A native of Wichita, Kansas, Walsh moved to Montclair, New Jersey and attended Montclair High School. He spent time in various bands playing around the Cleveland area while attending Kent State University, but came to widespread attention in 1969 after replacing Glen Schwartz as lead guitarist for the James Gang, an American power trio. Walsh was the standout of the band, noted for his innovative rhythm playing and creative guitar riffs. The James Gang had several minor hits and became an early AOR staple before Walsh left the group in 1971 for a career as a solo artist.
Walsh's solo debut was Barnstorm (1972). Its follow-up was The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get (1973). Several cuts from these albums, notably "Rocky Mountain Way", received heavy airplay and continue to be classic rock favorites.
After releasing another studio album and a live set, Walsh was invited to join the Eagles in 1976, replacing departing guitarist Bernie Leadon. He brought a harder-edged sound to the group, giving their light country rock sound a shot in the arm and kept the Eagles from becoming a country act altogether.
As the Eagles began to decline after the release of Hotel California, Walsh re-ignited his solo career with the well-received discs But Seriously Folks (1978) (which featured his hit comic depiction of rock stardom, "Life's Been Good") and There Goes the Neighborhood (1981). He continued to record and release albums throughout the 1980s. In 1989, Walsh recorded a MTV Unplugged with the RnB musician Dr. John, but musical trends had passed him by and he maintained a very low profile until the late-1990s Eagles reunion and tour. Walsh sang the US National Anthem at the beginning of Game 4 of the 1995 World Series. In 2004, Walsh performed live before a huge crowd at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival in Texas.
A versatile guitarist, Walsh's abilities on acoustic, electric, and slide guitar have also made him well-regarded as a featured player or guest soloist; Walsh has recorded and performed with many other artists including Dan Fogelberg, Steve Winwood, The Who's John Entwistle and on the first two Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band tours.
Joe Walsh ran for President in the 1980 US Elections promising "free gas for all". In an interview for Planet Rock radio station he commented that he did this to raise people's awareness of the election. He felt that many Americans were not even aware that there was an election going on.
Some of his most recent compositions deal with his struggles with substance abuse.
Joe Walsh (WB6ACU) is an active amateur radio operator. Joe is also an active member and contributor of the ARRL, the National Association for Amateur Radio. Joe has contributed to many simmilar causes over the years.
Midnight Man
Joe Walsh 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,
With everything.
Midnight Man, you're pretty
Midnight Man, you're fine
Midnight Man, be careful,
Midnight Man...
Midnight man, you're mine
The lyrics of Joe Walsh's song "Midnight Man" paint a picture of a man who takes on the persona of the "Midnight Man." He strives to ensure that he is the Midnight Man, who is always punctual and everything is in perfect order. He is careful with his words, which elevate his poise and finesse. Everyone who encounters him finds him alluring and seductive. However, there is an underlying sense of ownership in the lyrics when the last line is "Midnight man, you're mine," which suggests that he might be manipulating or controlling someone.
The song may be a commentary on the persona that people put on in different contexts. On the surface, the Midnight Man persona is calm and collected, but there may be a more dominant or oppressive side that is hidden beneath the surface. Furthermore, the repetition of the line: "Midnight Man, you're pretty, Midnight Man, you're fine", reinforces the idea that this persona is just that, a front to impress and win over others.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the Midnight Man,
I am the man who rules the night and does everything that needs to be done
I do all I can,
I put in all of my efforts to ensure that I am in control of the night
To make sure that I am
To guarantee that I am always in power and no one challenges my authority
The Midnight Man.
The one and only ruler of the night, the Midnight Man
Midnight Man's on time,
The Midnight Man is always punctual, never late
Everything is fine.
Everything is in order, there are no disturbances, and everything runs smoothly for the Midnight Man
All the words in rhyme,
Every sentence or statement fits with the next, it's a perfect system
With everything.
With all aspects of my power, I have everything under control
Midnight Man, you're pretty
The Midnight Man is well-liked and respected
Midnight Man, you're fine
The Midnight Man is doing well and is in excellent form
Midnight Man, be careful,
The Midnight Man is being warned to be cautious and mindful of his actions since his position is critical.
Midnight Man...
The song pauses and creates anticipation for the following statement/line.
Midnight man, you're mine
The Midnight Man is owned, controlled, and possessed by the forces of the night.
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