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Midnight Man
The James Gang Lyrics

I'm the Midnight Man,
I do all I can,
To make sure that I am
The Midnight Man.

Midnight Man's on time,
Everything is fine.
All the words in rhyme,
With everything.

Midnight Man, you're pretty
Midnight Man, you're fine
Midnight Man, be careful,
Midnight Man...
Midnight man, you're mine

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH FIDLER WALSH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on specific lyrics, highlight them

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01Walk Away3:36

02Yadig?2:30

03Things I Could Be4:18

04Dreamin' in the Country2:57

05It's All The Same4:10

06Midnight Man

James Gang

07Again4:04

08White Man/Black Man5:39

09Live My Life Again5:26

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

johnny zell

2y↑4

I'm the Midnight Man,
I do all I can,
To make sure that I am
The Midnight Man.
Midnight Man's on time,
Everything is fine.
All the words in rhyme,
With everything.
Midnight Man, you're pretty
Midnight Man, you're fine
Midnight Man, be careful,
Midnight Man...
Midnight man, you're mine

All comments from YouTube:

Mary Sterpka Delaney

2y↑99

It's been fun. And honestly humbling to know people like my voice. I need to get back into singing!

Fumble Bunny

11w↑1

@Helmut's Ecke Ok, ok! Point taken. Mary, I loved your voice from the moment I heard it! Or perhaps, Mary, I still love your vocals on Midnight Man just as much as I did 50 yrs ago!

Helmut's Ecke

11w↑1

@Fumble Bunny Loved? Nay nay dear Rabbit. The proper tense of the operative verb here simply must be the present tense.

Helmut's Ecke

11w

Is that you dear lady? Long has your voice on this song haunted the Helmut. It has been an honour having your dulcet beauty inhabit my mind lo the gathering decades.

Helmut's Ecke

11w

@EddieVBlueIsland Stevie who?

filmfan31416

15w↑1

I love the performances and production on this song. Mary, your voice is sweetness and warmth, joy and goodness. This recording is another moment in space and time where five lives touched and gave such beauty to the world. Remarkable. Thank you!

27 More Replies...

Bill Fuller

4y↑15

This is one of my favorite James Gang songs! Joe walsh, one of the greatist guitarist of all time hands down!

Bernie Ritters

12w

Yeah, I agree 🎶🎵🪕🎼💿🎸🎶🎵

E. Dean Thomas

10y↑12

I can't put my finger on it, but this song epitomizes what I love about Joe Walsh's signature sound. I doubt more than a handful of guitar players are in this guy's league.

Michael Morris

24w↑1

That's Why it's so good Is "because you can't put your finger on it"

sling3shot

8y↑52

I like the Eagles. I love the James Gang. I don't think Joe Walsh was ever any better than he was with this band. Of course he's a great guitarist and has done some incredible guitar work with the Eagles. But when I first heard the James Gang, I guess late 1969, these guys just flat out rocked. And I've always loved trios. Hendrix Experience, Cream, James Gang, Mountain.....What they lacked in manpower they made up for in pure power.

Doug Potosky

44w

Your right on!!! Great taste!

Summer Tea

@Lou S I ran across Fanny when I tried to find Badge by Cream which a friend wanted me to listen to then Fanny came on playing Badge which I thought they were the writers. They did a great job when you listen to Cream but theirs was cool too.

Nick

Perfect post!!!

David Ross

Yessir!

evan morrow

@lindsey lefrois Damn....That sounds like something I would do if I were just a little bit more established

5 More Replies...

BassGuyGG

7y↑141

When I hear the female voice in the third verse it always brings a tear to my eye. I used to listen to this record and feel a terrible longing. I'd dream of being with a woman who could sing like that. Happily, I met her and married her and all these years later she still sings beautifully. I am a blessed man.

Ron Hacker

@Mary Sterpka Delaney hi Mary..this is Ronnie..louis Centrics nephew..thx for coming out of retirement for mom..looking forward to see you

Michael Chavka

@D Gardner it's Mary Sterpka...

David Fondoulis

@D Gardner Mary Sterpka.

David Fondoulis

I bought my guitars from her in Ravenna. I think but I was usually drunk. I could be wrong.

Mary Sterpka Delaney

@Lou S l just saw that picture recently. Have to listen to the album again. Loved harmonizing with Bob Webb. Being on stage with these Guys was always fun. We got along so well. They were like brothers.

