The project of drummer and singer Nick Rattigan and guitarist Jacob Rubeck, Surf Curse formed in Reno in 2013, issuing their first album, Buds, later that June. An EP, Sad Boys, appeared in October, after which the band relocated to L.A., where they began to establish themselves in the city's vibrant underground scene. By 2017, they'd reemerged as part of the Danger Collective and released their second album, Nothing Yet. An update on the simplistic style of their debut, Surf Curse's sound began to soften somewhat as they explored new tones and slightly more complex song structures. This trend carried over to their third LP, 2019's Heaven Surrounds You, which was inspired by Rattigan and Rubeck's favorite cult movies.
Midnight Cowboy
Surf Curse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But the boy knows when the moneys tight
Walking around under neon lights
Find me a lover if the moneys right
I've been living like a midnight cowboy
Showing it off the cruisers eyes
I've been living like a midnight cowboy
Some of them I meet at the bars
And some of them want me in their cars
When they take me I close my eyes
Imagining you living the desert life
I've been living like a midnight cowboy
Showing it off to the cruisers eyes
I've been living like a midnight cowboy
Dreaming of the days of a different life
I've been oh i've been
I've been like a midnight cowboy
I've been oh i've been
I've been like a midnight cowboy
I've been oh i've been
I've been like a midnight cowboy
I've been oh i've been
I've been like a midnight cowboy
I've been oh i've been
I've been like a midnight cowboy
I've been oh i've been
I've been like a midnight cowboy
The lyrics to Surf Curse's song "Midnight Cowboy" seem to touch on several themes, including loneliness, longing, and the search for love and connection. The opening lines suggest that the singer doesn't want to disturb anyone with his thoughts or actions, but then quickly shifts to the topic of money--perhaps indicating that he's struggling financially and searching for a way out. Walking around under neon lights implies that he's in a city, surrounded by the artificial glow of street signs and billboards.
The chorus speaks of living like a midnight cowboy, a phrase that could refer to the classic film of the same name about a troubled, wandering cowboy in search of redemption. In this context, the singer may feel like a modern-day version of that archetype, aimlessly drifting through life and searching for something more. The reference to the "cruisers' eyes" suggests that he's aware of the people around him--perhaps even seeking attention or validation--but ultimately feels disconnected and alone.
Line by Line Meaning
Hope I don't wake you tonight
I hope my actions won't affect you negatively tonight
But the boy knows when the moneys tight
I know when I'm low on money and need to be careful with how I spend
Walking around under neon lights
I'm wandering around the city at night, surrounded by the bright lights of advertisements
Find me a lover if the moneys right
If someone is willing to pay me enough, I'll be their lover
I've been living like a midnight cowboy
I've been living a reckless and adventurous lifestyle, similar to that of a cowboy in old Western movies
Showing it off the cruisers eyes
I'm flaunting my lifestyle and appearance to those cruising around me
Dreaming of the days of a different life
I long for a life that is different from my current one
Some of them I meet at the bars
I meet some of my partners at bars
And some of them want me in their cars
Some of my partners want me to join them in their cars
When they take me I close my eyes
I close my eyes when my partners take me to imagine a different life
Imagining you living the desert life
I imagine living a different life with a specific person in a specific location (the desert)
I've been oh i've been...
I've been living a certain way and feeling a certain way
Writer(s): Jacob Rubeck
Contributed by Reagan M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Ostantalt
Lyrics !
Hope I don't wake you tonight
But the boy knows when the moneys tight
Walking around under neon lights
Find me a lover if the moneys right
I've been living like a midnight cowboy
Showing it off to the cruisers eyes
I've been living like a midnight cowboy
Dreaming of days of different life
Some of them I meet at the bars
And some of them want me in their cars
When they take me I close my eyes
Imagine you living the dessert life
I've been living like a midnight cowboy
Showing it off to the cruisers eyes
I've been living like a midnight cowboy
Dreaming of days of different life
@lordofvomit
“A newfound confidence in myself. I’ve become another character in this strange land. People stop and stare at me.
Why do I do these things? Why do I sell my body and my time?
My body and my time.
I do know what loneliness is like; I wouldn’t wish it on nobody.
Those lonely cruisers who are scared and desperate? I’m there for them. I make them feel safe and loved in ways they’ve always desired. I’ve got this love of my life that is so damn perfect, and pure and forever.
I’m fulfilled, and I wanna help those who need those fantasies fulfilled.
It’s a temporary lifestyle though. Built on my desperation to give this woman the world.
I can sleep when I find her lips at the end of the night…I’ll never do an overnight…
We’re gonna get outta here soon, though. Someday real soon…”
@imcyborgbutthatsok
:(
@TrollownsGoblin
i'm cyborg but that's ok love your vids,ty
@xadrezazul854
Vc por aqui? :0
@colin1372
Omggg cyborgg
@heyitsallanhere882
:)
@noomre9105
OH MY GOSH ITS YOU
@ThePriusMechanic
I didn’t realize how popular Surf Curse was in Mexico! Sweet!
@arielvalentine6927
Yep I grew up in Mexico there was a lot of punk rock and indie rock heads there ♡
@zillasmusicnetwork6823
A lot of popular bands down there have admitted to a heavy influence from surf curse! Great music goes far!
@themoonatnight1868
A lot of good music coming out of Mexico right now! A whole scene going down there!