'Son of a Plumber' differs from Per Gessle's previous solo work in that it is a full band, where he is joined by Clarence Öfwerman on keyboards, Christoffer Lundquist on guitar, Jens Jansson on drums, and Helena Josefsson.
Per Gessle has described 'Son of a Plumber' as a very personal album (and project), dedicated to his father. In style the album is similar to The Beatles' White Album, with several references to the Beatles in the song lyrics.
Jo-Anna Says
Son Of A Plumber Lyrics
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jo-anna spends an hour with her magazine
the day is kinda grey and so lazy
she goes aaaahh...
and hey boy
jo-anna's in the mirror in her dressing gown
talking to a friend who lives uptown
she goes aaaahh...
my love... and beyond
oh i wish she was my love
my love... and beyond beyond
jo-anna says i'm not the only one
jo-anna says i'll never be the one
but when she smiles there's something in her eyes
that tells me i'm not like the other guys
jo-anna says - i have to give her time
jo-anna says - if she's gonna make up her mind
jo-anna says - i have to wait in the line
or come back tomorrow
monday
sitting in a window in a cheap hotel
lighting up the room with a candle
i go aaaahh...
and hey boy
she says that i'm a mess any given day
then laughs as she leaves for a party
i go aaaahh...
my love... and beyond
oh i wish it was my love
my love... and beyond beyond
jo-anna says i'm not the only one
jo-anna says i'll never be the one
but when she smiles there's something in her eyes
that tells me i'm not like the other guys
jo-anna says - i have to give her time
jo-anna says - if she's gonna make up her mind
jo-anna says - i have to stand in the line
or come back tomorrow
The song "Jo-Anna Says" by Son of a Plumber is a melancholic and wistful ballad about an unrequited love. The lyrics speak of a woman named Jo-Anna who spends her Monday with her magazine, lazily going about her day. The singer of the song is hopelessly in love with Jo-Anna, wishing that she could be his love "and beyond." However, Jo-Anna tells the singer that he is not the only one and that she needs time to make up her mind. Even though Jo-Anna sends mixed signals, the singer still holds onto a glimmer of hope, believing that he is different from other guys and that she might eventually choose him.
The tone of the song is introspective and plaintive, with a simple melody that complements the lyrics' sentiments. The singer's unrequited love for Jo-Anna is a universal experience that many listeners can relate to. The song's melancholic tone reflects the feelings of uncertainty and longing that come with loving someone who may not feel the same way.
Line by Line Meaning
monday
The song sets the scene on a Monday, implying the start of a new week.
jo-anna spends an hour with her magazine
Jo-Anna passes her time leisurely by reading a magazine for an hour.
the day is kinda grey and so lazy
The day is very uneventful, mundane and lacks excitement for Jo-Anna.
she goes aaaahh...
Jo-Anna seems to make a simple sound of comfort, showing the song's casualness.
and hey boy
This line addresses the audience to show a sense of connection between the song and the listeners.
jo-anna's in the mirror in her dressing gown
Jo-Anna is admiring herself while wearing her robe in front of the mirror.
talking to a friend who lives uptown
She is on the phone with her friend from the upper part of the city.
she goes aaaahh...
She makes another sound of comfort or contentment, showing no sense of urgency.
my love... and beyond
The artist's declaration of love and desire for Jo-Anna beyond her understanding and acceptance.
oh i wish she was my love
This line signifies the artist's wish to be Jo-Anna's chosen one.
jo-anna says i'm not the only one
Jo-Anna acknowledges that the singer is not the only person interested in her.
jo-anna says i'll never be the one
Jo-Anna implies that the artist will never be the one to be with her romantically.
but when she smiles there's something in her eyes
The singer notices a certain spark in Jo-Anna's behavior or appearance when she smiles.
that tells me i'm not like the other guys
The singer infers that Jo-Anna sees something different or special about him compared to other men.
jo-anna says - i have to give her time
Jo-Anna tells the singer that he needs to be patient and give her time to make up her mind about him.
jo-anna says - if she's gonna make up her mind
Jo-Anna implies that she may or may not make up her mind about the artist.
jo-anna says - i have to stand in the line
Jo-Anna alludes that the artist has to wait alongside other men vying for her affection.
or come back tomorrow
Jo-Anna gives the singer another option of coming back tomorrow to see if he gains an advantage over the other men.
sitting in a window in a cheap hotel
The singer is portrayed as being in a lonely and undesirable situation, such as a cheap hotel with a bad view.
lighting up the room with a candle
The artist creates a mystifying or romantic ambiance by lighting a candle, but still appears to be alone.
i go aaaahh...
The artist exhales a sound similar to Jo-Anna's previous sounds of comfort and enjoyment.
she says that i'm a mess any given day
Jo-Anna tells the artist that he is always a mess, indicating that he is unattractive to her.
then laughs as she leaves for a party
Jo-Anna brushes off the situation and heads to a party, leaving the singer alone once more.
Contributed by Isaiah W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.