Jonathan David "JD" McPherson, born April 14, 1977, is an American singer-s… Read Full Bio ↴Jonathan David "JD" McPherson, born April 14, 1977, is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He is known for a retro sound rooted in the rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and rockabilly music of the 1950s.

McPherson grew up in rural southeastern Oklahoma, on a cattle ranch near the town of Talihina. His father was a farmer and ex-army while his mother was a church minister. He took up the guitar at age 13. In high school he played in a number of local punk rock bands and began writing his own songs. He has stated that he has never not been in a band of some sort since he was 16 years of age.

During this time, McPherson also developed a strong interest in 1950s rock and roll after being exposed to the music of Buddy Holly. This went on to shape his song writing and sound for bands he was in such as The Poison Okies and The Starkweather Boys.

He studied visual arts in college, earning a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Tulsa, and later worked as an art and technology teacher. After deciding to pursue music more seriously, McPherson sent a demo to Jimmy Sutton of the small independent record label Hi-STYLE Records, which specialized in roots music. Sutton agreed to produce McPherson's debut album: this became 2010's Signs and Signifiers. On 19 November 2012, Rolling Stone labelled McPherson an "Artist to Watch" in a 3½ star (out of 5) review of Signs and Signifiers after its wider release through Rounder Records.

The band played the acoustic stage at the Glastonbury Festival 2015 on Friday June 26, before continuing their European tour in the Netherlands.

In October 2015, JD McPherson and band appeared (in animated form) as musical guests performing a new and original song "Crazy Horse" for the DreamWorks animated TV series, The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show on Netflix.

Signs & Signifiers
JD McPherson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've got signs and signifiers
Gossipers and liars
Twist me every way they wanna go
What looks like a raging fire
Are your dreams and desires
Endin' up like ashes on the ground
If you'll consider me a chance
To falter through our dance

Then the other ones may just leave us alone

Oooooooooo I made a really sacred vow
To never ever do without
And be with you
Until our time is runnin' out

I've got signs and signifiers
Gossipers and liars
Givin' up and finally letting go
What looks like a raging fire
Is my unquenchable desire
To be with you until forever more
If you'll consider me a chance
To falter through our dance
Then the other ones may just leave us alone

Oooooooooo

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to JD McPherson's song Signs & Signifiers describe the challenges that come with navigating through life in the midst of people who spread rumors and lies. The singer has to deal with people who twist his words and actions to their own advantage for their own purposes, which makes it difficult to stay true to himself and his own goals. The image of a "raging fire" that turns into "ashes on the ground" highlights the sense of loss and futility that comes with these kinds of situations.

Despite these difficulties, the singer is still committed to his loved one and makes a "sacred vow" to never be without them. He acknowledges that his desire to be with them is "unquenchable" and will last "until forever more." The line "If you'll consider me a chance to falter through our dance" suggests that the singer is not perfect and may stumble along the way, but is still willing to try and make things work.

Line by Line Meaning

I've got signs and signifiers
I have distinct indications and symbols

Gossipers and liars
People who spread rumors and falsehoods

Twist me every way they wanna go
Manipulate and deceive me in any way they desire

What looks like a raging fire
What appears to be an intense emotion or situation

Are your dreams and desires
Originates from your hopes and wishes

Endin' up like ashes on the ground
Resulting in disappointment and failure

If you'll consider me a chance
If you are willing to take a risk with me

To falter through our dance
To clumsily navigate our relationship

Then the other ones may just leave us alone
So that we can be in peace without the interference of others

Oooooooooo I made a really sacred vow
I have taken a solemn promise

To never ever do without
To never live without