Eric Clapton And J.J. Cale: "After Midnight" (2001)

"After Midnight" is a rock song written by J. J. Cale, which was later successfully covered by Eric Clapton. The laid back boogie feel of "After Midnight" is a prime example of Cale's signature style. Cale had written the song and released a demo version in 1966.

"After Midnight" was also in many ways the catalyst for Cale's own solo recording career. Cale was unaware of Clapton's recording of the song until it became a radio hit in 1970. He recalled to Mojo magazine that when he heard Clapton’s version playing on his radio, “I was dirt poor, not making enough to eat and I wasn’t a young man. I was in my thirties, so I was very happy. It was nice to make some money.” [1] Cale's friend and producer Audie Ashworth then encouraged him to capitalize on the song's success by recording a full album, Naturally, released in 1971. The single by Cale reached #42 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972.

Cale released a live version on the album Live in 2001.

- Lyrics:

After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out.
After midnight, we're gonna chug-a-lug and shout.
We're gonna stimulate some action;
We're gonna get some satisfaction.
We're gonna find out what it is all about.
After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out.

After midnight, we're gonna shake your tambourine.
After midnight, it's all gonna be peaches and cream.
We're gonna cause talk and suspicion;
We're gonna give an exhibition.
We're gonna find out what it is all about.
After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out.

After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out.

Second Verse

After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out.
After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out.
After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out.
After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out.