After Midnight
Phœnix Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Many years ago
Would you allow? Could you allow?
That's what they're like
Did you look? Did you look?
Heavenly, heavenly sort of sounds adolescent
Well, I told you not, not to look from the start?
When the sun is almost gone, it's way too much
Enough said, enough sense
It's unconventional
When the sun is almost gone, it's not enough
Suddenly, finally without a yell, I'll listen
Ooh, that's what we'll make in broad daylight
Ooh, soon you'll realize it's after midnight
My memories, souvenirs, some originals
High up in the rows
Idolized, canonized, that morning rise
I told you not, I told you not
No veneer behind the mirror
Did you call from a distance?
Well, I told you not, not to look from this side
When the sun is almost gone, it's way too much
Enough said, enough sense
It's unconventional
When the sun is almost gone, it's not enough
Suddenly, finally, without a yell, I'll listen
Ooh, that's what we're like in broad daylight
Ooh, soon you'll realize, it's after midnight
Listen, it's illicit
Listen, listen, it's illicit
Listen, listen, it's illicit
Listen, listen, listen
Listen, it's illicit
Listen, listen, it's illicit
Listen, listen, it's illicit
Listen, listen, listen
Ooh, that's what we'll make in broad daylight
Ooh, soon you'll realize it's after midnight
The lyrics of Phœnix's song "After Midnight" capture a sense of nostalgia, curiosity, and introspection. The repeated phrases of "somewhere to go, many years ago" evoke a longing for a forgotten time and place. The questioning tone of "Would you allow? Could you allow?" hints at a desire for permission or validation, suggesting a yearning for connection or understanding.
The references to adolescence and heavenly sounds paint a picture of innocence and exploration. The line "Well, I told you not, not to look from the start" implies a warning or a regretful realization, perhaps about the consequences of curiosity or naivety. The mention of the sun almost gone symbolizes a sense of urgency or impending darkness, creating a mood of contemplation and reflection.
The imagery of memories, souvenirs, and originals in the lyrics suggests a reflection on the past and the passing of time. The mention of idolization and canonization alludes to the revereance of certain moments or experiences. The repetition of "I told you not" reinforces a theme of caution or regret, emphasizing the consequences of choices made.
The refrain of "Listen, it's illicit" repeated multiple times towards the end of the song creates a sense of urgency and secrecy. The contrast between the bright daylight and the darkness of midnight reflects a contrast between clarity and mystery, between knowing and unknowing. Overall, the lyrics of "After Midnight" by Phœnix offer a complex exploration of memory, regret, and the passage of time.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere, somewhere, somewhere to go
Seeking direction or purpose in life, looking for a path to follow
Many years ago
Reflecting on past experiences and memories from a long time ago
Would you allow? Could you allow?
Questioning if permission or acceptance is granted for certain actions or decisions
That's what they're like
Describing the behavior or characteristics of certain individuals
Did you look? Did you look?
Inquiring if someone explored or observed a particular situation
Heavenly, heavenly sort of sounds adolescent
Noticing a youthful or innocent quality in pleasant sounds
Well, I told you not, not to look from the start?
Warning against examining or dwelling on something from the beginning
When the sun is almost gone, it's way too much
Feeling overwhelmed or burdened as daylight transitions into darkness
Enough said, enough sense
Acknowledging that the message or meaning has been communicated clearly
It's unconventional
Recognizing that the situation or circumstances are out of the ordinary
Suddenly, finally without a yell, I'll listen
Being ready to pay attention or understand without any unnecessary noise or disruption
My memories, souvenirs, some originals
Remembering personal experiences, keepsakes, and unique aspects of the past
High up in the rows
Placed prominently or prominently displayed in a series or sequence
Idolized, canonized, that morning rise
Celebrated, revered, and remembered as part of a significant event or time
No veneer behind the mirror
There is no hidden layer or false front behind the reflection in the mirror
Did you call from a distance?
Wondering if someone reached out or tried to communicate from afar
Listen, it's illicit
Drawing attention to the fact that something is forbidden or unlawful
Ooh, that's what we'll make in broad daylight
Referring to the actions or decisions that will be taken openly or in plain view
Ooh, soon you'll realize it's after midnight
Implying that the consequences or outcome will become clear after a significant amount of time has passed
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Thomas Croquet, Christian Mazzalai, Federic Moulin, Laurent Mazzalai
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@samwirth9303
LYRICS
(Johann Sebastian Phoenix)
Somewhere, somewhere, somewhere to go
Many years ago
Would you allow?
Could you allow?
That's what they're like
Did you look?
Did you look?
Heavenly, heavenly sort of sounds adolescent
Well, I told you not, not to look from the start?
When the sun is almost gone it's way too much
Enough said
Enough sense
It's unconventional
When the sun is almost gone it's not enough
Suddenly, finally without a yell I'll listen
That's what we're like in broad daylight
Soon you'll realize
It's after midnight
My memories, souvenirs, some originals
High up in the rows
Idolized, canonized
That morning rise
I told you not
I told you not
No veneer behind the mirror
Did you call from a distance?
Well, I told you not, not to look from this side
When the sun is almost gone it's way too much
Enough said
Enough sense
It's unconditional
When the sun is almost gone it's not enough
Suddenly, finally without a yell I'll listen
That's what we're like in broad daylight
Soon you'll realize
It's after midnight
Listen, it's illicit
Listen, listen, it's illicit
Listen, listen, it's illicit
Listen, listen, listen
Listen, it's illicit
Listen, listen, it's illicit
Listen, listen, it's illicit
Listen, listen, listen
That's what we're like in broad daylight
Soon you'll realize
It's after midnight
@unterstrichteo
First time hearing this I had tears in my eyes and I dont know why. I'm just so happy Phoenix' Music is in my life for over 15 years since I'm 10 years old. Thank you for existing guys ❤ You made my life a better one.
@DialogDontArgue
Many years ago around 2006 I was in a pawn shop and bought a DVD of Lost in translation starring Bill Murray and Scarlett johansson. Somewhere in that movie You hear too Young by Phoenix play. That's where the journey started for me LOL
@qiboeliyonkplayground
everlasting buzzing. ❤️🦚
@andresanvar7152
I cry too, but si for this song is a peacefull
@wwzzyyy
True, true
@GoGetYoMama
No greater truth than this. I'm also truly grateful for their music
@henryryans8720
The fact that this song can still sound nostalgic even when it’s first released… amazes me😳
@henryrazmus263
100%
@mornehuman6723
It's called an analogue synthesizer. It's what gives you that fuzzy nostalgia.
@Lovetfirstsight
Damn so that’s the feeling.. wow
Genius