About the song
“Walkin’ After Midnight” is a timeless country music classic that has captured the hearts of listeners for generations. Written by Alan Block and Don Hecht, this iconic song was first recorded by American country music artist Patsy Cline in 1957. The song’s journey to stardom was not without its challenges, as it was initially rejected by pop singer Kay Starr’s label and left unused for some time.
However, fate had other plans for “Walkin’ After Midnight”. Don Hecht rediscovered the song while working for Four Star Records, and Patsy Cline eventually recorded it after making a compromise with her label. Although Cline was initially not fond of the song, her rendition of “Walkin’ After Midnight” would go on to become her first major hit single.
The song’s breakthrough came when Cline performed it on an episode of the CBS television program Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts in January 1957. The strong response from viewers prompted the song’s rush-release as a single on February 11, 1957. “Walkin’ After Midnight” quickly rose to fame, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard country music chart and No. 12 on its pop chart. The song’s success was unprecedented, with over one million copies sold and its inclusion on authoritative lists of the all-time greatest songs in country music.
In recognition of its enduring impact, the 1957 release of “Walkin’ After Midnight” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020. This iconic song has stood the test of time, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of country music fans. With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, “Walkin’ After Midnight” remains a beloved classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
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)