Traditional - Midnight Special

First performance: 25/05/1993

Coverinfo

Bruce used the song 2 times as a snippet:
 
A unique 'Midnight Special' serves as an intro to 'Rockin’ All Over The World'. 
 
 
 
2016-09-14 - GILLETTE STADIUM, FOXBOROUGH, MA
The 75th and final show of The River Tour 2016. Peter Wolf joining for "Shout" (which includes a snippet of "The Midnight Special" in the introduction).
 

Songinfo

"Midnight Special" is a traditional folk song thought to have originated among prisoners in the American South. The song refers to the passenger train Midnight Special and its "ever-loving light" (sometimes "ever-living light"). The song is historically performed in the country-blues style from the viewpoint of the prisoner and has been covered by many artists.  Lyrics appearing in the song were first recorded in print by Howard Odum in 1905. Best known version is from Creedence Clearwater Revival.
 
 
  

Bruce on the artist

Lyrics

Well, you wake up in the mornin', you hear the work bell ring,
And they march you to the table to 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 light on me,
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 gov'nor, she wants to free her man.
Let the Midnight Special shine a light on me,
Let the Midnight Special shine a light on me,
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 light on me,
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 light on me,
Let the Midnight Special shine a light on me,
Let the Midnight Special shine a everlovin' light on me.