Bonamassa was born in Utica, New York. He started playing guitar at age four, encouraged by his father, who was an avid music fan and exposed him to British blues rock records by Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, greatly inspiring him. At 11 years old Joe was mentored and trained by American guitar legend, Danny Gatton. When he was 12 years old, he had his own band called Smokin' Joe Bonamassa, which gigged around western New York and Pennsylvania, including cities such as Scranton and Buffalo, but only on weekends since Joe had school on weekdays. Bonamassa played a crimson 1972 Fender Stratocaster he called "Rosie", which his father had bought in Utica, New York.
When he was 12 years old, Bonamassa opened for B.B. King. In the last 13 years Bonamassa has put out 15 solo albums through his independent record label J&R Adventures, of which 11 have reached number 1 on the Billboard Blues charts. Bonamassa has played alongside such artists as Stephen Stills, Eric Clapton, Blondie Chaplin, Foreigner, Buddy Guy, Steve Winwood, Warren Haynes, Solomon Hicks,and Derek Trucks among others.[4] His career highlights include performances at the Royal Albert Hall and has had three Grammy Award nominations in 2013, for his collaboration album with Beth Hart "Seesaw", in 2016 for the album "Live at the Greek Theatre" and 2022 for the album "Royal Tea". In addition to his music career, Joe Bonamassa runs a nonprofit organisation called the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, whose mission is to further music education by funding scholarships and providing music education resources to schools in need. in 2020, he added an extension to the foundation. Called Fuelling Musicians, it provides $1500 cheques to struggling musicians affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
in 2021, he broke his own record for having more #1 Billboard blues albums than anyone in history. The album "Time Clocks" clocked up his 25th #1 album.
He is also known for his enormous collection of vintage guitars and related gear.
Midnight Blues
Joe Bonamassa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's a million miles from the morning light
Can't get no sleep, don't know what to do
I've got those midnight blues
When the shadows fall, I feel the night closing in
There must be some reason for this mood I'm getting in
Can't get no sleep, don't know what to do
I've got those midnight blues
As the light begins to fade
I feel so low, but I just don't know
Why these blues won't go away
Every evening after sundown
As the light begins to fade
I feel so low, but I just don't know
Why these blues won't go away
It's the darkest hour of the darkest night
It's a million miles to the morning light
Can't get no sleep, don't know what to do
I've got those midnight blues
I've got those midnight blues
I've got those midnight blues
I've got those midnight blues
Joe Bonamassa's song "Midnight Blues" is a slow and mellow blues tune that laments the feeling of loneliness that often comes when the sun sets and the night closes in. The lyrics tell of a person who is unable to sleep and is unsure of why they feel so down in the late hours of the night. The repetition of the phrase "I've got those midnight blues" emphasizes the singer's sense of despair and hopelessness as they struggle to escape their melancholy state.
The imagery in the lyrics adds to the mood of the song. The mention of the "darkest hour of the darkest night" and being "a million miles from the morning light" creates a feeling of isolation and despair. The reference to the "shadows" falling and the night closing in adds to the sense of discomfort and unease. The repetition of the phrase "can't get no sleep, don't know what to do" highlights the singer's feeling of helplessness and frustration.
Overall, "Midnight Blues" is a relatable song that captures the feeling of being alone in the late hours of the night. The lyrics are evocative and the slow, haunting melody adds to the sense of melancholy.
Line by Line Meaning
It's the darkest hour of the darkest night
Even though it's pitch dark, I can't get to sleep
It's a million miles from the morning light
The dawn still seems so far away
Can't get no sleep, don't know what to do
I'm sleepless and clueless about how to fix it
I've got those midnight blues
Feeling down and depressed in the middle of the night
When the shadows fall, I feel the night closing in
As darkness sets in, I sense a worsening of my mood
There must be some reason for this mood I'm getting in
I'm trying to make sense of my inexplicable feelings
Every evening after sundown
Nightfall triggers my sadness
As the light begins to fade
When daylight starts to disappear
I feel so low, but I just don't know
I'm experiencing deep sadness, but I can't explain it
Why these blues won't go away
I don't understand why I can't shake off this sadness
I've got those midnight blues
I am still feeling down and depressed in the middle of the night
I've got those midnight blues
I'm still struggling with my mood late at night
I've got those midnight blues
Even after everything, I'm still feeling down and depressed in the middle of the night
I've got those midnight blues
I'm still dealing with the challenges of sleeplessness and sadness late at night
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: JOE BONAMASSA, MIKE HIMELSTEIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
D Wood
This is my Husband's account but I just wanted to share that he passed away on Dec. 15, 2022 of Covid and pneumonia at 65. He was a blues fan since he was a little boy. Ten years ago, my Husband and I got to see Joe Bonamassa in concert in Tulsa, OK. Joe had about 14 guitars on a rack on the side of the stage beside him. Before the night was over, he had played each and every one of them and melted our faces off. I thank God that my husband and I got to share this experience together. Thank you, Joe!! <3
Teata Reedy
I am so envious of you that you got to see him in concert and I am sorry for your loss. May your husband Rest In Peace.
Heiko Oberleitner
I'll turn 60 this year - "found" Joe about 7 year ago. Listening him over and over on YT. Hope he'll perform in Europe some time soon. You did good sharing your husbands story here, I'm sure he loves it and listens to this masterpiece now. Bless you!
Bobby Kincannon
I am sorry. I lost my wife of 22 years march 14, 2022. Nothing I know of helps but God bless you.
Luis Claro
🙏🏻🤍
Shmoke Yamomked
Was he vaccinated before he died?
Six Slinger
I can't comprehend why JB gets hate? Has to be mad jealously...He is seriously one of the best guitarists ever, and his singing is incredible too. What a player. He inspires the hell out of me!
Bobby Kincannon
Hi, I'm Bobby. There are always haters. Joe is exceptional and he knows this. He does have a little attitude but wtf he's probably went through a lot of let downs, turn downs and being a musician (drummer) it's tuff getting anywhere but he shrugged it off and made it. I have heard him call the whole audience a bunch of assholes because when coming in the door and giving them your ticket they gave a cheap harmonica as a souvenir.BUT, the noise they made screwed up his tuning,sound so on and so forth. I love his music. Him Doyle Brahmhall ll and Stevie Ray are my favs and I lost my wife of 22 years march of this year so blues are a daily routine for me. Anyway haters will be haters so let them be the fools they are. On a last note, the Bass player that usually plays with Joe, passed away 2 days ago. Something made me feel I should reach out to you as I could feel your pain. Just try and remember good times and Pray a lot. You take care. Bobby K.
Teresa
@Bobby Kincannon Beautiful and wise words. Condolences on the death of your wife.
Ken Murphy
That old nasty 'Green Eyed Monster' strikes again. ~ 🧟♂🧟♀🧟