After Midnight (feat. Clairo)

Phoenix's song 'After Midnight (feat. Clairo)' is a mesmerizing exploration of time, memory, and the blurred lines between day and night. The lyrics paint a picture of a journey that transcends conventional boundaries, both temporal and emotional. The repeated references to 'when the Sun is almost gone' and 'after midnight' suggest a liminal space where the familiar rules of reality start to dissolve, giving way to a more introspective and surreal experience.

The collaboration with Clairo adds a layer of youthful introspection, as the lyrics delve into themes of nostalgia and the passage of time. Phrases like 'my memories, souvenirs, some originals' evoke a sense of looking back at the past with a mix of fondness and melancholy. The song's structure, with its unconventional shifts and repetitions, mirrors the fragmented nature of memory and the way our minds wander in the quiet hours of the night.

The recurring line 'listen, it's illicit' hints at the forbidden or taboo aspects of this nocturnal journey. It suggests that the thoughts and feelings that surface after midnight are those we might not confront in the harsh light of day. This duality is further emphasized by the contrast between 'broad daylight' and 'after midnight,' highlighting the different facets of our identities that emerge in different contexts. Phoenix and Clairo's collaboration creates a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that captures the essence of this twilight exploration, making 'After Midnight' a compelling reflection on the complexities of time and self-awareness.