The Meaning Behind The Song: Sometime Around Midnight by The Airborne Toxic Event
Music has a way of capturing the human experience and providing a canvas for us to paint our emotions on. The Airborne Toxic Event’s hit song “Sometime Around Midnight” is a perfect example of that. Released in 2008, the song quickly became a fan favorite and has remained a staple in the band’s setlist to this day. But what is it about “Sometime Around Midnight” that makes it so special? Let’s dive into the meaning behind the song and explore why it continues to resonate with listeners over a decade after its release.
The Lyrics
At its core, “Sometime Around Midnight” is a song about heartbreak. The song’s narrator is recounting a chance encounter with an ex-lover at a bar. He vividly remembers every detail of the evening – the way she looked, the way she sounded, even the way her perfume smelled. As the night progresses, the narrator becomes increasingly intoxicated and emotional, reflecting on all the ways he screwed up the relationship and how empty his life has become without her. The chorus is simple but devastating: “And it starts sometime around midnight / Or at least that’s when you lose yourself for a minute or two.”
The Music
The music of “Sometime Around Midnight” perfectly captures the song’s emotional intensity. The song begins with a mournful piano riff that’s soon joined by a driving beat and swirling guitars. As the song progresses, layers of instrumentation are added – strings, horns, even a glockenspiel – creating a wall of sound that’s both beautiful and overwhelming. Lead singer Mikel Jollett’s vocals are raw and impassioned, conveying the pain and desperation of the song’s narrator.
The Meaning
At its core, “Sometime Around Midnight” is a song about the power of memory. We all have moments in our lives that we can’t forget, no matter how hard we try. These moments can bring us joy, but they can also bring us pain. The song’s narrator is trapped in a cycle of remembering and regretting, unable to move on from the past. He’s haunted by the memory of his ex-lover, and every time he sees her, he’s forced to confront the pain he’s been trying to avoid.
But there’s also a sense of hope in the song. As the narrator sings, “And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back / So shake him off, oh whoa,” he’s acknowledging that he can’t let his past define him. He may never forget what happened between him and his ex-lover, but he can choose to move forward and find a new path.
The Legacy
“Sometime Around Midnight” has become one of The Airborne Toxic Event’s most beloved songs, and for good reason. It’s a powerful, emotional track that speaks to the human experience in a way that few songs can. It’s been covered by countless musicians, including acclaimed singer-songwriter Ben Folds. And it continues to be a highlight of the band’s live shows, inspiring sing-alongs and emotional outpourings from fans around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired The Airborne Toxic Event to write “Sometime Around Midnight?”
Lead singer Mikel Jollett has said that the song was inspired by a chance encounter he had with an ex-girlfriend in a bar. The song’s lyrics are largely autobiographical, with Jollett recounting the emotions he felt during the encounter and the memories that flooded back.
Why has “Sometime Around Midnight” remained so popular with fans?
The song’s emotional intensity and relatable lyrics have resonated with listeners since its release. It’s a song that captures the pain of heartbreak in a way that’s both honest and cathartic. Plus, the music is undeniably powerful and well-crafted, creating a sonic landscape that’s both beautiful and haunting.
How has “Sometime Around Midnight” influenced other musicians?
The song has been covered by numerous musicians, including Ben Folds, who performed a stripped-down, piano-driven version of the song. The Airborne Toxic Event’s use of multiple instruments and layered instrumentation has also been cited as an influence by other indie rock bands.
How did the music video for “Sometime Around Midnight” come about?
The music video was directed by Jason Wishnow and features actress and comedian Anna Faris in a non-speaking role. The video was shot in one continuous take and follows the story of the song’s narrator as he encounters his ex-lover at a bar. The video adds another layer of emotional depth to the song and has been praised for its artistry and intensity.
What other songs by The Airborne Toxic Event are worth checking out?
Fans of “Sometime Around Midnight” will likely enjoy other tracks on the band’s self-titled debut album, including “Gasoline,” “Wishing Well,” and “Does This Mean You’re Moving On?” The band’s later albums, including “All At Once” and “Dope Machines,” also feature standout tracks that showcase the band’s knack for crafting emotionally resonant indie rock.
What is the meaning behind the song’s title?
The title “Sometime Around Midnight” refers to the time when the song’s narrator loses himself in memories of his ex-lover. It’s a specific moment in time that’s both poignant and painful, and one that’s relatable to anyone who’s experienced heartbreak.
Has The Airborne Toxic Event discussed the making of “Sometime Around Midnight” in interviews?
Yes – lead singer Mikel Jollett has discussed the making of the song in various interviews over the years. He’s talked about how the song’s emotion and intensity were inspired by his own experiences, and how the band worked to create a sonic landscape that matched the power of the lyrics.
What has the critical reception to “Sometime Around Midnight” been like?
The song has received widespread critical acclaim since its release. It was named one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Songs of 2008 and has been praised for its emotional depth and powerful instrumentation.
Has the song been used in any movies or TV shows?
Yes – “Sometime Around Midnight” has been featured in various movies and TV shows, including the 2011 film “A Warriors Heart” and the hit TV series “Gossip Girl.”
What is the message of “Sometime Around Midnight?”
At its core, the song is a message of hope. It encourages listeners to shake off the demons of their past and move forward. It’s a reminder that, while heartbreak can be painful, it’s possible to find a way through the darkness and come out the other side.
What sets “Sometime Around Midnight” apart from other breakup songs?
The song’s raw emotion and vivid storytelling set it apart from other breakup songs. It’s not just a song about heartbreak – it’s a song about memory, regret, and the power of moments to shape our lives.
What impact has “Sometime Around Midnight” had on The Airborne Toxic Event’s career?
The song has been a major success for the band and has helped to establish them as one of indie rock’s most emotional and powerful acts. It’s been a staple of the band’s live shows for over a decade and continues to inspire fans around the world.
What is the legacy of “Sometime Around Midnight?”
The song is a testament to the power of music to capture the human experience. It’s a song that’s resonated with listeners for over a decade, and it will likely continue to do so for years to come. It’s a reminder that, even in our darkest moments, there’s beauty and hope to be found.
