https://sharpens.org/lyrics/meaning/midnight-at-the-oasis-by-maria-muldaur
Verse 1 – What does it mean?
“Midnight at the oasis
Send your camel to bed
Shadows painting our faces
Traces of romance in our heads
Heaven’s holding a half moon
Shining just for us
Let’s slip off to
A sand dune, real soon
And kick up a little dust”
The first verse begins with painting the background setting for the listener. Maria makes it clear with the words she chooses that the song is closely related to the desert. The mention of the oasis, a place in desert where water is found, is a testament to that fact. Maria asks her lover to send his camel to bed. That line implies that they’ve been travelling in the desert with each other. Usually, camels are used as a method of transportation in deserts as they can survive for extended periods of time without water and cover longer distances at one go. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the singer is in a romantic mood. The depth of her perception is astounding as it seems that time has stood still for her. She’s gazing at the shadows that are painting her lover’s face. The romance seems to be building up as they’re both caught in the moment. Evenings in deserts are especially aesthetic as the temperature begins to drop and the sunset creates a wholly romantic vibe. The half-moon shining on the sand seems to make the narrator lust for her lover. She suggests that they find a sand dune and get intimate with each other. By “kicking up a little dust”, she means engaging in sex.
Gee. I would have never guessed! LMAO
I was 11 or 12 when this song was popular but remember it well. Even at that age the sultriness of it came through loud and clear so I knew it had to do with something a little naughty, something my parents did when they had their bedroom door closed tight and locked. For one time I walked in on them when they were in the act. I thought my mother was dying in there which is why I ran in. From that point on, they kept their door locked and even to this day, I never spoke of it to them. (I eventually figured out what was really going on).
Innocent times!
I’ve always loved this song, have it on my YouTube playlist.
Send your camel to bed BECAUSE you’re not going to ride away from this oasis, I have plans for you tonight, big boy. Any woman would understand that.
Veto!
(Female)
Something not heard today; a genuinely romantic, flirty, fun song.
You've officially blown my mind!
Now, please, do "Eleonor Rigby!"
Regards,