The Midnight Special was reference to a cop car, during prohibition, that ran up and down the ally ways shinning his spot light in the dark allys looking for illegal drinking and nip joints. The origional lyrics was "(Don't) let the Midnight Special shine its light on me" because thoes cought drinking back then were sent up to the "man" (jail) Origional lyrics were written by a ol' drunk, in jail in Newport News Va. email me at vapnut@hotmail.com for further info.