Gonzalez and Fromageau parted ways shortly after touring their second album Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts. Gonzalez records primarily on his own, with other artists as guest musicians. The band is signed to Mute Records and found international success in 2011 with the single "Midnight City". Their most recent album Fantasy was released on 17 March 2023.
Anthony Gerard Gonzalez (born March 13, 1980) grew up in Antibes, France together with his brother Yann. His family had a great interest in football and Gonzalez had trials with AS Cannes, while his maternal grandfather is the French international Laurent Robuschi. At the age of 14 he got injured and turned to music instead after his parents bought him a guitar. Gonzalez developed his interest in music and American culture while at secondary school. Together with Fromageau he formed a post-rock outfit called My Violent Wish.
At the age of 17, Gonzalez bought a synth to record a demo, which he sent to a number of French labels. When the Paris-based Gooom Records appeared interested, he recruited Fromageau to "help me because I didn't feel like I had the shoulders to carry the project on my own". The band is named after the galaxy of the same name.
The band's musical aesthetic is characterized by extensive use of reverb effects and lyrics spoken softly over loud instruments. Gonzalez has been inspired by aspects of the American Dream and his songs have been outlined as themed around "adult-scripted teen dreams". Inspiration for the 1980s style found in much of Gonzalez’s music includes bands such as My Bloody Valentine, Pink Floyd, and Tangerine Dream. Between various electronic music properties and album artwork, M83’s style includes a mix of both contemporary pop and 1980s dream pop.
Midnight City
M83 Lyrics
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Waiting for the ride in the dark
At night the city grows
Look at the horizon glow
Waiting in the car
Waiting for the ride in the dark
Following the neon signs
Waiting for a word
Looking at the milky skyline
The city is my church
It wraps me in its blinding twilight
Waiting in the car
Waiting for the ride in the dark
Waiting in the car
Waiting for the ride in the dark
Waiting in the car
Waiting for the ride in the dark
Waiting in the car
Waiting for the ride in the dark
Waiting in the car
Waiting for the ride in the dark
The lyrics of M83’s song “Midnight City” convey a sense of anticipation, mystery and a longing for something. The singer speaks about waiting in the car, in the dark, for a ride. As they wait, they observe the city and its nightlife. The neon signs and the glowing horizon provide a contrast to the darkness they are embraced in. As they sit and wait, they feel as though the city is their church, comforting them in its own unique way.
The chorus of the song repeats the same lines over and over. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and restlessness, as though the singer is constantly waiting for something to happen. The ambiguity of what they are waiting for adds to the sense of mystery and anticipation. The line “the city is my church” is especially interesting as it suggests that for the singer, the city represents a form of worship, a way of seeking meaning and connection to something greater than themselves.
Overall, the lyrics of “Midnight City” capture the feelings of the night, the city, and the unknown. They convey a sense of longing and restlessness, as well as the beauty and mystery of the urban landscape.
Line by Line Meaning
Waiting in the car
Sitting in the vehicle anticipating the next move
Waiting for the ride in the dark
Anxious for something to happen in the obscurity
At night the city grows
The metropolis comes to life at night
Look at the horizon glow
Observe the radiance in the distance
Drinking in the lounge
Consuming beverages in a spacious room
Following the neon signs
Pursuing the illuminated symbols
Waiting for a word
Expecting to hear something specific
Looking at the milky skyline
Observing the skyline that appears hazy
The city is my church
The urban environment is my place of worship
It wraps me in its blinding twilight
It encloses me in its brilliant, dreamlike illumination
Waiting in the car
Sitting in the vehicle anticipating the next move
Waiting for the ride in the dark
Anxious for something to happen in the obscurity
Waiting in the car
Sitting in the vehicle anticipating the next move
Waiting for the ride in the dark
Anxious for something to happen in the obscurity
Waiting in the car
Sitting in the vehicle anticipating the next move
Waiting for the ride in the dark
Anxious for something to happen in the obscurity
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Anthony Gerard Gonzalez, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Morgan Grace Kibby
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind