Midnight in Montmartre – Lyrics from Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards

Inspired by the art of Toulouse Lautrec and the Montmartre art scene of his time. Re-imagined in what I think Tom Waits might have done as a jazz song.

(Verse 1)

In the smoky haze of Montmartre’s embrace,

Where the colours of Toulouse Lautrec find their place,

A cabaret whispers secrets in the night,

As the jazzman’s saxophone takes flight.

(Chorus)

Midnight in Montmartre, where the art comes alive,

Toulouse’s strokes, like notes, in a jive,

Dancing through the canvas, colours intertwine,

In the heart of the city, where the spirits align.

(Verse 2)

The Moulin Rouge spins tales of decadence,

With can-can dancers in a rhythmic trance,

Lautrec’s brush captures the passion and the heat,

As the trumpet’s melody weaves through the street.

(Chorus)

Midnight in Montmartre, where the art comes alive,

Toulouse’s strokes, like notes, in a jive,

Dancing through the canvas, colours intertwine,

In the heart of the city, where the spirits align.

(Bridge)

In dimly lit cafés, where poets and dreamers meet,

Lautrec’s vision, a timeless heartbeat,

The piano keys tap, a syncopated beat,

As the city’s heartbeat, in the art, repeats.

(Verse 3)

The absinthe flows in a green fairy haze,

As the artist captures the bohemian maze,

With every stroke, a story is told,

In the language of colours, where mysteries unfold.

(Chorus)

Midnight in Montmartre, where the art comes alive,

Toulouse’s strokes, like notes, in a jive,

Dancing through the canvas, colours intertwine,

In the heart of the city, where the spirits align.

(Outro)

As the night surrenders to the dawn’s first light,

Lautrec’s art echoes through the quiet,

A testament to the magic that remains,

In the soul of Montmartre, where inspiration reigns.

Artist Statement: 

“Midnight in Montmartre” offers a lyrical journey through the vibrant and bohemian atmosphere of Montmartre, Paris, evoking the spirit of Toulouse Lautrec’s iconic artistry and the lively jazz scene of the era. Let’s delve into an analysis of the song’s themes, imagery, and musical elements.

Setting and Atmosphere:

The song sets its stage in the legendary Montmartre district, renowned for its artistic fervour and avant-garde culture during the late 19th century. The reference to Toulouse Lautrec, a prominent figure in the art scene of that era, immediately immerses the listener in the ambiance of creativity and expression.

Imagery and Descriptions:

The lyrics paint vivid pictures of Montmartre’s nocturnal allure. The “smoky haze” from unfiltered cigarettes on elongated holders and “dimly lit cafés” for drinking absinth evoke a sense of mystery and intimacy, while references to the Moulin Rouge and can-can dancers conjure images of decadence and revelry. The use of sensory details such as the “absinthe flows in a green fairy haze” adds richness to the imagery, capturing the essence of bohemian indulgence.

Musical Elements:

The song’s structure and imagery are reminiscent of a jazz composition, fitting for the setting and theme. The saxophone and trumpet mentioned in the verses symbolize the improvisational and expressive nature of jazz music, while the syncopated rhythms of the piano keys in the bridge reflect the pulsating energy of the city’s nightlife. The repetition of the chorus creates a rhythmic motif, mirroring the cyclical nature of artistic inspiration and creation. I’m uncertain of the vocal style, but it could be the incomprehensible angelic tones of an Al Jolson or Billie Holliday.

Themes:

At its core, “Midnight in Montmartre” celebrates the convergence of art, music, and culture in a vibrant urban landscape. The song pays homage to the bohemian spirit of Montmartre, where artists, poets, and musicians converge to find inspiration and forge connections. Through Lautrec’s brush strokes and the jazzman’s melodies, the song highlights the transcendent power of artistic expression to capture the essence of a time and place.