Midnight Rider

Ride into the legend of The Allman Brothers Band's "Midnight Rider." This 1970 Southern rock and blues-rock classic captivates with its haunting acoustic guitar intro and Gregg Allman's soulful, world-weary vocals. A timeless anthem of defiance and life on the run, its appeal endures.

Featured on The Allman Brothers Band's seminal 1970 album Idlewild South, "Midnight Rider" immediately showcased the band's songwriting depth alongside their instrumental prowess. Written primarily by Gregg Allman, this iconic Southern rock and blues-rock track blends an evocative acoustic figure with soulful vocals and subtle, effective band accompaniment, creating a distinctively moody atmosphere within the rock genre.

Released with the Idlewild South album around September 23, 1970, "Midnight Rider" grew into one of The Allman Brothers Band’s most definitive and frequently covered songs. Its fusion of rock, blues rock, and Southern rock elements, coupled with its compelling narrative of a fugitive, solidified its status as a classic rock staple and a cornerstone of the Southern rock sound.

SONG MEANING: "Midnight Rider" tells the story of an outlaw or fugitive constantly on the move to evade capture by the law. The lyrics, written by Gregg Allman, convey a sense of weary determination ("But I got to run to keep from hiding") and the heavy burden of a life lived on the run ("And I'm bound to keep on riding"), painting a vivid picture of a desperate man’s resolve.