16 More Replies...

MissDistarr

8y↑143

This is by far the song that brings back memories of a time when every day was something I looked so forward to. What new adventure could be had? We always came up with something and we had the best time doing it. Mom used to get so pissed off at me. She would always tell me that my home was not a hotel. I had a difference of opinion on that one but kept it to myself. I loved my home and family but at that age, I was having to much fun to stay indoors. I couldn't understand how anyone could. Had to get outside and live my life before reality and real life interrupted this once in a lifetime event. My youth. It just didn't get any better than that. Neither did the music. What an incredible era it was.

Michael Morris

24w↑1

There was so much magical music then

Diane Robinson

35w

@evan morrow Thank you Evan. Long time no see......Missdistarr!

john iorio

40w

@TheEldoradoKid uh, huh!!!...ou should be a millionaire by now!!!...I am!

john iorio

40w

@moby118 i would go back to '53.....the everlies...big influence

Joel Houlette

2y↑1

I agree totally. Such a good time in my life also when I listened to this.

25 More Replies...

Mary Sterpka Delaney

2y↑19

Evan, that's so touching. Thank YOU. Recorded that in Cleveland a week or two before my 21st birthday. Some of my favorite guitar riffs ever. Evan, thanks for your service. Stay safe.

BRAYLON BURDEN

2y↑2

Been listening to this song from day one. Awesome job.

ANITA LEYBAS

2y↑2

Still one of my fav songs, the guitar just cuts really right into you😊❤️

James

4y↑8

When I listen to the James Gang I am back in high school, and I can remember all of the good times with this band playing in the background. Nothing comes close to sounding this good these days. Thank you!

Sylvia Phillips

39w

Such a unique timeless song. Everything blends so well together.

Blind Squirrel

2y↑4

Mary's voice always gives me goosebumps and a terrible feeling of longing, but also hope to find true love.

Pablo Pablo

31w↑1

I was crazy about the whole album. Kick ass guitar solo. Wish it was longer. Still think about my girlfriend back then . Thanks Mr. Walsh for sharing your talent with a ham and egger like me haha!

Thomas Neville

1y↑3

Just another old favorite from the James Gang. Lots of great memories, presents, and futures listening to their stuff👍😎.

Paul Mac

8y↑11

This is the song that inspired me to learn to play guitar about 42 years ago! Wore out a couple of 8 tracks! Still one of my favorite tunes ever! Good post!

Brendan Buckley

39w↑2

one of the tastiest lead guitar solos ever recorded, and it is way too short!

Steve Zee

1y↑2

Fantastic song with just the right roughness to it. The female’s voice is the icing on the cake for it and lightens it up. Love it 👍

Vitas Paukstaitis

Mary, evidently I wasn't the only one enamored of those few, though precious, lines that you sang! So great to years later be able to send you this heartfelt compliment!

Carl Wineland

6y↑16

AWESOME song !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Never gets the respect of other songs by The James Gang !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ivan Almora

52w

Esas guitarras acusticas son divinas y los coros.. Exquisitos al oído musical, ni hablar del bajo buen recuerdo de la pandilla de James.

Mamu MauMau

3y↑5

That is some great beautiful, driving, grinding, kick butt rock and roll. I really dig the way that the bass lines
drive this tune and the way that those beautiful female vocals give it some sweet sugar coating.....

HighMomentum1

23w↑1

What a great, timeless song!

carlos johansen

Joe's slide work is downright amazing. Check out "Down the Road" on Steve Still's Mannanas record.

Gary Migliacci

38w↑2

Love, Love, Love.....Thank you for your awesome music that I have cherished all of my life.....🥰

757flyer

7y↑13

Saw the James Gang opening for Chuck Berry many many years ago. They joined Chuck toward the end of his set. Rock and roll in its purest form!!!

alan olive

3y↑3

Love this song. I am the midnight man, I do what I can, to make sure that I am the midnight man.

markoman jones

6y↑4

One of Joes best. Still makes me smile : )

Jeff Smith

36w↑1

Omg...I found the girl of my 12 year old dreams!!!! I listened to this song hundreds of times and loved your voice so much!!!!

Theafor Mentioned

6y↑34

man, the guitars are just sweet on this one...

Tom. Hoffmann

So sweet is right

Mike Kelly

2y↑2

Still a great song. He should have played it with the Eagles when they took turns doing their solo material. Enough guitars to play all the parts and backup vocals.

Bill Chunko

1y↑2

God I Love this song!

Richard J Della Croce

certainly shows the diversity of styles we learned to appreciate as well as the hit's they produced. but then again we listened to the whole album and liked almost everything we heard, and all these years later Joe is still contributing great analog music for us. true professionals last a lifetime thank God

johnny zell

2y↑4

john iorio

1y↑2

always love that lick, and then that classic harmonic ringing note.......can picture joe makin a crazy face when he hits that high pitch note after the riff.......springsteen makes the same face!!

