Unusual question, but serious
Mon, 02/16/2015 - 00:14
I was listening to a recording of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee playing
'Midnight Special'.........2 questions...
1. What is the ' Midnight special ' ?..is it a train ?
2. Why does he want it to 'shine its ever loving light on me' ?
( I know this is a popular song, but for some reason as I was enjoying
their version of it and these questions came to mind)
Thank you for your time
Steve
Welcome Steve, hope your'e enjoying the site.
1. Yes, the Midnight Special is a train.
2. The light refers to the train light.
As the story goes, the train passes by the prison. If the train light comes through your window at night that means you would be freed soon. That's kind of the simple version. Others might be able to elaborate.
My ol' guitar guy and I liked to play this song and we had named ourselves Midnight Special after the song. Definitely recommend learning it. It's a classic.
Have fun playing.
BC