Top 93 Songs About Midnight

There are more songs about midnight than you’d probably think. After just a few minutes of thinking about it, I came up with a list that could easily have filled these pages a few times over. 

However, to keep things manageable, I’ve only included a few of my favorites and some of the more popular songs. So, for you vampires and night owls, let’s get straight to it and take a look at the first song about midnight.

Top 7 Songs About Midnight

1

After Midnight by Eric Clapton

Let’s kick off this list of songs about midnight with Eric Clapton, one of the greatest Rock and Blues guitarists of all time. His playing is sublime, and to this day, after almost 60 years of playing, he’s maintained his position as one of the all-time greats. 

His back catalog is incredible, and it’s an absolute pleasure to talk about one of my favorite songs, “After Midnight.” Eric Clapton delved into the songbook of J.J. Cale for this one. It was written and first released by J.J. Cale himself before being taken up by Eric Clapton, who cut his version in 1970. 

Interestingly, this was the first but not the last time Eric Clapton would cover one of J.J. Cale’s awesome pieces of music. More famously, he also covered the hugely well-known, “Cocaine” in 1977, which was originally written and recorded in 1976.

Back to “After Midnight”…

This was taken off his debut studio album titled Eric Clapton. The single made it into the Top 10 in the US but only just squeezed into the Top 100 in the UK. As a British guitarist, you’d have thought it would have been the other way around, but there you go. 

Americans were clearly well ahead of the curve in recognizing talent when they saw it. The album reached #13 in the US and #14 in the UK. All in all, a pretty respectable result for an unknown white dude playing the Blues.

The song pretty much had everything to showcase Eric Clapton’s undeniable talent… 

It was an interesting mix of Blues and Rock, which typified his playing, incorporating some highly technical rhythm and lead sections. In turn, it has become a very popular song about midnight.

Despite being covered multiple times since its original release, Eric Clapton did such a great job; it’s a song that will forever be associated with him. It’s very much become one of his signature songs and one he frequently plays live. As those dreary talent show bores say these days, “He made it his own.”

2

Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight & The Pips

This is a band that most of us immediately link to the incredible Motown label. Probably because most of their style and music is pure Motown. Consequently, it may come as a surprise that they left Motown in 1973 and signed for Buddah Records.

“Midnight Train to Georgia” was only the second single to be released after signing for their new label. Incredibly, despite their popularity and all their time at Motown, this was the first song to make it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts. 

Sadly, it also proved to be their last…

The album it was released from, Imagination also reached #1 in the US. Happily, it was a commercial success and proved an effective springboard to regenerate the rest of their career until they eventually called it quits in 1989. 

Along the way, they became Grammy Award winners multiple times and have also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It’s fair to say that this one song did more than any other before or after to take them on this journey. 

3

New Year’s Day by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift has written quite a few songs that reference midnight. These include “22”, “Style,” and “Happiness.” 

However, “New Year’s Day,” released from the album, Reputation, is the pick of the bunch. At this point, I have to confess that, yes, I do like her music, though please don’t tell any of my friends.

The single was released in 2017, and surprisingly, it didn’t even make it into the Top 20 on any of the American charts. That included the Country charts. Considering the strength of the song, it honestly doesn’t make sense.

The album was a bit of a different story, though…

Reputation went to #1 in the US and the UK, as well as in a lot of other countries. It also sold close to five million copies in the year of its release. As well as being commercially successful, it also received a lot of critical acclaim. To be precise, it won nine awards, including a Grammy.

The single wasn’t as popular. Possibly because the song represented a bit of a change in musical direction. It featured some complicated acoustic guitars playing as well as more complex and mature lyrics. That could have been something that some of her younger fans just couldn’t get on board with. 

It’s the last track on the album, and in many ways, that is significant… 

The song provides a great insight into Taylor Swift’s thinking at the time. “New Year’s Day,” tells us that Taylor Swift is not only about the party but also wants to be around to clean up and do all the mundane things that follow from it. This is likely to be a metaphor that translates to her wanting to hang around with her boyfriend of the time, Joe Alwyn. 

Happily, they are still together, and it looks like they will have a future together. It’s about time I stop with all the short-time relationship Taylor Swift jokes, I suppose!

4

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) by Abba

I bet you all know this classic song about midnight, and I bet a few of you ladies have already sung it a few times after a night out with the girls. This is an absolute Disco classic and a song that can be heard being regularly murdered most nights at a karaoke bar near you.

It was released in 1979 from the album Greatest Hits Vol. 2 as a new track. It was specifically recorded to promote their tour in Europe and America later that same year. The single did well in Europe though was slightly less successful in the US.

The album made it to #1 in the UK… 

But, again, the chart position and sales in the US were less than impressive. It only made it to #46 in the US. Sales globally only got to two and a half million, which was less than their original Greatest Hits album in 1975, which sold five million copies. 

Both of these album sales pale into significance when put up against their Gold – Greatest Hits album. That sold a staggering 30 million copies and became their best-selling album.

