Midnight Cowboy

Surf Curse's song 'Midnight Cowboy' delves into the life of a character who navigates the night, seeking connection and survival in a world illuminated by neon lights. The protagonist's life is marked by financial struggles, as indicated by the line 'the boy knows when the money’s tight.' This economic hardship drives him to find lovers, suggesting a transactional nature to his relationships, where affection and intimacy are exchanged for financial stability. The neon lights symbolize the artificial and transient nature of his existence, highlighting a life lived in the shadows and margins of society.

The repeated phrase 'I've been living like a midnight cowboy' evokes a sense of identity and resignation. The term 'midnight cowboy' conjures images of a lone wanderer, reminiscent of the 1969 film 'Midnight Cowboy,' which tells the story of a man who moves to New York City with dreams of a better life but ends up in a cycle of exploitation and despair. This reference adds a layer of cultural context, suggesting that the protagonist's dreams of 'days of a different life' are continually out of reach, replaced by a harsh reality of fleeting encounters and unfulfilled desires.

The song also touches on themes of escapism and longing. The protagonist closes his eyes and imagines 'living the desert life,' a stark contrast to his current urban existence. This desert life represents freedom, simplicity, and a return to nature, away from the complexities and artificiality of city life. The repetition of 'I've been' underscores a sense of ongoing struggle and the cyclical nature of his experiences, as he remains trapped in his role as the 'midnight cowboy,' yearning for a different reality but unable to break free from his circumstances.