For… Read Full Bio ↴Haysi Fantayzee were a British new wave band of the early 1980s.
Formed and fronted by white dreadlocked singers Jeremy Healy (also known as Jeremiah) and Kate Garner, and with Kate's boyfriend songwriter/producer/manager Paul Caplin in the background, the band had several UK hits in 1983 such as the singles John Wayne Is Big Leggy, Shiny Shiny, and Sister Friction. The band never broke through to the same kind of success in the US, although they did have some popularity there.
Originally Caplin and Garner had intended to make music with just Garner performing, but then they met Healy (who at 19 was much younger than Garner) and decided to pair them up. The band used their artsy look as a selling point, making a crude video performance and using that instead of a demo tape to sell the band to record companies. Their attention-getting outfits were often designed by Garner herself. The two singers looked like distorted mirror images of each other, with similar hair and makeup. Their glamorous ragamuffin style was frequently compared to Boy George.
The band's catchy music often had darkly humorous, subversive lyrics. Shiny Shiny is an upbeat dance tune about the apocalypse, while John Wayne is Big Leggy is about John Wayne refusing to remove his holster when he has sex with a squaw.
The band often garnered musical comparisons to such other new wave pop acts as Bow Wow Wow, Bananarama, and Adam and the Ants. Garner appeared alongside Bananarama in the 1983 music video Who's That Girl by the Eurythmics.
The band's history was brief and the duo released only one studio album: 1983's Battle Hymns for Children Singing on RCA Records. On his website, Healy claims to have made up the album's title on the spot when some journalists asked him what the record would be called.
Kate Garner had a brief solo career after the break-up of Haysi Fantayzee and then focused on a career in photography. One of her many noteworthy achievements is a photograph she took of Sinéad O'Connor that eventually became the cover art for O'Connor's 1987 debut album The Lion and the Cobra. Garner has also photographed many musicians and celebrities. Among them are: Björk, Boy George, Milla Jovovich, David Bowie, PJ Harvey, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Tyson Beckford, Carmen Kass, Kate Moss and numerous others. Jeremy Healy became a DJ and mixer for other artists, including his former school chum Boy George. Paul Caplin now runs Caplin Systems, an internet software company.
John Wayne Is Big Leggy
Haysi Fantayzee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Showdown
Take me away
He's as big as a ranch
Take me away
He's as tough as they come
(J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne)
Take me away
He's so long
Take me away
You know he's never wrong
(J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne)
He stands so high
It's enough to make any red skin cry
He knows what's right and he knows that God is with him
'Cause he is right, Big Leggy lives
J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne
John Wayne in lovers lane
Making whoopee with his squaw
But his bullet starts a-gettin' in the way
It's making his life a bore
So she says to him
Take off that thing
It's getting right between us
Now listen, honey
I can't do that, no even for you, my sweetness
Now Big John
If that's a fact, then how d'you propose we do our act?
If that's the way it's gonna be, get the hell out of my tepee
Now speckled hen
Just stop your squawkin'
Big Bad Rooster's doin' the talking
I know a trick we ought to try
Turn right over, you'll know why
He stands so high
It's enough to make any red skin cry
He knows what's right and he knows that God is with him
'Cause he is right, Big Leggy lives
J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne
You wonder why he stands so high
It's just the space between him and the sky
You wonderin' why he stands so high
Just the space between him and the sky
You wonderin' why he stands so high
Just the space between him and the sky
You wonderin' why he stands so high
Just the space between him and that sky
Take me away
John Wayne is Big Leggy
Take me away
John Wayne is Big Leggy
Take me away
John Wayne is Big Leggy
Take me away
John Wayne
He stands so high
It's enough to make any red skin cry
He knows what's right and he knows that God is with him
'Cause he is right, Big Leggy lives
J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Showdown
Showdown
Haysi Fantayzee's song "John Wayne Is Big Leggy" is a playful and irreverent tribute to the iconic American film star, John Wayne. The lyrics are full of references to Western movie tropes and exaggerated imagery, highlighting the larger-than-life persona of the famous actor.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Take me away, John Wayne is Big Leggy" several times, suggesting that Wayne's masculinity and strength are something to be admired and desired. The verses describe Wayne in grandiose terms, emphasizing his physical size and toughness, as well as his righteousness and connection to God.
