Sam Smith is a British singer and songwriter born in London in 1992. They became famous in 2012 after singing on Disclosure’s hit song Latch.
Their first album, In the Lonely Hour, included big songs like Stay With Me and won four Grammy Awards.
Known for their soulful voice and emotional lyrics, Smith’s music often highlights themes of love and heartbreak. They have also won an Oscar for the James Bond song Writing’s on the Wall.
Note: Smith is open about being non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.
About the Song
Midnight Train is a song about choosing oneself over staying in a relationship that no longer feels right. The lyrics discuss the pain of leaving someone you still care for, yet knowing it’s the best decision.
The song employs the idea of a midnight train as a metaphor for moving on. It’s about being honest with feelings and making a hard choice to find peace.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 3, 2017 |
| Album | The Thrill of It All (2017) |
| Writers | Sam Smith, Jimmy Napes & Malay |
| Producers | Steve Fitzmaurice, Jimmy Napes & Malay |
Midnight Train Lyrics by Sam Smith
Intro
(One, two, three, four)
Verse 1
I choose me and I know that’s selfish, love
You are a dream and I can’t thank you enough
But I give another piece of me away
Every wakin’ day that I’m with you
Am I a monster? What will your family think of me?
They brought me in, they helped me out with everything
But I give a little piece of me away
Every single day
Chorus
So I pick up the pieces, I get on the midnight train
I got my reasons, but darlin’, I can’t explain
I’ll always love you
But tonight’s the night I choose to walk away
Bah-bah, doo, bah-bah, doo
Bah-bah, doo, bah-bah, doo
Verse 2
Love you so much that I have to let you go
I’ll miss your touch and the secrets we both know
But it would be wrong for me to stay
And I’ll just give you hope
Chorus
So I pick up the pieces, I get on the midnight train
I got my reasons, but darlin’, I can’t explain
I’ll always love you
But tonight’s the night I choose to walk away
I can’t stop cryin’, I hate that I’ve caused you pain
But I can’t deny it, I just don’t feel the same
I’ll always love you
But tonight’s the night I choose to walk away
Bah-bah, doo, bah-bah, doo
Bah-bah, doo, bah-bah, doo
So I pick up the pieces, I get on the midnight train
I got my reasons, but darlin’, I can’t explain
I’ll always love you
But tonight’s the night I choose to walk away
Live Performance at Austin City Limits
Similar Song Like Midnight Train
You might enjoy a few other songs that convey similar feelings of personal truth, quiet strength, and honest choices in love.
- Too Good at Goodbyes: This song begins with gentle piano and shows how someone protects themselves from getting hurt again in a breakup.
- Burning: Starting with a soft, slow rhythm, this song tells the story of missing someone deeply and feeling lost without them.
- Say It First: This track talks about waiting for the other person to speak up in love, not wanting to say it first.
- Nothing Left for You: Built on a soft melody, it shares the moment when someone has given all they can and feels empty.
Similar Artists Like Sam Smith
Below is the list of artists who share a similar musical style and emotional depth.
- Ed Sheeran
Genre: Pop, Folk-Pop, Singer-Songwriter
Top Albums: ÷ (Divide) (2017), x (Multiply) (2014) - Adele
Genre: Pop, Soul, R&B
Top Albums: 21 (2011), 25 (2015) - Lewis Capaldi
Genre: Pop, Soul
Top Albums: Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent (2019), Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent (2023) - James Arthur
Genre: Pop, R&B, Rock
Top Albums: Back from the Edge (2016), Bitter Sweet Love (2024) - John Legend
Genre: R&B, Soul, Pop
Top Albums: Get Lifted (2004), Bigger Love (2020)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Midnight Train Based on Personal Experience?
Sam Smith often draws from personal feelings, making the song feel genuine.
Why is Midnight Train Called a Selfish Anthem?
Because it’s about putting your own well-being first, even if it means leaving someone you love.
Does Sam Smith Write Their Own Songs?
Yes, Sam Smith writes most of their songs, including Midnight Train.
