About the song
“Walkin’ After Midnight” is a classic country song written by Alan Block and Don Hecht, famously recorded by Patsy Cline. Initially, the song was offered to pop singer Kay Starr but was rejected by her label. It then sat unused until Don Hecht, working with Four Star Records, brought it to Patsy Cline’s attention.
Despite her initial disinterest, Cline agreed to record the song as part of a compromise with her label, which also allowed her to record another song she preferred. The recording session took place on November 8, 1956, at the Bradley Film and Recording Studios, with Paul Cohen as the producer. The single was first released by Lynn Howard and The Accents in August 1956, but it was Cline’s version that truly made an impact.
In January 1957, Cline performed “Walkin’ After Midnight” on the CBS TV show “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts.” The positive reaction from the audience led to a rush release of the song on February 11, 1957. The song quickly became a hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard country chart and No. 12 on the pop chart. It sold over a million copies, establishing Patsy Cline as a major name in country music.
“Walkin’ After Midnight” was recognized as one of the greatest songs in country music history and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020. This song is celebrated for its blend of country, pop, jazz, and blues elements, with its charming mix of acoustic and electric instruments performed by top Nashville musicians of the time. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Cline’s remarkable talent and the songwriters’ skill in creating a timeless classic.
Video
Lyrics
I go out walkin’ after midnight
Out in the moonlight
Just like we used to do, I’m always walkin’
After midnight, searchin’ for you (wa-wa-walking, wa-wa-walking)
I walk for miles along the highway
Well, that’s just my way
Of sayin’ I love you, I’m always walkin’
After midnight, searchin’ for you (wa-wa-walking, wa-wa-walking)
I stop to see a weepin’ willow
Cryin’ on his pillow
Maybe he’s cryin’ for me
And as the skies turn gloomy
Night winds whisper to me
I’m lonesome as I can be
I go out walkin’ after midnight
Out in the moonlight
Just hopin’ you may be somewhere a-walkin’
After midnight, searchin’ for me (Wa-wa-walking, wa-wa-walking)
I stop to see a weepin’ willow
Cryin’ on his pillow
Maybe he’s cryin’ for me
And as the skies turn gloomy
Night winds whisper to me
I’m lonesome as I can be
I go out walkin’ after midnight
Out in the moonlight
Just hopin’ you may be somewhere a-walkin’
After midnight, searchin’ for me (wa-wa-walking, wa-ooh-ah)