Jimi Hendrix – Burning of the Midnight Lamp: A Soulful Blues Lament from a Psychedelic Pioneer
Jimi Hendrix. A name synonymous with scorching guitar riffs, psychedelic sonic landscapes, and a stage presence that redefined the role of the lead guitarist. But beneath the pyrotechnics and feedback swirls resided a deep well of soulful expression and bluesy introspection. This depth is beautifully captured in “Burning of the Midnight Lamp,” a song that transcends the boundaries of genre and offers a glimpse into the emotional core of this revolutionary musician.
Background
Released in 1967 as the B-side to the iconic “All Along the Watchtower,” “Burning of the Midnight Lamp” initially flew under the radar. However, over time, the song has garnered a devoted following, praised for its raw vulnerability and its encapsulation of the emotional toll of a life on the road.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Hendrix himself, are veiled in a poetic ambiguity that allows for multiple interpretations. The imagery of a “dead morning” and a “frowning wall” paints a picture of loneliness and isolation, possibly reflecting the alienation Hendrix felt as a Black musician navigating the predominantly white rock scene of the late 1960s.
Chorus:
And I continue to burn the midnight lamp alone. Now the smiling portrait of you is still hanging on my frowning wall. It really doesn’t, really doesn’t bother me too much at all. It’s just the, uh, ever-falling dust that makes it so hard for me to see.
The recurring refrain of “burning the midnight lamp” can be interpreted in several ways. It could symbolize the relentless pursuit of creative expression, the solitary hours spent honing his craft. Alternatively, it could represent the yearning for connection and a sense of belonging, a yearning left unfulfilled despite the vibrant lights and roaring crowds of his rockstar existence.
Musically, the song blends bluesy elements with Hendrix’s signature psychedelic flourishes. The distorted guitar riff conjures a sense of weary resignation, while the sparse instrumentation allows Hendrix’s soulful vocals to take center stage. The song builds to a crescendo of distorted feedback, a sonic manifestation of the emotional turmoil simmering beneath the surface.
Burning of the Midnight Lamp stands as a testament to the multifaceted artistry of Jimi Hendrix. It’s a song that showcases not just his technical brilliance, but also his capacity for raw emotional expression. While often overshadowed by his louder, more flamboyant works, this song offers a poignant glimpse into the heart and soul of a musical legend.
Video
Here are some additional details about the song:
- Released in 1967 as the B-side to “All Along the Watchtower” on the album Electric Ladyland.
- The song is credited solely to Jimi Hendrix.
- The song reached a peak position of number 15 on the UK Singles Chart.