1) Ian Thomas (Canadian, … Read Full Bio ↴There are at least two artists with this name:
1) Ian Thomas (Canadian, active 1970's-Present)
2) Ian Thomas (American, active 2000's-Present)
3) Ian Thomas (Belgian, active 2011's-Present)
1) Canadian Ian Thomas:
Ian Thomas (born 23 July 1950, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) is a Canadian singer, songwriter, actor and author. He is younger brother to famed Canadian comedian and actor Dave Thomas.
Thomas was a successful rock and roll musician in Canada during the 1970s, with his most memorable hit being 1973's "Painted Ladies". Success in the American market, however, has proven to be elusive with the possible exception of "Painted Ladies," which remains his only U.S. Top 40 hit. He has also done musical composition for about a dozen films and television shows. Before breaking through with "Painted Ladies", he was a producer at the CBC. Before that, he was part of the folk music group Tranquillity Base.
Many of his songs have been covered by popular artists, including "Hold On" (Santana), "The Runner" (Manfred Mann's Earth Band), "Right Before Your Eyes" (America), and "Chains" (Chicago). In 1988, Daryl Braithwaite had hits in Australia with two Thomas compositions: "As The Days Go By" (which peaked at #10), and "All I Do" (a #12 chart hit).
From 1991 through 2002, Thomas released four albums with The Boomers.
Currently, he performs with Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church and Marc Jordan in the group, Lunch At Allen's.
2) American Ian Thomas:
After traveling for years as a street performer, Ian Thomas began playing clubs in New York City, where he recorded his debut album "A Young Man's Blues" and his follow-up "Live at Rockwood Music Hall". Performing both solo and with a band, Thomas draws on a variety of American roots influences, delivering his original compositions on guitar, harmonica and kazoo. His latest release is the EP "Live at the Grey Eagle" recorded in Asheville, NC. He is now based in Knoxville, TN.
3) Belgian Ian Thomas:
Ian Thomas Hoelen (born April 30, 1997 in Antwerp) is a Belgian singer-songwriter, musician, actor and model currently based in Calabasas, California.
Harmony
Ian Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Too many kinks
Hear lots of talkin'
Nobody thinks
Listen to the common man, he don't give a damn
Just trying to make a living, the best that he can
Harmony, what the whole world want
Living, feeling, breathing, dancing
Getting in some deep romancing
I don't like the system
It takes you so far
Big business watching
Wherever you are
In Russia, in China there are people just like us
Tired of propaganda, tired of all the fuss
Harmony, what the whole world want
Harmony, what the common people want
Living, feeling, breathing, dancing
Getting in some deep romancing
Harmony, what the whole world want
Harmony, what the common people want
Harmony, what the whole world want
Harmony, what the common people want
Living, feeling, breathing, dancing
Getting in some deep romancing
That's what the whole world wants
Mmm harmony
Living, feeling, breathing, dancing
Getting in some deep romancing
Mmm what the whole world want
Harmony
In "Harmony," Ian Thomas sings about his dissatisfaction with the system and the tendency of many people to talk without thinking. He explains that the common man doesn't care about the complexities of politics and society; he just wants to make a living and be happy. Thomas suggests that what people really desire is harmony, which includes living, feeling, breathing, and dancing. This harmonious existence includes deep and meaningful romantic connections as well.
Thomas expands the concept of harmony further, noting that it's not just something that the common people want, but it's something that the entire world desires. He observes that people in Russia and China feel the same way, as they are also exhausted by propaganda and the noise from the media that surrounds them. The song's message is a call for unity, understanding, and a deeper connection to the world around us. Through harmony, we can move past the barriers created by political systems and societal norms to create a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't like the system
The singer dislikes the current societal and economic structures
Too many kinks
There are too many flaws and issues within the system
Hear lots of talkin'
People talk a lot about problems, but not much action is taken
Nobody thinks
People are not thinking critically about the problems at hand
Listen to the common man, he don't give a damn
The average person is just trying to survive and isn't invested in the power struggle of the system
Just trying to make a living, the best that he can
The common person is simply working hard to make a living and provide for themselves and their loved ones
Harmony, what the whole world want
The singer believes that everyone desires unity and cooperation
Harmony, what the common people want
The average person desires harmony and connection with others
Living, feeling, breathing, dancing
These are the basic human experiences that can bring people together
Getting in some deep romancing
Finding love and connection with others can also bring people together
It takes you so far
The system has limits and can only provide so much opportunity for individuals
Big business watching
Large corporations have a lot of power and influence within the system
Wherever you are
Corporate influence can be seen in many parts of the world
In Russia, in China there are people just like us
Despite political and cultural differences, people around the world still desire unity and cooperation
Tired of propaganda, tired of all the fuss
People are tired of being manipulated by false information and media hype
That's what the whole world wants
The universal desire for harmony and connection cannot be dismissed
Mmm harmony
Harmony is a desirable state of being
Mmm what the whole world want
The singer emphasizes the importance of recognizing the global desire for harmony
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
Written by: RYAN THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rock History Music
This certainly brings back memories. In the 80's when we were syndicating "The Cross Canada Report" an all Can-con music show there were only two artists that got their own hour long segment. The late Doug Bennett of Doug and Slugs and the other was Ian. Both shows were hilarious interviews. Funny men.
macerockson
Great tune .... great guy ... and a much needed message ... particularly here in Canada!
Todd Fan
Awesome song and message from the Canadian musical genius!
Ken Barth Sim AV8tor
Another gem Ian!
John Beckham
Rock on Ian Thomas as I get to know you better listening to your earlier music! I learned about you for the first time back in 1995 when I played The Art of Living to death! You are a Modern Man living a Life in Song!
B. J. Banditt
COMPLETELY AGREED, John. Remember; IAN THOMAS HIMSELF blew the whistle on the PAYOLA SCANDAL THAT FUCKED OVR LOTS OF CANADIAN MUSICIANS back in the 1970s. "Harmony" is a continuation of "Liars". Aftet he detailed in a "Behind The Vinyl" episode (the "Painted Ladies" 1), I became more intrigued by his career & when "Painted Ladies" only reached #26 on the U.S. HOT 100 on Billboard back in early 1974 (the song was released in L8 1973), I was astounded bc it was received HEAVY AIRPLAY that warranted #1. Nvrthlss, Ian Thomas (along w/brother Dave Thomas & Rick Moranis; a.k.a.: The McKenzie Brothers) r ENTERTAINMENT ROYALTY!!!!! BTW, nice 2 c Dave Thomas in that video.
Dog Groomer
Awesome song!
flon57 2.0
Good memories from the 70s and 80s when Ian used to tour at the Coronet in Kitchner all the time
John Beckham
Ian, Harmony really rocks!
B. J. Banditt
Damn rite; IT DOES FUCKIN' ROCK!!!!!