MY WRITERS SITE: The Midnight Special

Lead belly

The song “Midnight Special” is about a steam locomotive that used to pass the Louisiana State Prison and its light would shine into the cells. Prisoners developed a superstition that having the light shine on you would bring fortune and freedom.

Well, you wake up in the mornin', you hear the work bell ring

And they march you to the table, you see the same old thing

Ain't no food upon the table, and no pork up in the pan

But you better not complain, boy, you get in trouble with the man

Let the Midnight Special shine a light on me

Let the Midnight Special shine a ever lovin' light on me

Yonder come miss Rosie, how in the world did you know?

By the way she wears her apron, and the clothes she wore

Umbrella on her shoulder, piece of paper in her hand

She come to see the governor, she want to free her man

Let the Midnight Special shine a light on me

Let the Midnight Special shine a ever lovin' light on me

If you're ever in Houston, well, you better do the right

You better not gamble, there, you better not fight, at all

Or the sheriff will grab ya and the boys will bring you down

The next thing you know, boy, oh, you're prison bound

Let the Midnight Special shine a light on me

Let the Midnight Special shine a ever lovin' light on me

Let the Midnight Special shine a light on me

Let the Midnight Special shine a ever lovin' light on me