That Time of the Night

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "That Time of the Night (The Short Straw)" from Marillion's 1987 album Clutching at Straws, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks vibing. This song, the third on the album, dives deep into the psyche of Torch, a fictional character who’s really a stand-in for frontman Fish’s own struggles with alcoholism and self-doubt. Fish once shared in a 1987 No1 Magazine interview that the song was born from a sleepless night in a hotel, where he was haunted by paranoia, with moonlight casting cross-like shadows on the walls, sparking thoughts of religion and death. He described it as a “well hairy night,” capturing the raw, chaotic energy that builds in the song’s slow, atmospheric start to its melodramatic finish. The title’s nod to “the short straw” is no accident—Fish later confirmed it’s a gritty reference to snorting cocaine with a rolled banknote, a habit some band members indulged in during their wilder days, adding a dark edge to the track’s narrative.

Another layer of trivia comes from Fish’s own reflections on the song’s creation. In a 2018 Genius annotation, he admitted that writing “That Time of the Night” was part of grappling with his growing discontent in Marillion. He was exhausted from relentless touring and felt trapped by the band’s machine, even contemplating leaving as he lay awake, staring at the ceiling. This personal turmoil seeps into the lyrics, with lines like “We’ve been taken on a very long ride” and “With all good intention I would probably run away,” hinting at his eventual exit from the band in 1988. The song’s moody, layered instrumentation—driven by Steve Rothery’s restrained guitar, Mark Kelly’s haunting synths, and Ian Mosley’s rugged drums—perfectly mirrors Torch’s descent, making it a standout for fans who dissect its emotional depth on platforms like Steve Hoffman Music Forums.

Marillion got their start in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, in 1979, originally under the name Silmarillion, inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s book. Formed by drummer Mick Pointer and bassist Doug Irvine, the band was heavily influenced by classic prog rock like Genesis, with early gigs showcasing their theatrical, Genesis-inspired sound. By 1981, they’d shortened their name to Marillion and brought in Scottish singer Fish (Derek William Dick), whose larger-than-life stage presence and poetic lyrics defined their early years. Their debut single, “Market Square Heroes,” dropped in 1982, followed by their first album, Script for a Jester’s Tear, in 1983, which cemented their place in the neo-progressive rock scene. The Fish era saw commercial peaks with hits like “Kayleigh” from 1985’s Misplaced Childhood, but internal struggles and Fish’s departure in 1988 marked a turning point. Steve Hogarth joined in 1989, steering the band into a new, experimental phase while maintaining their loyal fanbase.

Today, Marillion remains a cult favorite, celebrated for their innovative approach to fan-funded music and epic live shows. You can catch up with them on their official website, where they share tour dates, album news, and merch. They’re active on social media, too, with a vibrant Facebook page, an Instagram feed full of behind-the-scenes shots, and an X account for quick updates. Fans, or “Freaks” as they’re sometimes called, gather on sites like Marillionations for deep dives into song meanings and lyrics. There’s also a dedicated Facebook group for Marillion enthusiasts to swap stories, discuss albums, and plan meetups at gigs, keeping the band’s community spirit alive.