Midnight Howler – Lyrics from Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards

Inspired by Allan Ginsberg’s Howl . Re-imagined in what I think Eric Clapton might have done, had he done it as a blues song.

(Verse 1)

Well, I saw the best minds of my generation,

Lost in the smoke of midnight contemplation,

Dragging themselves through the streets at dawn,

Looking for a connection, a place to belong.

They were hipsters and poets, rebels and thieves,

In the howling neon nights where the blues believes,

In the heart of the city, where the juke joint cries,

A symphony of sorrow beneath the city skies.

(Chorus)

Oh, this is the howl of the midnight soul,

A bluesy lament, a story untold.

In the shadows we dance, to the rhythm of despair,

Searching for meaning in the electric air.

(Verse 2)

I saw the best minds destroyed by madness,

Starving, hysterical, dragging sadness,

Angel-headed hipsters burning for the ancient heavenly connection,

To the starry dynamo in the machinery of night’s reflection.

In the alleys, where the saxophone moans,

And the Delta blues echo in the marrow of bones,

A troubadour’s cry, a midnight serenade,

In the heart of the darkness where the soul is laid.

(Chorus)

Oh, this is the howl of the midnight soul,

A bluesy lament, a story untold.

In the shadows we dance, to the rhythm of despair,

Searching for meaning in the electric air.

(Bridge)

Harmonica wails like a lonesome train,

Through the rain-soaked streets, it sings the pain.

Guitar strings weep, like a mournful wind,

In the midnight city, where the lost souls are pinned.

(Verse 3)

I saw the best minds of my generation,

Chasing dreams, caught in the revelation,

Of a world gone mad, a society unhinged,

In the bluesy rhythm where the heartstrings sing.

They bared their brains to the city lights,

In the smoky bars where the juke joint fights,

For a moment of solace, a fleeting grace,

In the howl of the midnight, in this bluesy space.

(Chorus)

Oh, this is the howl of the midnight soul,

A bluesy lament, a story untold.

In the shadows we dance, to the rhythm of despair,

Searching for meaning in the electric air.

(Outro)

So, let the harmonica weep and the guitar cry,

In the bluesy echo where the spirits lie.

For in the howl of the midnight, the blues unfold,

A timeless story, a tale untold.

Artist Statement: 

“Midnight Howler” intertwines the poetic essence of Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl” with the bluesy style reminiscent of Eric Clapton’s work.

Thematic Depth:

The song captures the essence of urban melancholy and existential angst, reminiscent of Ginsberg’s exploration of societal disillusionment and personal turmoil in “Howl.” It portrays the struggles and aspirations of the ‘best minds’ of a generation, who find themselves lost and adrift in the chaotic landscape of modern society.

Musical Elements:

Lyrics: The lyrics paint a picture of urban life, filled with images of neon-lit streets, smoky bars, and the haunting sound of the blues. The use of poetic language and vivid imagery reflects the influence of Ginsberg’s writing style, creating a rich tapestry of emotion and atmosphere.

Structure: The song follows a traditional blues structure, with verses that tell a narrative and a recurring chorus that serves as a refrain. This structure mirrors the cyclical nature of despair and longing expressed in the lyrics, echoing the repetitive themes found in blues music.

Instrumentation: The instrumentation is sparse yet evocative, with the harmonica and guitar taking center stage. The mournful wails of the harmonica and the weeping notes of the guitar perfectly complement the mood of the song, evoking a sense of longing and sorrow.

Emotional Resonance:

“Midnight Howler” resonates with a deep sense of longing and yearning for connection and meaning in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty. The repeated refrain of “this is the howl of the midnight soul” captures the existential despair and emotional intensity of the human experience, echoing the sentiments expressed in Ginsberg’s poem.