Born in Chicago to Swedish/Italian parents, Lofgren moved to the Washington, D.C., area as a teenager. His first instrument was the accordion. He was also a competitive gymnast in high school, a skill that popped up later in his career.
Lofgren joined Neil Young's band in 1968 at age 17, playing piano on the album After the Gold Rush. Lofgren would maintain a close musical relationship with Young, appearing on his Tonight's the Night album and tour among others. He was also briefly a member of Crazy Horse, appearing on their 1971 LP and contributing songs to their catalogue.
From '71 to '74 Lofgren was active in Grin, the band he founded in '69. After landing a record deal in '71 the band released 4 critically-acclaimed albums but met with little commercial success.
In 1975 Lofgren released his a self-titled solo album featuring songs that went on to become staples of his solo performances; 'Keith Don't Go', 'Back it Up' and the cover of Carole Kings 'Goin' Back'.
Solo albums and tours followed every year through the 70s as Lofgren established himself as a top guitarist and live performer earning the respect and acclaim of his peers.
Bruce Springsteen made the call in 1984 and Lofgren joined the E-Street Band for the 'Born in the USA' tour. Lofgren was instant hit with Springsteens fans through his playing and vibrant on stage persona. Lofgren remains a stalwart of the E-Street Band to the present day.
Lofgren continues to juggle his tenure with the Springsteen Band and a solo recording career, whilst writing and performing with many other artists. His 2008 album 'Nils Sings Neil' was a project featuring Lofgren acoustically covering songs written by Neil Young, his former bandleader in Crazy Horse.
Sweet Midnight
Nils Lofgren Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mi vida te deseo
Pero hay algo
Que te quiero contar
Yo no espero
Flores ni un poema
Solo quiero
Que te dejes besar
Hoy tus ojos son
Fuego en mi piel
Tu mirada en mí recorriendome
Y siento mi cuerpo vibrar
Si te acercas a mí
Hoy tus ojos son
Fuego en mi piel
Tu mirada en mí recorriendome
Y siento mi cuerpo vibrar
Si te acercas a mí
...
Te deseo
Mi vida te deseo
Pero hay algo
Que te quiero contar
Yo no espero
Flores ni un poema
Solo quiero
Que te dejes besar
Hoy tus ojos son
Fuego en mi piel
Tu mirada en mí recorriendome
Y siento mi cuerpo vibrar
Si te acercas a mí
Ho-ho!
Regalame esta noche
Ho-ho!
Regalame esta noche
Ho-ho!
Regalame esta noche
Ho-ho!
Regalame esta noche
...
(Hard Circuit Style)
...
This song, "Sweet Midnight" by Nils Lofgren, explores themes of desire, longing, and intimacy through its lyrics. The singer expresses their deep desire for their partner, addressing them with phrases like "Te deseo, mi vida te deseo" which translates to "I desire you, I desire you in my life." The use of Spanish language in the lyrics adds a layer of passion and romance to the message being conveyed.
The singer goes on to share that there is something they want to reveal or confess to their partner. This sense of anticipation builds up the romantic tension in the song, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. The singer makes it clear that they are not expecting material gifts like flowers or poems, but instead, they long for a deeper, more intimate connection with their partner.
The imagery of the partner's eyes being like fire on the singer's skin conveys a sense of intense attraction and passion. The physical and emotional sensations described in the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the chemistry between the singer and their partner. The repetition of the lines about the partner's eyes and the sensation of the singer's body vibrating when their partner is near further emphasizes the theme of desire and longing.
The repeated chorus of "Regalame esta noche" which translates to "Give me this night" can be interpreted as a plea for the partner to fully engage in the moment of intimacy and connection. The use of the phrase "Ho-ho!" adds a playful and energetic element to the song, enhancing the overall mood of desire and passion. Overall, "Sweet Midnight" captures the raw emotions and intense feelings that come with yearning for and being close to a loved one.
Line by Line Meaning
Te deseo
I desire you
Mi vida te deseo
My life, I desire you
Pero hay algo
But there's something
Que te quiero contar
That I want to tell you
Yo no espero
I don't expect
Flores ni un poema
Flowers or a poem
Solo quiero
I only want
Que te dejes besar
For you to let yourself be kissed
Hoy tus ojos son
Today your eyes are
Fuego en mi piel
Fire on my skin
Tu mirada en mí recorriendome
Your gaze running through me
Y siento mi cuerpo vibrar
And I feel my body vibrating
Si te acercas a mí
If you come close to me
Ho-ho!
Ho-ho!
Regalame esta noche
Give me this night
(Hard Circuit Style)
(Hard Circuit Style)
Writer(s): Nils Hilmer Lofgren
Contributed by London L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.