The lyrics paint a picture of late-night solitude and contemplation, with the narrator sitting alone across from midnight, surrounded by the quiet and darkness of the night. The imagery includes shadows on the wall, the sound of a radio playing softly, and the hollow cough of a cigarette. The scene is set in a city alley where the downcast gather around a fire in a trash can, creating a sense of companionship in the loneliness of the night.

Meaning of "Across From Midnight" by Tony Joe White

The lyrics of "Across From Midnight" evoke a deep sense of isolation and introspection that comes with late-night hours. The imagery of shadows, cigarettes, and city buildings create a mood of loneliness and contemplation, as the narrator finds themselves in the stillness of the night. The references to down and outers in the alley and skeletons in the closet suggest themes of struggle, hardship, and inner turmoil. The night serves as a backdrop for the narrator's inner thoughts and emotions, mirroring the darkness and uncertainty they feel within themselves. The yearning for morning to come symbolizes a desire for change, for a new beginning, and the hope that daylight may bring clarity and resolution to the darkness that surrounds them.