So, what about this song…

The song is a typical Abba catchy Disco arrangement which is mainly sung by Agnetha. Like a lot of Abba’s songs, despite the happy tempo and high-energy feel, it has a distinctly dark side to it. 

“Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” is a story of a lady who longs for companionship and lives in a lonely world. She feels almost ashamed of these emotions and carries them around like an embarrassing secret. 

As the song unfolds, it then contrasts her situation with the common narrative of Hollywood movies where everyone has a happy life, and there’s always a happy ending. Another deep prophetic song from this Swedish Disco powerhouse of a group.

5

Midnight at the Lost and Found by Meat Loaf

It’s a long time since I’ve listened to this, or any Meat Loaf song, come to think of it. It was, therefore, a lot of fun to listen to it again and refresh my memory. Although it’s now forty years old, dating back to 1983, I have to say that it’s aged pretty well, all things considered. 

It came out as a single from the album of the same name. This might make for uncomfortable reading, but the fact is that neither the single nor the album sold many copies. Sadly, the album couldn’t get past 100,000 copies. 

And that was globally…

Lackluster sales weren’t only confined to “Midnight at the Lost and Found.” Except for Bat Out of Hell or pretty much any album that contained the words “bat” and “hell” in them, things were kind of grim. 

The reality is that following the release of their debut album, Bat Out of Hell, anything that came out after had a tough time. This is because Bat Out of Hell sold a mind-bending 43 million copies, making it one of the most successful albums of all time.

And one of those copies was down to me, guys. You’re welcome!

6

Midnight Rambler by The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones, after The Beatles and Queen, are the most successful band in history. They were formed in 1962, so have been around for 60 years, and they look like they’re good for another 60. 

They’re all getting towards 80 now, so how they can still perform to the standard that they do, I’ve no idea. It’s a remarkable achievement, and I can only presume that they are regularly transfusing themselves with monkey blood.

“Midnight Rambler” was released very early on in their career… 

It came out in 1969 and was the first track on the second side of the album, Let it Bleed. The first track on the first side was incidentally the much better-known “Gimme Shelter.”

“Midnight Rambler” is a quintessential Rolling Stones Rock song. Even Keith Richards mused that it was a song that only he and Mick Jagger could have written. 

I agree with the sentiment, but I wouldn’t put it into the category of one of their bigger hits like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Angie,” “Wild Horses,” “Brown Sugar,” or “Start Me Up.” It’s not that it’s not a good song; it’s just that it isn’t a classic song.

So, what’s it all about?

Unfortunately, the subject matter is a little bit ghoulish. Essentially, it’s loosely based on the character of the Boston Strangler. This was someone who, in the 60s, had terrorized the city, killing 13 women.

The song’s rather graphic lyrics did experience some criticism and pushback. Although, the song never got banned. A writer at the time, Steven Pinker, pointedly commented that the song was a glorification of violence against women under the guise of an anti-establishment song.

He could have been right, and I sort of agree with him. Realistically, I think that this type of midnight song would have a lot of difficulties getting released these days. In its defense, though, it was the 60s, and they were very different times.

7

Rebel Yell by Billy Idol

The last entry on this list of songs about midnight is a fantastic tune from one of my favorite artists from the 70s and 80s. Billy Idol started in Generation X, a UK Punk Band, before turning solo in the 80s. “Rebel Yell” was a track from his second album as a solo artist, which was also titled Rebel Yell. 

They were both released in 1983 and saw very little commercial success, which I believe to be at odds with the quality of the song. In my eyes, it’s an absolute Rock classic. 

And thankfully, viewers from VH1 agreed as they voted it as one of the greatest Rock songs of all time. Those guys and girls have class.

The song was originally inspired by the Rolling Stones… 

The story goes that whilst Billy Idol was at a big-time music event and came across The Rolling Stones. They, in true Rock and Roll style, were all swigging from a bottle of whisky with the brand name Rebel Yell. He loved the sound of it, and that was the inspiration to write the song.

Although this was the initial inspiration to write the song “Rebel Yell,” has nothing to do with whisky. The song is about one-night stands and the club scene after midnight. He paints the picture of it being a battle with the “rebel yell” being a symbol of the battle cry given out during the American civil war.

It’s like the old saying goes that nothing good goes on after midnight. It’s a fantastic and highly underrated song that Billy Idol completely nails.