The song also features a comical dialogue between John Wayne and his "squaw," where they discuss the difficulties of being intimate while Wayne is wearing a gun. The exchange is meant to be playful and satirical, lampooning the Western genre and its tropes.
Overall, "John Wayne Is Big Leggy" is a satirical and tongue-in-cheek homage to John Wayne and the Western genre, poking fun at their absurdities and exaggerations while also celebrating their iconic status and enduring appeal.
Line by Line Meaning
Shotgun, gimme
I want to take control and lead the way
Gimme low down fun boy
I want excitement and adventure
Okay, yeah, showdown
I'm ready for a challenge and competition
Take me away
I want to escape reality
He's as big as a ranch
John Wayne is a huge presence
He's as tough as they come
John Wayne is a strong and resilient figure
J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne
John Wayne is the focus and hero
He stands so high
John Wayne is a towering figure
It's enough to make any red skin cry
John Wayne's power and strength is overwhelming
He knows what's right and he knows that God is with him
John Wayne is confident in his beliefs and actions
Big Leggy lives
John Wayne's legacy lives on
John Wayne in lovers lane
John Wayne is depicted as a romantic figure
Making whoopee with his squaw
John Wayne is enjoying intimate moments with his partner
It's making his life a bore
The presence of a gun is hindering John Wayne's relationship
Take off that thing
His partner wants John Wayne to remove his gun
If that's a fact, then how d'you propose we do our act?
John Wayne is unwilling to compromise his beliefs and actions
If that's the way it's gonna be, get the hell out of my tepee
John Wayne will not change for anyone and is willing to end relationships over it
Big Bad Rooster's doin' the talking
The confident and dominant masculinity of John Wayne is being showcased
I know a trick we ought to try
There is a solution to the situation
Turn right over, you'll know why
Intimacy without the presence of a gun will solve the issue
You wonder why he stands so high
John Wayne's imposing presence is being questioned
It's just the space between him and the sky
His towering height is exaggerated for effect
John Wayne is Big Leggy
The idea that John Wayne is a powerful and dominant figure is reinforced
Showdown
A competitive and confrontational event
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Paul Caplin, Katherine Garner, Jeremy Healy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@issuepunkzine
Lyrics
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Showdown
Take me away
He's as big as a ranch
Take me away
He's as tough as they come
(J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne)
Take me away
He's so long
Take me away
You know he's never wrong
(J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne)
He stands so high
It's enough to make any red skin cry
He knows what's right and he knows that God is with him
'Cause he is right, Big Leggy lives
J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne
John Wayne in lovers lane
Making whoopee with his squaw
But his bullet starts a-gettin' in the way
It's making his life a bore
So she says to him
Take off that thing
It's getting right between us
Now listen, honey
I can't do that, no even for you, my sweetness
Now Big John
If that's a fact, then how d'you propose we do our act?
If that's the way it's gonna be, get the hell out of my tepee
Now speckled hen
Just stop your squawkin'
Big Bad Rooster's doin' the talking
I know a trick we ought to try
Turn right over, you'll know why
He stands so high
It's enough to make any red skin cry
He knows what's right and he knows that God is with him
'Cause he is right, Big Leggy lives
J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne
You wonder why he stands so high
It's just the space between him and the sky
You wonderin' why he stands so high
Just the space between him and the sky
You wonderin' why he stands so high
Just the space between him and the sky
You wonderin' why he stands so high
Just the space between him and that sky
Take me away
John Wayne is Big Leggy
Take me away
John Wayne is Big Leggy
Take me away
John Wayne is Big Leggy
Take me away
John Wayne
He stands so high
It's enough to make any red skin cry
He knows what's right and he knows that God is with him
'Cause he is right, Big Leggy lives
J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Showdown
Showdown
@v1e1r1g1e1
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Showdown
Take me away
He's as big as a ranch
Take me away
He's as tough as they come
(J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne)
Take me away
He's so long
Take me away
You know he's never wrong
(J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne)
He stands so high
It's enough to make any red skin cry
He knows what's right and he knows that God is with him
'Cause he is right, Big Leggy lives
J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne
John Wayne in lovers lane
Making whoopee with his squaw
But his bullet starts a-gettin' in the way
It's making his life a bore
So she says to him
Take off that thing
It's getting right between us
Now listen, honey
I can't do that, no even for you, my sweetness
Now Big John
If that's a fact, then how d'you propose we do our act?