Keith Alan

10y↑1

Yes...me too...this song still gives me goose bumps...

stefan persson

4y↑2

Thanks, one of my favorite with this band, please more views what a guitar solo

factinator33

47w

THIS IS THE FIRST BAND I REMEMBER HEARING WHEN I WAS A CHILD......

Jay Fleming

15w

That's been my favorite song since it came out and I still listen to it one of the best

Black Dot

6y↑160

"Our record company told us not to put this song on the album, so we did" - Joe Walsh.

Jay Fleming

47w

Record people don't know good music when they hear it

Jay Fleming

48w

Hey Joe do a remake of that song

ROBERT Austin

49w

This song is loose like some women I know

bombchomsky

2y↑3

its the best song on the album straight up

E Kimmel

2y↑2

One my go too's , beautiful song . One of my first LP's

9 More Replies...

TSaxman74

12y↑1

The coolestand at the same time most down-to-earth guy in rock and roll.

Michael Zoom

10y↑1

Love it!

Walt Fechter

11y

Period-perfect music and machines. Love the harmonics and a touch of whammy bar. Many thanks, Joe and band. I dedicate this resplendent song to us, My Darling of Darlings -- My Heavenly- Precious Love, Barbra. My Eternal Love, Barbra -- rest in Divine Peace and Bliss until we meet again (forever) in Heaven. I miss you, and I love you, beyond words.

Paul MacDonnell

3y↑2

I discovered this in 1976 and it changed my life. It was then that I truly understood that America was a great country.

Michael Ashley

8y↑4

Always loved this song! A pretty one!

Tom Jones

Ya just had to be there when this album came out. I think I was 14, playing guitar, and amazed at the cool music The James Gang was putting out. Went to see them and to my surprise....Joe was gone! Dominic Troiano (very talented guitarist/singer) took Joe's place.

ste123456754

5y↑6

funny how certain songs take you down memory lane this one does it for me

Nick Rambus

11y↑1

How could anyone not like this great song !!!

Walt Fechter

10y

I dunno why, but, this tune has always reminded me of a Neil Young composition. Great guitar harmonics in this one too. A true gem from NE Ohio's favorite native son -- Joe Walsh. I'm including this tune (and Indian Summer by Joe Walsh) when I finish writing my memoirs : North Coast Memoirs. I'm taking this one on the road with me, Joe W. Thank you; Joe Walsh; for a musical look back at a much better time.

mark richmond

2y↑2

Loved the James Gang i still remember seeing them play Tend My Garden on In Concert. Another great musician from James Gang was Tommy Bolin.

Jorge Santos

3y↑1

Being from a small city in southwest Texas this reminds me of the first road trips my friends and I would take to San Antonio to see rock concerts. This album was one we always played. Made the trip go faster.

TheCarnut57

11y↑1

TAKE ME BACK TO THE LATE 60's And 70's. THIS GENERATION CAN HAVE THIS TIME PERIOD. CLASSIC ROCK ALL THE WAY.

Brenda Amata

2y↑1

This song is awesome!

Damon Callis

5y↑39

Mary Sterpka on vocals...well well done.

Walt Fechter

9y↑1

This one is for all the fields of golden wheat I walked through as a kid in NE Ohio. This one is for all the late-night rides I took under the street lights of Cleveland. This one is for all of my late brothers of the road. This one is for my memoirs (North Coast Memories). So long, NE Ohio (hello, Pacific Coast). Cheers and best to all (including Joe W. and Joe Vitale).

skibbs79

11y↑1

One of the sweetest tracks ever laid down. Fantastic work by a guitar legend. Where are all of the allegedly decent guitarists of today? I hear a lot of fuzzy chords that meld into an incomprehensible more-ass of audio BS with today's musick. Listen up rock bands trying hard to make an adequate sound now-- it's all about the melody [treble clef action] and not just bass and beat.

john iorio

40w

Whats your opinion of the '90's grunge scene???....i liked it!...i grew up in the '60's!!!!!

Doug Potosky

44w↑2

Pure Classic " James Gang "

modelleg

5y↑39

Mary Sterpka backing vocals...wonderful cut this. Actually...pretty EPIC!

