"Midnight Lightning" is a song by Jimi Hendrix and was released posthumously in 1975. The song was originally recorded during the Electric Ladyland sessions in 1968 but remained unfinished until it was remixed and released after Hendrix's death. The lyrics of the song do not have a straightforward narrative or story. However, they convey a sense of being lost, disoriented, and under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The line "I get stoned, I can't go home" suggests a state of being intoxicated and unable to return to a stable or sober mindset. Hendrix mentions calling long distance on a public saxophone, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for reaching out for connection or understanding while feeling isolated or disconnected. The reference to Captain Coconut and his dog named Rover could symbolize unpredictable or chaotic influences in his life. There is a recurring theme of moving or grooving throughout the song. This could represent the need for constant motion and change to find clarity or understanding in life. Hendrix also mentions the importance of love and the need to maintain it, suggesting that love can bring some sort of salvation or balance. The lyrics also touch upon the negative effects of smoking, hinting at a desire to quit but expressing the difficulty of doing so. The mention of making love on a dying bed and lacking the breath to do so could suggest a longing for intimacy and connection amidst struggles and limitations. Overall, "Midnight Lightning" seems to capture the fragmented state of mind, challenges, and search for meaning that Hendrix may have experienced during his life. The song reflects his artistic style of combining abstract imagery with personal emotions and struggles.
