Hey
John-John Lyrics

What happened here
The singer is reflecting on an empty garden and wondering what led to its current state.

As the New York sunset disappeared
The singer is describing the time of day when he observed the empty garden - at sunset.

I found an empty garden among the flagstones there
The singer stumbled upon a garden that had no plant life, only stones.

Who lived here
The singer is curious about the person who used to take care of this garden.

He must have been a gardener that cared a lot
The singer assumes that whoever tended to this garden must have put a lot of love and effort into it.

Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop
The singer imagines that the gardener worked hard to remove any sadness or negativity from the garden and cultivated a healthy environment.

And now it all looks strange
The singer is amazed and puzzled at the stark contrast between what the garden used to be and what it is now.

It's funny how one insect can damage so much grain
The singer reflects on how a single disturbance or problem can cause significant damage to something that was once thriving.

And what's it for
The singer questions the purpose of this empty garden by a brownstone door.

And in the cracks along the sidewalk nothing grows no more
The singer observes that not only is the garden empty, but the surrounding area is devoid of growth as well.

And we are so amazed, we're crippled and we're dazed
The singer and others who have seen the empty garden are stunned and unable to comprehend what could have caused such a change.

A gardener like that one no one can replace
The singer acknowledges that whoever tended to this garden was exceptional and irreplaceable.

And I've been knocking but no one answers
The singer has been trying to get in touch with someone but has not received a response.

And through their tears
The singer recognizes that other people have been affected emotionally by the state of the empty garden.

Some say he farmed his best in younger years
Some people speculate that the gardener was at their most skilled earlier in life.

But he'd have said that roots grow stronger, if only he could hear
The singer imagines that if the gardener were still alive, they would remind people that even when things seem bleak, it is important to focus on growth and strength.

Now we pray for rain, and with every drop that falls
The singer and others hope for improvement in the garden's condition and are encouraged by any sign of progress.

We hear, we hear your name
The singer and others remember the gardener even though they may never meet them.

Can't you come out to play in your empty garden, Johnny
The singer speaks to the gardener directly, hoping that in some way, they can still bring life to the empty garden.