Johnny Yen
JAMES (live) Lyrics
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Give me a standing ovation and your sympathy
Poor old Johnny Yen's set himself on fire again
See the Jean Genie on his high-wire act
At the back of his mind lies a suicide pact
Poor old Johnny Yen's set himself on fire again
Waiting for their own star turn
Needing danger where war would do
If they can't let it out, they'll pick on you
Poor old Johnny Yen's set himself on fire again
On fire again
Poor old Johnny Yen's set himself on fire again
See Houdini and his underwater tricks
You were sitting at the front hoping his locks would stick
Watch Knievel hit the seventeenth bus
You got crushed in the souvenir rush
Poor old Johnny Yen's set himself on fire again
I said, poor old Johnny Yen's set himself on fire again
See the young men itching to burn
Waiting for their own star turn
Needing danger where war would do
If they can't let it out, they'll pick on you
Poor old Johnny Yen's set himself on fire again
On fire again
I said, poor old Johnny Yen's set himself on fire again
Ladies and gentlemen
Here's my disease
Give me a standing ovation
And your sympathy
(Come on, somebody, finish him off please!
Put the poor fool out of his misery, will you?
Can't you see he's had enough?
Finish him off, somebody!)
In "Johnny Yen," James (Live) presents a commentary on the destructive tendencies of youth culture. "Poor old Johnny Yen's set himself on fire again" is a phrase that is repeated throughout the song, and it refers to the concept of self-destruction that is prevalent among young people. The singer of the song notes that so many young people are "itching to burn, waiting for their own star turn," and often resort to dangerous and violent behaviors as a way of releasing their pent-up energy. They feel a need for danger, and when they can't find an outlet for that, they'll "pick on you". Johnny Yen is therefore a symbol of these tendencies, and the singer is simultaneously calling attention to the phenomenon and bemoaning it.
The song specifically alludes to other forms of dangerous entertainment such as Evel Knievel's stunts and Houdini's underwater tricks, which were often watched by crowds who were drawn to the spectacle of someone risking their lives. The line "see the Jean Genie on his high-wire act" is a reference to David Bowie, who had a song called "Jean Genie" and who was known for his various personas, including the flamboyant Ziggy Stardust. The song appears to be calling attention to the appeal of these "rock stars" who engage in death-defying acts, and how this can be both glamorous and ultimately self-destructive.
In summary, "Johnny Yen" is a critique of youth culture and the destructive tendencies that are part of it. The singer is calling for a change, and suggesting that these behaviors are ultimately self-defeating.
Line by Line Meaning
Ladies and gentlemen, here's my disease
Introducing the singer's inner turmoil as a disease for the audience to witness and acknowledge.
Give me a standing ovation and your sympathy
Asking for validation and support for their struggle.
Poor old Johnny Yen's set himself on fire again
Introducing Johnny Yen as a tragic figure, prone to self-destructive behavior.
See the Jean Genie on his high-wire act
Comparing Johnny Yen to a performer with a dangerous act, hinting at the thrill and attention seeking motivations behind his behavior.
At the back of his mind lies a suicide pact
Speculating on the inner demons that might drive Johnny Yen's actions.
See the young men itching to burn
Observing a common trait among young men who feel the desire for destruction and risk-taking behavior.
Waiting for their own star turn
Implying a desire for attention and recognition that drives their behavior.
Needing danger where war would do
Commenting on the irrationality and futility of seeking danger for its own sake.
If they can't let it out, they'll pick on you
Suggesting the destructive potential of repressed desires and frustrations.
See Houdini and his underwater tricks
Making another comparison with a famous performer known for their dangerous stunts.
You were sitting at the front hoping his locks would stick
Recreating the thrill and suspense of witnessing a dangerous act.
Watch Knievel hit the seventeenth bus
Referring to another famous performer known for his risky stunts.
You got crushed in the souvenir rush
Showing the consequences of getting caught up in the excitement and frenzy of a performance.
I said, poor old Johnny Yen's set himself on fire again
Repeating the tragic event as a symbol of the recurring nature of self-destructive behavior.
Come on, somebody, finish him off please!
Mocking the callousness of the audience who enjoy watching others suffer.
Put the poor fool out of his misery, will you?
Questioning the morality of enjoying someone else's pain and wishing for their death.
Can't you see he's had enough?
Critiquing the idea that someone can ever have enough pain or suffering.
Finish him off, somebody!
Again, appealing to the audience's sadistic tendencies and disregard for human life.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
archie gameplay
Don't get much better than this for a song 👌
Sam Yates
i was at the gig before this on the same tour in Brighton and still have the tshirt. I did see them live at the MEN when they on their comeback tour and im so happy to say im seeing the live this year at victorious. James healed me, my father and my brother after my parents divorce. Spending hours listening to them when we went to visit my father at weekends. Makes me emotional just typing this. LOVE YOU JAMES!!!!!
tim grant
So lucky to have grown up listening & watching James live. I'v seen a lot of bands/singers live but have to say none better than James live. It doesn't get much better in life than watching James or any proper talented musicians play live & the memories will stay with you for ever. I was recently at a dinner party with 12 others none of which had ever been to a live gig .... I find that so sad
soarsa rose
tim grant think you need to get new dinner party guests
Iain Stubley
This is one of my my all time James favourite songs ... love James
Shannon Crenshaw
Mine too well it ties with jam j
Huey Avery
One of all time favourite songs, not just James hahshshshs
gruesome twosome
Still here in 2022... And still loving it!
To all James fans out there keep on keeping on 😎
Ric_was_here
Saul is really feeling the love at this gig! Awesome show!
The wool catcher
One of my top 5 songs of all time