About the song
“Walkin’ After Midnight” is a song that transcends time, forever etched in the annals of country music history. Penned by Alan Block and Don Hecht, this timeless melody found its soul through the unforgettable voice of Patsy Cline. Originally conceived for pop sensation Kay Starr, the song languished in obscurity until a fortuitous rediscovery by Hecht brought it to life.
Cline’s initial reaction to the song was lukewarm, but a compromise with her label led to its recording. Ironically, it was Lynn Howard who first released the track, but it was Cline’s rendition that ignited a wildfire of popularity. Her performance on the Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts show in 1957 catapulted the song to unprecedented heights, earning her a dedicated fanbase and solidifying her status as a rising star.
“Walkin’ After Midnight” is more than just a song; it’s a musical tapestry woven with threads of country, pop, jazz, and blues. The song’s structure, instrumentation, and Cline’s emotive vocals combined to create a sonic masterpiece that resonated deeply with audiences. The Nashville A-Team, a collective of legendary musicians, lent their expertise to the recording, elevating the track to an unparalleled level of artistry.
The song’s impact is undeniable. It topped charts, sold millions of copies, and earned a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Beyond commercial success, “Walkin’ After Midnight” captured the essence of loneliness and longing, striking a chord with listeners across generations. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Cline’s extraordinary talent and the song’s timeless appeal.
Video
Lyrics
I go out walkin’ after midnight
Out in the moonlight
Just like we used to do, I’m always walkin’
After midnight, searchin’ for you (wa-wa-walking, wa-wa-walking)
I walk for miles along the highway
Well, that’s just my way
Of sayin’ I love you, I’m always walkin’
After midnight, searchin’ for you (wa-wa-walking, wa-wa-walking)
I stop to see a weepin’ willow
Cryin’ on his pillow
Maybe he’s cryin’ for me
And as the skies turn gloomy
Night winds whisper to me
I’m lonesome as I can be
I go out walkin’ after midnight
Out in the moonlight
Just hopin’ you may be somewhere a-walkin’
After midnight, searchin’ for me (Wa-wa-walking, wa-wa-walking)
I stop to see a weepin’ willow
Cryin’ on his pillow
Maybe he’s cryin’ for me
And as the skies turn gloomy
Night winds whisper to me
I’m lonesome as I can be
I go out walkin’ after midnight
Out in the moonlight
Just hopin’ you may be somewhere a-walkin’
After midnight, searchin’ for me (wa-wa-walking, wa-ooh-ah)