John Gorka (born in July 1958) is an American contemporary folk musician. I… Read Full Bio ↴John Gorka (born in July 1958) is an American contemporary folk musician. In 1991, Rolling Stone magazine called him "the pre-eminent male singer-songwriter of what has been dubbed the New Folk Movement.

Gorka was born in Edison, New Jersey. He received his first guitar as a Christmas gift, though Gorka alleges that his older brother stole it from him shortly thereafter. He eventually learned, instead, to play the banjo, and began performing in a folk music group at his church.

Gorka attended Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and joined the Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band which would also include guitarist Richard Shindell. He later began performing solo at the Godfrey Daniels coffee house as the opening act for various musicians that toured there. These included Nanci Griffith, Bill Morrissey, Claudia Schmidt and Jack Hardy.

In 1984, Gorka took first place at the Kerrville Folk Festival. Since then he has toured with artists such as Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, Michael Manring, Christine Lavin, Dave Van Ronk, Cliff Eberhardt, David Massengill, Frank Christian and Lucy Kaplansky.

As of 2005, he was residing in the St. Croix Valley area near Saint Paul, Minnesota.

In 2008, Gorka decided to return to Europe for the first time in fourteen years. In October that year, he played four times in the Netherlands, he played live on VPRO radio and he did a session for the John Gorka video site.

In 2009, Gorka toured in the USA and also in Ireland and the Netherlands. In October that year, Red House Records released the CD "So Dark You See". This is considered a more intimate, vocal and guitar-centered record than the last two albums.

Good
John Gorka Lyrics

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I am good at dreams
I am good at dreams
Bad at savings bonds
Fashion magazines
I am good at dreams
I am good at dreams

I am good at night

I am good at night
Sun don't fit me right
I tried with all my might
I am good at night
I am good at night

I am good at stars
I am good at skies
Not like other guys
I am good at skies
I could close my eyes
I could be your size
I would still be good at skies

I am good at wind
I am good at stone
I am good at rain
Good at all alone
I am good at you
And good at home

I am good at stars
I am good at skies
Not like other guys
I am good at skies
I could close my eyes
I could be your size
I would still be good at skies

I am good at dreams
I am good at dreams
Bad at savings bonds
Fashion magazines
I am good at dreams
I am good at dreams

I am good at night
I am good at night
Sun don't fit me right
I tried with all my might
I am good at night
I am good at night

I am good at dreams
I am good at dreams

I am good at night
I am good at night

Overall Meaning

John Gorka's song "Good" is all about being good at certain things in life. The song conveys a sense of self-awareness and an understanding of personal strengths and weaknesses. The opening lines, "I am good at dreams, bad at savings bonds, fashion magazines," suggest that the singer is creative and imaginative but not good at managing money or following societal trends. The repetition of "I am good at dreams" emphasizes the singer's passion and talent for dreaming and imagining.

As the song progresses, the singer lists other things that they are "good at," such as being good at night and good at stars. This suggests that the singer is someone who finds comfort and solace in the natural world and perhaps prefers the quiet and peaceful moments that come with being alone. The lines "I could be your size, I would still be good at skies" suggest that the singer is confident in their own abilities and doesn't need to compare themselves to others.

Overall, "Good" is a song about self-acceptance and finding value in one's own unique qualities and strengths. It encourages listeners to embrace their own talents and not worry about conforming to societal norms or expectations.

Line by Line Meaning

I am good at dreams
I have a talent for dreaming and envisioning possibilities

Bad at savings bonds
I have trouble with financial planning and investing

Fashion magazines
I am interested in the latest fashion trends and styles

I am good at night
I am comfortable in the dark and appreciate the calm of nighttime

Sun don't fit me right
I feel out of place in the bright, harsh light of day

I tried with all my might
I made a sincere attempt to adapt to daytime conditions

I am good at stars
I am fascinated by the beauty and mystery of the night sky

I am good at skies
I feel a connection to the vast expanse of the atmosphere above us

Not like other guys
My interests and abilities are different from those of most men

I could close my eyes
I can shut out distractions and focus on my inner thoughts

I could be your size
My physical size doesn't matter, as my skills come from within