Paul Gilbert is well known for his highly-acclaimed technical guitar work w… Read Full Bio ↴Paul Gilbert is well known for his highly-acclaimed technical guitar work with Racer X and Mr. Big . After he parted ways with Mr. Big in 1996, Paul pursued his career as a solo guitarist and has evolved into a successful solo artist/singer/songwriter.

Gilbert composes music in a wide variety of styles including pop, rock, metal, blues, jazz, funk and classical, but is perhaps best known for his versatility and speed. His guitar work is characterised by his floating right hand contrary to the more common anchored right hand that guitarists like Pink Floyd's David Gilmour favour. He is also considered to be one of the best proponents of alternate picking.

Paul once had his own column in British guitar magazine, Total Guitar. He is sometimes a guest lecturer at the Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) that he once attended, along with Gary Hoey and many other guitar players. He works a great deal with GIT's division in Japan, where he lived for a time before relocating to Los Angeles, CA.

Midnight
Paul Gilbert Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I hear the blue jay hummin'
Down the end of my street
He's got the words all wrong
But the right melody
He must be happy
'Cause I never heard him sing before

Woulda missed it again

From the start 'til the end
If it weren't for my midnight Maryanne
You know her friend's in love

I'm askin' all you people
Won't you lend me a smile
I walked for sixteen hours
Only seemed like a mile
I must be happy
'Cause I never saw the sun before

Woulda missed it again
From the start 'til the end
If it weren't for my midnight Maryanne
You know her friend's in love

You might be wonderin'
I wouldn't blame ya
You think you've got somethin'
That's gonna tame her
Don't even try
I've got the key
Her best friend is me
So come on and phase it like a Bad Stone

Woulda missed it again
From the start 'til the end

If it weren't for my midnight Maryanne
You know her friend's in love

Overall Meaning

In Paul Gilbert's song "Midnight," the lyrics depict a sense of happiness and contentment that the singer experiences. The opening lines describe the sound of a blue jay humming, suggesting a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The blue jay may not have the correct words but has the right melody, symbolizing the importance of the feeling and emotion conveyed rather than the specifics of what is being said.

The mention of "Midnight Maryanne" implies that the singer is grateful for someone named Maryanne who seems to have brought joy and love into their life. Maryanne's friend is in love, possibly referring to the singer themselves, suggesting that Maryanne has become a catalyst for positive emotions.

As the song continues, the singer asks the people around them to share a smile, indicating a desire to spread happiness and positivity. The line about walking for sixteen hours but feeling like it was only a mile highlights the idea that when one is truly happy, time flies by and distances seem much shorter. The singer reflects on never having seen the sun before, reinforcing the idea that their newfound happiness has changed their perspective on life.

The lyrics also touch upon the theme of unrequited love. The singer acknowledges the possibility that others might try to tame Maryanne, but emphasizes their own importance as her best friend. The reference to "phasing it like a Bad Stone" suggests a rising feeling of confidence and strength, emphasizing that the singer holds the key to Maryanne's heart.

Overall, "Midnight" portrays a sense of happiness and gratitude for the presence of someone, possibly Maryanne, who has brought joy and love into the singer's life. The lyrics suggest that this newfound happiness has changed their perspective and imbued them with a sense of contentment and confidence.

Line by Line Meaning

I hear the blue jay hummin'
I am aware of the blue jay singing

Down the end of my street
At the farthest point of my street

He's got the words all wrong
He is singing the lyrics incorrectly

But the right melody
But he has the correct tune

He must be happy
The blue jay must be joyful

'Cause I never heard him sing before
Because I have never heard him sing previously

Woulda missed it again
I would have missed it once more

From the start 'til the end
From the beginning to the end

If it weren't for my midnight Maryanne
If it were not for my beloved Maryanne

You know her friend's in love
You are aware that her friend is in love

I'm askin' all you people
I am requesting all of you individuals