If that's the way it's gonna be, get the hell out of my tepee
Now speckled hen
Just stop your squawkin'
Big Bad Rooster's doin' the talking
I know a trick we ought to try
Turn right over, you'll know why
He stands so high
It's enough to make any red skin cry
He knows what's right and he knows that God is with him
'Cause he is right, Big Leggy lives
J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne
You wonder why he stands so high
It's just the space between him and the sky
You wonderin' why he stands so high
Just the space between him and the sky
You wonderin' why he stands so high
Just the space between him and the sky
You wonderin' why he stands so high
Just the space between him and that sky
Take me away
John Wayne is Big Leggy
Take me away
John Wayne is Big Leggy
Take me away
John Wayne is Big Leggy
Take me away
John Wayne
He stands so high
It's enough to make any red skin cry
He knows what's right and he knows that God is with him
'Cause he is right, Big Leggy lives
J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Showdown
Showdown
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Jeremy Healy / Katherine Garner / Paul Caplin
John Wayne Is Big Leggy lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc
@timegan1884
The Brits ruled music in the 80s. So many interesting bands and looks.
@chrish7975
42 years .. and I still don't understand a word she sings.
@issuepunkzine
Lyrics
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Showdown
Take me away
He's as big as a ranch
Take me away
He's as tough as they come
(J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne)
Take me away
He's so long
Take me away
You know he's never wrong
(J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne)
He stands so high
It's enough to make any red skin cry
He knows what's right and he knows that God is with him
'Cause he is right, Big Leggy lives
J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne
John Wayne in lovers lane
Making whoopee with his squaw
But his bullet starts a-gettin' in the way
It's making his life a bore
So she says to him
Take off that thing
It's getting right between us
Now listen, honey
I can't do that, no even for you, my sweetness
Now Big John
If that's a fact, then how d'you propose we do our act?
If that's the way it's gonna be, get the hell out of my tepee
Now speckled hen
Just stop your squawkin'
Big Bad Rooster's doin' the talking
I know a trick we ought to try
Turn right over, you'll know why
He stands so high
It's enough to make any red skin cry
He knows what's right and he knows that God is with him
'Cause he is right, Big Leggy lives
J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne
You wonder why he stands so high
It's just the space between him and the sky
You wonderin' why he stands so high
Just the space between him and the sky
You wonderin' why he stands so high
Just the space between him and the sky
You wonderin' why he stands so high
Just the space between him and that sky
Take me away
John Wayne is Big Leggy
Take me away
John Wayne is Big Leggy
Take me away
John Wayne is Big Leggy
Take me away
John Wayne
He stands so high
It's enough to make any red skin cry
He knows what's right and he knows that God is with him
'Cause he is right, Big Leggy lives
J-J-J-J-J-John Wayne
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Shotgun, gimme
Gimme low down fun boy
Okay, yeah, showdown
Showdown
Showdown
@rodmorrison47
@@issuepunkzine *Cos he's white
@cerirobson7932
These were way ahead of their time, absolutely brilliant . She was beautiful
@leighwakeham3735
Looks wise, yes body wise hell no.
@carolynjackson7608
@@leighwakeham3735 what..
@euromusicfreak
@@leighwakeham3735 She was stunning body wise, we didn't have Lizzo back in the day
@m.y.o.b.724
Still looks good for her age.
@leighwakeham3735
@@euromusicfreak She is/was far too thin for my taste.