Lou S

3y↑2

She-not Joe Walsh-was the reason I spent many a night at "The Fifth Quarter" on South DePeyster St. in Kent, Ohio. That girl (back then) could sing like an angel and her covers of Grace Slick were hard to tell from the real thing. The band was called "The Measles", and Lacewing and a few others over the years. You don't hear Mary on this but early Joe with "The Measles":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6oVoPUDsoM

1FendrBendr

7y↑1

Great album cover, great band.

CuteCatFaith

11y↑1

I am from NE Ohio and now in France and have worked in the music industry for decades. When I play this band for most people, they totally don't get it. I just hear such perfection here. It doesn't matter if it's your style or message or whatever, I hear a throb here. A heartbeat. I've been all over the world and don't need to understand all that much to get it. This is pure gold. The production values are supreme. I guess I am a dinosaur. Whatever.

Robb Zamsky

8y↑6

one of the BEST 3-piece groups.

wallace mackay

3y↑1

Part of my life. Great song great music.

barry leeper

2y↑2

I still have this song on a 45 rpm!

Kirkola

Great songs spark great memories...this is a great one

evan morrow

7y↑8

I love the overdrive sound on this classic.While listening to it I was transported into another place in time where it was sunny and warm and there were no helmut laws and the sound of all our bikes running down the road was so cool as we looked for a good spot to pull over and smoke a joint............... Then the song ended.

MissDistarr60

6y↑3

Oh, it was a blast. And beautiful. Nothing but huge sand dunes as far as the eye could see. I wasn't able to appreciate the true beauty of it then. Land that was so barren, yet absolutely beautiful. I certainly do now:)

evan morrow

6y↑3

Good to hear from you MissDistarr. I love the way you write. You make me feel as if I was the one riding that 3-wheeler up the side of "Competition Hill" !! I've never gotten to ride in a sandy , desert like environment but it sure sounds like a blast.. So don't worry about "long replies" if you"re talking to me because I could read them all day long. Yeah music is pretty damn cool alright. It has always intrigued me how a musical composition can open your mind up and sub-folders of long ago memories start to unfold .. Things I my not have thought about in years spring into my mind in minute detail .. Not all the time of course.. But thats cool that Joe Walsh was was your very first concert.. I was 18 , out on leave from boot camp and Joe was playing at the Moore theater in Seattle..It was only the 4th or 5th concert that I'd attended , but I remembered it as being the best .. The Moore theater was an old theater with velvety seats and everyone had a good view with no obstructions.. It was great..

MissDistarr60

6y↑3

Well hello my friend. I love your comment. This was the very first concert I went to. I was only about 14 and while the rest of my peers listened to POP music, I strolled down a different musical path that led me to the most amazing music ever recorded. I have expanded my taste in music, but this era of music will forever be the most important to me. It was the early 70's when I saw Joe Walsh/James Gang and of the "Many" I have seen, this remains my absolute favorite. It was f**#ing amazing. What a different time it was and we lived our lives so much differently than that which we see today. We lived our lives around people. No emails, no texting. We lived it face to face with the people we knew and strangers alike. But those strangers always seemed to become our friends and part of our young lives. To say "My how times have changed" would be an understatement of grand proportions. As I look back too that time, I realize that the best part of it was the fact that I was always living in the moment and the music was the soundtrack that now holds nearly all of those beautiful moments of my life. Memories that will forever be with me because they are kept in the safety of the music. Never to be lost. This song in particular reminds me of camping out in the dunes of the desert.....3 wheelers and dune buggies in tow. Playing on the dunes only to stop to smoke a joint and then back to riding. Trying to get to the top of "Competition Hill". It was a monster and I never made it to the top but had one hell of a time trying. I had the most incredible time during those days. If I could go back in time, I'm honestly not sure if I would return. Please forgive my long reply. I simply could not help but share with you. Note: I must include Dave Mason, Neil Young and John Mayall among others who took that trip to the desert with us. Peace.

CAT Mechanic

7y↑3

+evan morrow Amen,... the song replays and replays.....The Black Hills is still that place... the song will never end.....

treblenote2

9y↑8

wow - this take me back---
totally enjoy this song!

bill smith

7y↑31

my favorite James Gang tune.

PAULA EVANS

8y↑13

Over 60 and this song still makes me .... you fill in the blank.

Porfle Popnecker

7y↑3

a sandwich.

Skye Heyden

7y↑3

+PAULA EVANS rock hard

evan morrow

+PAULA EVANS You're not talking about the big " O " are you Paula ??

Porfle Popnecker

plotz

The Stuport

8y↑2

Smiles....I filled in the blank....and I STILL get goose bumps listening to this song! Cheers

2 More Replies...

albert russo

guys like joe and jimmy page may have been sloppy but they were still talented guitar players...they play w/emotion...

