Johnston's songs are often about troubled loners, and cover topics like heartbreak, alienation and disappointment. Known for the craftsmanship of his songs, he has sometimes been called a "songwriter's songwriter".
He has contributed songs to the soundtracks for movies including Kingpin and Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead. Johnston and fellow musicians Jay Moran, James "Pie" Cowan, Duke Erikson, and Butch Vig perform occasional shows as a covers band called "The Know-It-All Boyfriends."
Johnston latest release is a covers album titled "Rain on the City", It includes selections from Tom Petty, Paul McCartney, Matthew Sweet and The Hollies.
Something
Freedy Johnston Lyrics
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Something's out there
Ever wonder why everybody
Knows each other
Those shows go on too long
They always get the ending wrong
If I'm not already gone
I'm somewhere every night
Suddenly wide awake
Walking into the light
Some things remain to be seen
And something's out there
I'm taking everything that I need
And nothing extra
If I don't talk to myself
Then who am I going to tell
Suddenly it's very still
Hiding between the days
Lie the quiet nights
Leading me to a place
I can never recognize
I was strong and I was brave
I was taken anyway
Though I can't remember what they do
I'm decided, you're unsure
Something's trying at the door
I think you're going to believe me
Something's out there
Ever wonder why everybody
Gets together
Sit down and cross yourself
I'm coming back as someone else
And you can never tell
Walking around in the day
Waiting in the night
You're going to be OK
And I won't leave you behind
In Freedy Johnston's song "Something," the singer is addressing something that exists but is not quite tangible. He asserts that "something's out there" and asks if the listener has ever wondered why everybody knows each other. The song appears to question the nature of reality and whether or not there is something beyond what can be seen with the naked eye. Johnston also touches on the idea of memory and how it can be easily forgotten or lost over time. He insists that he was once "strong and brave" but "was taken anyway," suggesting that some things are beyond our control. The lyrics end on a hopeful note, reassuring the listener that they will be okay and promising never to leave them behind.
Overall, "Something" is a thought-provoking song that encourages listeners to question what is real and what we are unable to see or understand. The themes of memory, loss of control, and the unknown are explored through Johnston's lyrics, making for a reflective and emotional listening experience.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not saying you've got to believe me
I don't need your belief, but something exists
Something's out there
There is an inexplicable entity present
Ever wonder why everybody knows each other
The small world phenomenon is intriguing
Those shows go on too long
The duration of these programs is exhausting
They always get the ending wrong
The conclusion is never satisfactory
If I'm not already gone
I'll be available for discussion
Talk to me in the day
Find me during daylight hours
I'm somewhere every night
I have a nightly ritual
Suddenly wide awake
Arousal occurred unexpectedly
Walking into the light
Approaching the illuminated area
Some things remain to be seen
Certain components are still obscure
And something's out there
An undetected presence persists
I'm taking everything that I need
I'm gathering all essentials
And nothing extra
I'll exclude the extraneous stuff
If I don't talk to myself
I need to converse with nobody else
Then who am I going to tell
With whom shall I communicate?
Suddenly it's very still
The atmosphere became quiet
Hiding between the days
Secreting amidst daylight
Lie the quiet nights
The tranquil evenings persist
Leading me to a place
Guiding me toward some location
I can never recognize
The spot is unfamiliar
I was strong and I was brave
I had courage and strength
I was taken anyway
Nevertheless, I was abducted
Though I can't remember what they do
But I cannot recall their actions
I'm decided, you're unsure
I've resolved, while you're indecisive
Something's trying at the door
Some entity is attempting entry
I think you're going to believe me
I'm confident that you'll trust me
Something's out there
An indescribable presence exists
Ever wonder why everybody gets together
The collective nature among people is curious
Sit down and cross yourself
Please take a seat and be calm
I'm coming back as someone else
In my next life, I'll be different
And you can never tell
But, it's impossible to predict
Walking around in the day
Strolling during sunlight
Waiting in the night
Awaits in the darkness
You're going to be OK
Everything will be fine
And I won't leave you behind
I won't desert you
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: FREEDY JOHNSTON, STANLEY LYNCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind