought it was the Lennon sisters from Lawrence Welk. And a.ways loved that part of the song. Great job