Doris Lawrence

2y↑2

Song go me thru some dark times in the 70's

75surfgirl

10y↑2

Iam so glad I was a teenager in the 70's--Music was the best. thanks for posting.

Michael Morris

24w

High school, 8 track in my car, his music was THE Best

LMHS63

12y

Ah what memories the James Gang brings back ! The photo of the band sitting on classic Harleys, a Knuckle Head & a Pan Head with "Z" bars on both. Take me back to those days Scotty !

Kerry Stehlik

7y↑19

They made some damn good music then, not like now.

Gr33n 3ggs

For a child born in 1970; I just KNEW this was a special time, I could not even IMAGINE how it must of been being a young adult in this era......

Jerry Siss

9y↑3

Joe was legend in these parts long before his solo career and his stint with the Eagles. Here are a couple of highlights from that era.

Bob Plum

7y↑2

Have this album. It is one of my favorites along with the album cover. Think I'll dig it out and enjoy it on the old turntable...............

Michael Sheridan

7y↑2

A Classic !! When music was GREAT!!!!!!!!

Whitenacho

8y↑1

This is when I became a broken hearted boy at 16 years old I lost my first love. Thank God for the music!

TIC St. James

When I DJ'd as a young man in the late 70's, I would sign-off with Midnight Man. I wish I could go back...

Glenda Brown

7y↑15

The purist song if there ever was one that no one has ever heard.Million seller if I had the money.

Arthur Bradfield

Hey Mary ,great vocals ! Greetings from Wales (UK) xx

mark dietz

2y↑1

Midnight Man, In the City, Lifes Been Good...Joe Walsh. like no other artist puts timestamps on my life. I love him!

Only Debra

Still love it

lindsey lefrois

5y↑1

The James Gang could make singles for the radio but also great LP's. With most bands, it's usually one or the other, but JG did both.

Lou S

They were always better live and that goes for his first band-The Measles-which I listened and "danced" to hundreds of times back in college at Kent State. Gotta say one thing about that band-Mary Sterpka, the female voice you hear in this one, was an incredibly talented vocalist and I swear you could not look at the band (The Measles) playing and believe it was Grace Slick belting out White Rabbit or Somebody To Love.

Dan L

The music of life!

gregor allnight

40w↑1

Love this very cool and very well done creation..it is
so good,so fine in every way...so hey,thanks so much..yeah,yeah,oh yeah

Michael Sven

3y↑2

Damn this brings back memories!!!

Klayton Von Kluge

Jammin Joe... seeing he was from my home state, the radio stations always played his songs more here then they did in,.say, Florida, or N.C., when we lived in those states... He always gets these killer tones on guitar.... ~thanks to the OP ~

Diane Robinson

35w

His incredible talent is what made The Eagles join Joe Walsh. : )

37Dionysos

Thanks---Used to cut right through my head in the first early days sparkin' up. Still does!

greg johnson

Beautiful.... they don’t make them like that anymore.......

Stoney Curtis

3y↑17

May 17 2019...
For some reason I just had to hear this song..
Been over 40 years, sounds even better now.

George Davis

49w

Ditto.

Doctorhamfat

2y↑2

Me too, man. Peace out.

Michael Chavka

2y↑3

Mary Sterpka has the voice of an angel..

LadyLakeMusic

Listening at 3AM Christmas Eve 2020 🎄☮️❤️🎼

Kelly Vanderpool

10w↑1

It sounds a lot like Neil and Crazy Horse. That garage rock sound

Susan Siren

6y↑1

I still have this album.

Philip Shirk

5y↑8

Kind of slow, but I love Joe's guitar riffs

Mike Phalen

2y↑1

It's a ballad. Great bands mixed in ballads with their rockers.

James Engeman

I never thought the Eagles compared to these guys. I know it's totally different style of music but I'll take the James Gang anytime.

Dan Reese

10y

i saw them in 72 in Baltimore , great group .

michael tooke

i was at this concert in '71 in denver co. after this song they went right into the bomber medley. awsome. oh, the opening act was canned heat.

crazy uncle rex 62

11y↑1

Stevie Nicks said Joe was the greatest love of her life, the way he plays guitar I could see why, I always thought it was Lindsay Buckingham, another excellent artist. Joe and his friends were in Dallas guest hosting on Q102 in the late 80's, and he played this really sweet piece on the guitar and he said, "This always gets the girls" I told my wife, HELL!, it gets me!! We both had a good belly laugh. There is no other like Joe.

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