Johnston is famous for writing many of the memorable entrance theme songs for WWE, including the theme songs for The Undertaker, The Rock, and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, amongst hundreds of others superstars. In addition, Johnston has also composed music for the majority of WWE's PPV and Television productions, including show themes, music videos, vignettes, commercials and tributes.
Johnston has mentioned in past interviews that he suffers from stage fright and a fear of live audiences, and it was this fear that led to him seeking a more 'studio oriented' music career. His first job in the entertainment business was working with MTV and VH1 to create bumpers and commercial cues, before a chance meeting in a sushi restaurant with a WWF producer led to him joining Vince McMahon's professional wrestling company. Initially composing TV themes for shows and commercial buffers, Johnston gravitated towards wrestlers' entrance themes, before eventually becoming a complete music composer for the company.
In 1989, Johnston composed original music for No Holds Barred, a movie starring Hulk Hogan. Although the score was never commercially released, the theme "No Holds Barred", with vocals by John Joyce, was later released on WWE Anthology album in 2002. Johnston also contributed the score to the 2010 WWE Studio's release, "Legendary", starring John Cena.
Johnston is well known for writing, composing and producing all his compositions, in addition to playing all instruments, and occasionally recruiting outside vocalists or additional musicians to contribute when the piece requires.
Johnston appears on the videotape Piledriver - The Wrestling Album 2 to introduce the video for Girls in Cars. He orchestrated the live band at the WWF Slammy Awards ceremonies, and traveled across the U.S. in 1995 as part of the "Raw Band". He also appeared on camera at WrestleMania XIV and the 1998 SummerSlam playing the DX theme with the Chris Warren Band. Johnston also had a brief clip in the film Beyond the Mat discussing his reasoning behind Vader's theme music. Johnston also appears on the bonus DVD for WWE Originals the 2004 album by the same name. The DVD features a 30 minute behind-the-scenes documentary on Johnston, offering insights into the composing, producing and directing of the album. There are also some humorous interactions of Johnston with Jonathan Coachman and Steve Austin. Johnston also appears on The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior discussing the Ultimate Warrior's theme song, and how it was able to be truly representative of the character. Johnston also appeared on the WWF WrestleMania XV DVD Extras, commenting on WWF's music, and how music is crucial in the World Wrestling Federation, now World Wrestling Entertainment.
James Alan Johnston composed the music for two films recently produced by WWE Studios, 'Legendary' (starring John Cena), and 'Knucklehead', starring The Big Show. He also wrote the score for "No Holds Barred" starring Hulk Hogan, and contributed the track, "Ahmed Johnson" to Beyond the Mat.
Bad Boy
James A. Johnston Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With everyday I get older
I'm tryna think of another way I can run up the quota
I got *** coming over
cnd she don't like being sober
Could pour the 4 in the soda
But I just talk cause I'm doper
cnd now she turn to a feen
Show her that I'm the nigga that she been seeing in her dreams
cnd all she want is a ring
cll she call me is king
I know about having nothing that taught me I'm everything
cll I ever wanted was a bad bitch
cnd I treat her like I never had shit
cll I ever wanted was a bad bitch
cnd I treat her like I never had shit
Show her off
I gotta show her off
Show her off
I gotta show her off
Show her off
I gotta show her off
Show her off
I gotta show her
Everything a nigga ever asked for
Where you wanna go get ya passport
I got 200 on the dashboard
She got to the brain like a crash course
I don't know what these haters mad 4
I don't fucking rap to push a Rav 4
They said I should probably show my cash more
More money money problems Ima bad boy
So if I ever hurt you that wasn't my intention
Every girl a repetition until one had listened
So when I found her I turned her into my religion
cye yeah I turned her into my religion
cll I ever wanted was a bad bitch
cnd I treat her like I never had shit
cll I ever wanted was a bad bitch
cnd I treat her like I never had shit
Show her off
I gotta show her off
Show her off
I gotta show her off
Show her off
I gotta show her off
Show her off
I gotta show her
Everything a nigga ever asked for
Where you wanna go get ya passport
I got 200 on the dashboard
She got to the brain like a crash course
I don't know what these haters mad 4
I don't fucking rap to push a Rav 4
They said I should probably show my cash more
More money money problems Ima bad boy
The song "Bad Boy" by James A. Johnston is a cautionary tale about a charming yet dangerous man. The lyrics warn against leaving him alone with your girlfriend or any valuables, as he cannot be trusted. The singer also reflects on the warning given by their mother about this man and his slick talking ways.
The chorus speaks to the allure and deception of this "bad boy," who is able to manipulate women with his charm and keep them enamored despite his lack of good intentions. He is described as someone who is easy to fall for, but who will ultimately leave a trail of heartbreak in his wake. The final verse speaks specifically to the danger of getting involved with him, stating that he is not one to commit and is always on the lookout for his next conquest.
Overall, the song is an exploration of the dangers of falling for someone who is not trustworthy and should be approached with caution.
Line by Line Meaning
He's a bad boy
He is not an ideal person to be around.
Not a nice guy to be around
He is not pleasant to be around.
Don't leave him alone with your girlfriend
He may try to flirt with or charm your girlfriend.
Don't leave no money lyin' around, oh no
He may take any money left out in the open.
Your momma warned you about him
Your mother cautioned you about him.
She said you better watch out then
She advised you to be cautious.
Bad boy... He will sweet talk you baby
He will try to seduce you with kind words.
He's the stuff of your dreams
He may seem like the perfect partner.
He'll keep your head in the clouds girl
He will may fill your head with fantasies and illusions.
Maybe not what he seems
He may not be what he appears to be.
Got the ways not the means
He has the charm and charisma, but not necessarily the resources or intention to provide for you.
She knew the danger
She was aware of the potential risks and complications.
Couldn't have stayed away if she tried
She was unable to resist his charm.
He gotta lift kit Cadillac
He has a flashy and attractive car.
Baby, wanna go for a drive?
Would you like to take a ride in his car?
Light your night up with his charms
He will charm and dazzle you.
Set off all your fire alarms
He will excite and arouse you.
You ain't the last one on his list
You are not the only girl he is pursuing.
Lotta girls have fell for thi... bad boy
Many other women have been seduced by him.
He will sweet talk you baby
He will use flattering words to woo you.
Just to get in your jeans
His ultimate goal may just be to have a sexual encounter with you.
He'll keep your head in the clouds girl
He will create an illusion of the perfect relationship.
He's the stuff of your dreams
He may seem like the ideal partner.
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC
Written by: James Fonville
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind