About the song
Smokie’s “I’ll Meet You at Midnight” is a timeless ballad that showcases the band’s ability to deliver heartfelt melodies with emotional depth. Released in 1976 as a single, the song is part of their album “Midnight Cafe.” It was written by Smokie’s lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Norman, along with bandmates Pete Spencer and Alan Silson.
Originating from Bradford, West Yorkshire, Smokie gained prominence in the 1970s for their distinctive blend of rock, pop, and country influences. “I’ll Meet You at Midnight” became a standout track on “Midnight Cafe,” capturing listeners with its melancholic lyrics and soothing rhythm. The song’s narrative revolves around a romantic rendezvous under the night sky, portraying themes of longing and anticipation.
“Midnight Cafe,” the album that features “I’ll Meet You at Midnight,” achieved significant success, bolstered by the song’s popularity. It charted well in various countries, including reaching the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart and making an impact across Europe.
Chris Norman’s evocative vocals and the band’s cohesive instrumentation elevate the song’s emotional resonance, making it a favorite among fans of melodic rock and sentimental ballads. The gentle guitar melodies and atmospheric production contribute to the song’s enduring appeal, ensuring its place in Smokie’s repertoire as a classic.
Over the years, “I’ll Meet You at Midnight” has maintained its status as one of Smokie’s most beloved songs, continuing to resonate with audiences who appreciate heartfelt storytelling and timeless melodies. Its inclusion in “Midnight Cafe” highlights Smokie’s ability to craft music that transcends decades, leaving a lasting impression on listeners with its sincerity and musical craftsmanship.
For enthusiasts of Smokie and admirers of 1970s rock and pop, “I’ll Meet You at Midnight” remains a poignant reminder of the band’s ability to evoke emotion through their music, solidifying their legacy as icons of melodic rock.
Video
Lyrics
A summer evening on Les Champs-Élysées
A secret rendezvous they planned for days
A sea of faces in a crowded café
A sound of laughter as the music plays
Jean-Claude was a student at the University
Louise-Marie was just a world away
He recalled the night they met was warm with laughter
The words were music as she turned away
I’ll meet you at midnight
Under the moonlight
I’ll meet you at midnight
But, Jean-Claude, Louise-Marie will never be
Each cigarette would light a thousand faces
Each hour that passed seemed like a thousand years
Midnight was turning into empty spaces
The sound of laughter disappeared
I’ll meet you at midnight
Under the moonlight
I’ll meet you at midnight
Oh, but, Jean-Claude, Louise-Marie will never be
A summer morning on Les Champs-Élysées
The empty table in the street café
The sunlight melting through an open doorway
‘Cause Jean-Claude has left to face another day
I’ll meet you at midnight
Under the moonlight
I’ll meet you at midnight
I’ll meet you at midnight
Under the moonlight
I’ll meet you at midnight
Oh, but, Jean-Claude, Louise-Marie will never be