The Meaning Behind The Song: Silent Morning by Noel
Noel Pagan’s famous dance single “Silent Morning” was one of the chart-topping songs in the late 80s and early 90s. Released in 1987, it quickly gained popularity among the club-goers and dance enthusiasts, and still remains a favorite among many today. The song was written by Lewis A. Martineé and produced by the now defunct Latin freestyle group, Exposé. Below, we explore the meaning behind “Silent Morning” by Noel.
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The Inspiration Behind the Song
“Silent Morning” was inspired by a true story that happened to one of the members of the group, Lewis A. Martineé. He had met a girl named Noel during a night out on the town, and was so taken by her beauty and charm, he wrote the song in her honor. Years later, Noel herself would end up singing the song that was named after her.
The Lyrics Interpretation
The lyrics of “Silent Morning” tell a story of a man yearning for the attention of a woman who doesn’t seem to notice him.
The song begins with the stanza, “Tell me why, I feel this way, Life wouldn’t be the same, Without you”. The protagonist is trying to get the woman’s attention by conveying his feelings for her, highlighting the implied hopelessness of his heart without her. Indeed, throughout the course of the song, he pleads with her to acknowledge his feelings for her, to notice him, and to reciprocate. She remains entranced in her personal world, oblivious to the man’s yearning, leaving him heartbroken.
The Video Interpretation
The video for “Silent Morning” follows a narrative of Martineé contemplating his life lyrics in the middle of an Exposé concert. He finds himself drawn to a woman in the crowd – the fictional Noel – and becomes fixated. As he performs on stage, she moves past him and walks out of the concert hall without so much as a glance in his direction.
The video follows Martineé as he is seen hanging on a street corner, singing his song under various shots from the video. He passes many faces and walks past a church, without anyone paying any attention. Eventually, he ends up in front of a warehouse with the words “Silent Morning” on the door. He enters and finds various symbols from the video, such as a woman’s dress and a piano in the middle of the room. Martineé then talks directly to the camera, asking, “Have you ever loved someone so deeply that you can’t imagine life without them?”.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Song: Silent Morning
1. Who is the woman that inspired “Silent Morning” by Noel?
There is an anecdote that a girl named Noel inspired “Silent Morning” by Lewis A. Martineé. They met in a club, and Martineé was taken by her charm and beauty. Years later, Noel performed the song named after her, thus cementing her indirect legacy in the song.
2. How did “Silent Morning” become such a popular song?
The song was released in 1987 across multiple platforms and received lots of airplay. This, combined with its catchy beat and relatable themes, led to the song reaching high on several charts in the United States as well as internationally.
3. Is “Silent Morning” by Noel a cover song?
No, “Silent Morning” by Noel is not a cover song. It was written by Lewis A. Martineé and originally performed by the band Noel. The song became so popular that it spawned several remixes and covered by other artists.
4. What is the meaning behind the lyrics of “Silent Morning”?
“Silent Morning” is a song about unrequited love and the frustration that comes with it. The lyrics express yearning for someone who doesn’t seem to notice you and the pain that comes with being ignored or rejected.
5. Was “Silent Morning” by Noel popular in other countries?
Yes, the song was popular not just in the United States, but also in Europe and Latin America. It topped the charts in many countries, and it is still played on dancefloors worldwide.
6. Which genre of music does “Silent Morning” belong to?
“Silent Morning” is a dance and freestyle song. The genre became popular in the 1980s and early 1990s, mostly in North America, and features fast beats and synthesized sound.
7. What was the impact of “Silent Morning” in the music industry?
The song is considered a trailblazer for the dance and freestyle genres, and it helped pave the way for more mainstream success of these kinds of music. Additionally, it showed that Latinx artists could succeed in the music industry.
8. What other songs were popular during the time “Silent Morning” was released?
During the late 80s and early 90s, many other dance and freestyle songs were popular, such as Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam’s “Head to Toe,” Company B’s “Fascinated,” and Stevie B’s “Spring Love.”
9. Who are the members of the band Noel?
Noel is a singer-songwriter born in the Bronx, New York. The band, on the other hand, was made up of Lewis A. Martineé, who co-wrote and produced the song, and singers/songwriters Ian Anthony Stephens and Xavier de Encorrada.
10. Was “Silent Morning” by Noel ever performed live?
Yes, Noel Pagan performed the song live several times, both as a solo artist and with other artists, such as Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam and Johnny O.
11. What is the significance of the title “Silent Morning”?
The title conveys a sense of loneliness and poignancy associated with the quiet hours of the morning. In the context of the song, it relates to the feelings of desperation and heartbreak associated with being ignored or rejected.
12. Is there a music video for “Silent Morning” by Noel?
Yes, there is. Directed by Duncan Gibbins, the music video was filmed in Miami, Florida, and features vivid colors in contrast to the melancholy and sorrow of the song’s lyrics. The video enhances the song’s themes of unrequited love by showcasing Lewis A. Martineé’s forlorn search for the elusive Noel through a maze of city streets.
