Midnight Choir were a Norwegian band that sounded a little like Tinderstick… Read Full Bio ↴Midnight Choir were a Norwegian band that sounded a little like Tindersticks or The Walkabouts. Walkabouts member Chris Eckman actually produced all Midnight Choir albums with exception of the self titled debut record.
Members were Al DeLoner (born Atle Byström), Paal Flaata and Ron Olsen.
Midnight Choir were founded - as Hashbrowns - in 1992.
The band's name stems from the Leonard Cohen song "Bird on the Wire".
The 1998 album "Amsterdam Stranded" won the band a best rock album of the year award in their native Norway.

Besides producing Midnight Choir's albums, Chris Eckman also collaborated with Midnight Choir member Al DeLoner, under the common project name Höst. Höst released one album, "The damage suite", in 2001.

Midnight Choir split in 2004 with the individual band members pursuing solo careers afterwards. 2005 saw the release of a double best of album called "All tomorrow's tears: The best of Midnight Choir".

My Masquerade
Midnight Choir Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm sorry for causing you this pain
Hey baby, won't you let me explain
It's not a case of right or wrong
I can't sleep until the dawn
I'm sorry for being this way
Hey baby, what more can I say
I'll be fine when the night is gone
I can't sleep until the dawn

I'm sorry, this may sound strange
But I just can't change

I'll see the light, it won't be long
I can't sleep until the dawn
Joins my masquerade
Joins my masquerade
Until the dawn rains on my brain

Come and enjoy my masquerade
Masquerade

Overall Meaning

The song "My Masquerade" by Midnight Choir is a beautiful and melancholic ballad that explores the regret and sadness of an individual who has caused pain to a loved one. The opening lines "I'm sorry for causing you this pain, Hey baby, won't you let me explain" set the tone of the song as remorseful and apologetic. The singer goes on to explain that their behavior is not a matter of right or wrong but rather something they cannot control. They express their inability to sleep until dawn, conveying a sense of restlessness and inner turmoil.

The song's chorus "Joins my masquerade, Until the dawn rains on my brain, Come and enjoy my masquerade, Masquerade" is a poignant call to anyone who is willing to let go of their inhibitions and share in this inner struggle. It is the singer's way of acknowledging that they are putting up a facade to get by but also inviting others to join them in this act of self-preservation. The song ends with the promise of seeing the light soon and the hope that the dawn will rain on their brain, symbolizing a release from this emotional burden.

Overall, "My Masquerade" is a powerful and evocative song that speaks to the human experience of pain, regret, and the need for connection.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm sorry for causing you this pain
I apologize for hurting you.

Hey baby, won't you let me explain
Please give me a chance to clarify my actions.

It's not a case of right or wrong
The situation is not a matter of morality or ethics.

I can't sleep until the dawn
I am unable to rest until daylight arrives.

I'm sorry for being this way
I am sorry for acting like this.

Hey baby, what more can I say
I don't know how else to explain myself.

I'll be fine when the night is gone
My emotional state will improve when darkness fades.

I can't sleep until the dawn
I am unable to rest until daylight arrives.

I'm sorry, this may sound strange
I acknowledge that this apology may seem unusual.

But I just can't change
Unfortunately, I am incapable of altering my behavior.