Meaning of "Across From Midnight" by Joe Cocker

The lyrics of "Across From Midnight" evoke a sense of solitude and introspection that often comes with late nights. The imagery of being alone in the dark, with only a shadow and the soft radio playing, reflects a feeling of emptiness and isolation. The reference to others gathered in the alley below, sipping wine and talking low, emphasizes the disconnect between the speaker and the outside world. The skeletons in the closet symbolize hidden or unresolved issues that plague the mind during the quiet hours of the night. The mention of the cigarette butt and the fire in the trashcan suggest a sense of decay or burning out, adding a layer of melancholy to the atmosphere. The repeated refrain of "sitting across from midnight" emphasizes the passing of time and the long stretch ahead until morning. Ultimately, the lyrics explore themes of loneliness, longing for connection, and the darkness that can come with overthinking in the late hours of the night.