Eli Johnson - Midnight Train to Nowhere

1940s Harlem Jazz & Blues, melancholic, expressive male vocals, soulful, deep tone, bluesy saxophone, walking bass, brushed drums, somber piano, gospel influences, emotionally rich

STUDIO

[Pre-Chorus]
This melody inside, it yearns to break free
From these four walls, for all the world to see
But the city's got its rhythm, a slow, grinding pace
Keeps a dreamer grounded, in his designated place.

[Chorus]
Oh, the Midnight Train, keeps rollin' through my mind
Leaving dreams behind, for a world too unkind.
Got this fire in my soul, a truth I wanna shout,
But the gilded cages keep the music out!
Still I play my blues, every single note a plea,
For a chance to rise, for a soul to finally be free!

[Verse 2]
Seen others cross over, heard their records spin
While talents like mine, stay locked and hidden within.
They praise my feel, my rhythm, my unique sound,
"But son, you know the business, it's just hallowed ground."
The headlines scream about futures, bright and bold
But for my kind of talent, the same old story's told.
Singin' 'bout freedom, in a land still bound by chains,
Washin' down my sorrows, with the city's lonely rains.

[Bridge]
Sometimes I wonder, will my day ever come?
Will my song find an echo, beyond this crowded slum?
Gotta keep on breathin', gotta keep on the beat,
Till these weary feet find a sweeter, higher street.

2060/7500

[Verse 1] Another cold morning, Harlem streets are gray The same old story, every single day I polish my horn, a shine for dreams long gone Just another Sunday, feels like a weary song. Played all the joints, from Lenox to the Corner Bar A dollar in my pocket, chasing a distant star. They clap their hands, they tap their feet, they sway But the velvet rope still keeps me far away. [Pre-Chorus] This melody inside, it yearns to break free From these four walls, for all the world to see But the city's got its rhythm, a slow, grinding pace Keeps a dreamer grounded, in his designated place. [Chorus] Oh, the Midnight Train, keeps rollin' through my mind Leaving dreams behind, for a world too unkind. Got this fire in my soul, a truth I wanna shout, But the gilded cages keep the music out! Still I play my blues, every single note a plea, For a chance to rise, for a soul to finally be free! [Verse 2] Seen others cross over, heard their records spin While talents like mine, stay locked and hidden within. They praise my feel, my rhythm, my unique sound, "But son, you know the business, it's just hallowed ground." The headlines scream about futures, bright and bold But for my kind of talent, the same old story's told. Singin' 'bout freedom, in a land still bound by chains, Washin' down my sorrows, with the city's lonely rains. [Pre-Chorus] This melody inside, it yearns to break free From these four walls, for all the world to see But the city's got its rhythm, a slow, grinding pace Keeps a dreamer grounded, in his designated place. [Chorus] Oh, the Midnight Train, keeps rollin' through my mind Leaving dreams behind, for a world too unkind. Got this fire in my soul, a truth I wanna shout, But the gilded cages keep the music out! Still I play my blues, every single note a plea, For a chance to rise, for a soul to finally be free! [Bridge] Sometimes I wonder, will my day ever come? Will my song find an echo, beyond this crowded slum? Gotta keep on breathin', gotta keep on the beat, Till these weary feet find a sweeter, higher street.

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