8

Midnight City by M83 (Electronic/Indie)

9

Midnight Rider by The Allman Brothers Band (Southern Rock/Blues)

10

Midnight Special by Creedence Clearwater Revival (Folk Rock/Roots)

11

Midnight Sun by Lionel Hampton (Jazz/Swing)

12

Midnight in Harlem by Tedeschi Trucks Band (Blues/Rock/Soul)

13

Midnight at the Oasis by Maria Muldaur (Folk/Pop)

14

Midnight Special by Lead Belly (Folk/Blues)

15

Midnight Rider by Gregg Allman (Rock/Blues)

16

Midnight City by John Mayer (Pop/Rock)

17

Midnight Blue by Lou Gramm (Rock)

18

Midnight Radio by Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Rock/Musical)

19

Midnight in Montgomery by Alan Jackson (Country)

20

Midnight in Chelsea by Bon Jovi (Rock)

21

Midnight Voyage by Ghostland Observatory (Electronic/Rock)

22

Midnight in Paris by Capital Cities (Electronic/Pop)

23

Midnight Special by Van Morrison (Rock/Blues)

24

Midnight Blue by Melissa Manchester (Pop)

25

Midnight Special by Pete Seeger (Folk)

26

Midnight Delight by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals (Rock/Blues)

27

Quarter to Three by Gary U.S. Bonds (Rock/R&B)

28

Midnight in Harlem by Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa (Blues/Rock)

29

Midnight Love by Marvin Gaye (R&B/Soul)

30

Midnight Sun by Charlie Parker (Jazz)

31

Midnight City by 2CELLOS (Classical/Cello)

32

Midnight Cry by Michael English (Gospel)

33

Midnight on the Bay by Sweetwater (Folk/Rock)

34

Midnight by Jessie Ware (Pop/R&B)

35

Midnight by Red Hot Chili Peppers (Rock/Alternative)

36

Midnight Sun by Helloween (Metal)

37

The Midnight Special by Johnny Rivers (Rock/Pop)

38

Midnight by Tyler Hilton (Pop/Folk)

39

Midnight Moonlight by The String Cheese Incident (Bluegrass/Jam)

40

Midnight Special by Jimmy Smith (Jazz/Organ)

41

Midnight Hauler by Razzy Bailey (Country)

42

Midnight Run by Example (Electronic/Dance)

43

Midnight in Mexico by Johnny Rodriguez (Country)

44

Midnight Blue by Electric Light Orchestra (Rock/Pop)

45

Midnight Special by Dave Van Ronk (Folk/Blues)

More Songs About Midnight

55. Midnight Lullaby by Tom Waits (Rock/Folk)
56. One Minute to Midnight by Justice (Electronic/Dance)
57. Midnight Stroll by The Revels (Surf/Instrumental)
58. Midnight in the Desert by Crystal Gayle (Country)
59. Midnight Special by Buddy Guy (Blues)
60. Midnight Highway by Quinn Sullivan (Blues/Rock)
61. Midnight Lady by Chris Norman (Pop/Rock)
62. Midnight Shift by Buddy Holly (Rockabilly)
63. Midnight Cowboy by John Barry (Soundtrack)
64. Midnight Moon by Oh Wonder (Indie/Pop)
65. Midnight by Elvin Bishop (Blues/Rock)
66. Midnight Train by Sam Riggs (Country/Rock)
67. Midnight Drive by John
68. Midnight Special by Lucinda Williams (Country/Folk)
69. Midnight by A Tribe Called Quest (Hip Hop/Rap)
70. Midnight by Coldplay (Rock/Alternative)
71. Midnight by Liam Payne feat. Alesso (Pop/Dance)
72. Midnight by Logic feat. Juto (Hip Hop/Rap)
73. Midnight by Redfoo (Pop/Dance)
74. Midnight Special by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee (Blues/Folk)
75. Midnight by Grace VanderWaal (Pop/Singer-Songwriter)
76. Midnight Blues by Sneaky Pete Kleinow (Country/Instrumental)
77. Midnight Shift by Steppenwolf (Rock)
78. Midnight Sun by The Ghost Inside (Metalcore/Hardcore)
79. Midnight by Tori Amos (Alternative/Rock)
80. Midnight by UNKLE feat. Mark Lanegan (Electronic/Trip Hop)
81. Midnight by Tove Lo feat. Liam Payne (Pop/Dance)
82. Midnight Rider by Willie Nelson (Country/Folk)
83. Midnight Cruiser by Steely Dan (Rock/Jazz)
84. Midnight Special by Dave Alvin (Folk/Blues)
85. Midnight Man by Flash and the Pan (New Wave/Pop)
86. Midnight Serenade by Glenn Miller (Jazz/Swing)
87. Midnight Special by Harry Belafonte (Folk/Calypso)
88. Midnight Run by Example feat. Sway (Electronic/Dance)
89. Midnight Oil by Changing Faces (R&B/Soul)
90. Midnight Special by The Kingston Trio (Folk)
91. Midnight Delight by Daniel Boone (Pop/Rock)
92. Midnight on the Bayou by Neil Sedaka (Pop/Rock)
93. Midnight Prayer by Glenda Austin

Looking for More Great Songs?

We can help with that. Take a look at our detailed articles on the Best Songs About the Weekend, the Top Songs With “Sunday” in the Title, the Best Songs about Friday, the Top Songs About Time, and the Top Songs About the Future for more incredible song selections.

Songs About Midnight – Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. I hope at least one of your favorite songs talking about midnight was included on my list. I’ve had a lot of fun listening back to some of these old songs, and I genuinely hope you enjoyed them too. 

Hopefully, the songs I’ve included will also be enough to give you a few ideas and maybe help in putting together a playlist of your own.

Until next time, happy listening.