The band was founded after both Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi put their solo bands on hiatus to form a new group that lets the married couple focus on making music together, and allows them to spend more time together while touring and recording. Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi have toured together in 2007, under the name Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi's Soul Stew Revival, however this group's material was largely culled from Derek & Susan's solo projects, while the Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band mostly focuses on performing original songs.
After the announcement in late 2009 of a hiatus for both The Derek Trucks Band and Susan Tedeschi Band , the couple began writing new material, working out of their home studio in Jacksonville with a rotating cast of friends and musicians. Their first concert was on April 1, 2010 at the Savannah Music Festival, and although their touring schedule was limited in 2010, the group did perform at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival, Fuji Rock Festival, and several other festivals and venues.
The collaboration between Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi has also extended to other artists. Trucks and Tedeschi appeared together on Herbie Hancock's album, The Imagine Project, performing the track "Space Captain" with additional members of Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band, including Oteil Burbridge, Kofi Burbridge, and Mike Mattison. A music video was also released, showing Herbie Hancock as he recorded the song at Trucks & Tedeschi's home studio. Trucks and Tedeschi also appeared with Herbie Hancock to perform "Space Captain" at his 70th birthday concerts at Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.
On 7 March 2011, the band announced that it was changing its name to the Tedeschi Trucks Band. The first Tedeschi Trucks Band CD, Revelator, will be released on June 7th 2011.
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Midnight in Harlem
Tedeschi Trucks Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was running from the past
My heart was bleeding
And it hurt my bones to laugh
Stayed in the city
No exception to the rules, to the rule
He was born to love me
I was raised to be his fool, his fool
Walk that line, torn apart
Gotta spend your whole life trying
Ride that train, and free your heart
It's midnight up in Harlem
I went down to the river
And I took a look around
There were old man's shoes
There were needles on the ground
No more mysteries, baby
No more secrets, no more clues
The stars are out there
You can almost see the moon
The streets are windy
And the subway's closing down
Gonna carry this dream
To the other side of town
Walk that line, torn apart
Gotta spend your whole life trying
Ride that train, and free your heart
It's midnight up in Harlem
The song 'Midnight in Harlem' by Tedeschi Trucks Band narrates the story of a heartbroken person who travels to New York City to escape from their past. The lyrics describe the singer's struggles with their emotions and the difficulties they encounter while adjusting to city life. The phrase "My heart was bleeding and it hurt my bones to laugh" emphasizes the turmoil that the singer is going through. Despite their difficult past, they find love with someone who was meant to be their soulmate. However, the singer was raised to be "his fool," which emphasizes their vulnerability and lack of control in the relationship.
In the chorus, the song talks about the idea of walking the line that separates love and pain. The phrase "Gotta spend your whole life trying" emphasizes the continuous effort that is necessary to maintain a relationship. The lines "Ride that train and free your heart, it's midnight up in Harlem" evoke an atmosphere of hope and freedom.
The second verse picks up the mood and paints a picture of New York City, where the singer finds solace at the river. The dirty, gritty streets of the city are contrasted with the beauty of the night sky, which symbolizes the hope for a better future. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and the idea of finding freedom, even in difficult circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I came to the city
I left my hometown and arrived in the city.
I was running from the past
I left to forget the past and start anew.
My heart was bleeding
My heart was broken and aching with pain.
And it hurt my bones to laugh
I couldn't even laugh as it physically hurt me.
Stayed in the city
I remained in the city, not leaving.
No exception to the rules, to the rule
I didn't break any rules or go against any norms.
He was born to love me
My partner was destined to love me.
I was raised to be his fool, his fool
I was brought up to love him and be a fool for his love.
Walk that line, torn apart
Keep going even when it feels impossible to do so.
Gotta spend your whole life trying
It takes a lifetime to achieve what you want.
Ride that train, and free your heart
Take a journey and let go of any emotional baggage.
It's midnight up in Harlem
It's late at night in Harlem.
I went down to the river
I went to the riverbank.
And I took a look around
I surveyed my surroundings.
There were old man's shoes
There were abandoned shoes, possibly belonging to an old man.
There were needles on the ground
Drug paraphernalia was scattered around.
No more mysteries, baby
There are no more secrets or hidden things, my dear.
No more secrets, no more clues
There are no more secrets or hints to uncover.
The stars are out there
The stars are shining in the sky.
You can almost see the moon
The moon is almost visible.
The streets are windy
The roads are twisting.
And the subway's closing down
The subway system is closing for the night.
Gonna carry this dream
I will hold onto this dream.
To the other side of town
To a different part of the city.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Mike Mattison, Derek Trucks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ethayer1
Here’s something to think about. You spent 42 years paying for your mistakes. There’s no point in paying for them for one more second.
Your mistakes brought you to recovery and a brighter future. Now you’re free to do as you please, and you can’t live your present life if you’re still living in your past.
Forgiveness and losing self judgement is the freedom to live in peace. Believe in yourself.
These words are what I tell myself when I feel judgemental or hurt by my past. It’s okay to move on.
You’ve paid your dues. You don’t belong in soul prison.
@janeilchantelle
Who’s here in April, 2024?
@BarbaraArbo-fr1vo
Me, Tucson Az 🏜️🙏🎸🎤🧑🦳
@SerialNoYM63
Midnight in Belgium over here. I'll probably be here April 2025 as well
@timothylewis2450
This is my favorite version of this incredible song. I come often. That solo feeds my soul.
@lisamcmullan6484
Me,love them
@philipmartell6321
Present Mesa Az
@merileewatmand1307
This is the most soul healing music I have every heard in my life. I am battling with Cancer. I believe that I am winning my current battle. This group is perfect in the sense that it helps my soul heal, as well as my mind. Thank you for the restoration.
@eTownRadioShow
So glad to hear that, Merilee... thanks for listening <3
@MrJakehues
This is the healing we all need now.
@billandlaurie2
Good luck and God bless!