He returned in April 2010 with a critically acclaimed debut solo album recorded with Midlake. 'Queen of Denmark' was Mojo magazine's Album of the Year for 2010; it was also named as one of the best ten albums of 2010 by the Guardian's music critics and writers.
'Pale Green Ghosts', his second solo effort, was released on 11th March 2013 and it features Sinéad O'Connor as guest vocalist.
Ernest Borgnine
John Grant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You ought to give it some thought sooner than later.
Got off of the hooch and the crack - let's skip the smack down
But then you had to find yourself all over though.
Dad keeps looking at me says I got the disease.
Now what did you expect? You spent your life on your knees.
It was never too late; tell me, what were you afraid of?
I wonder what Ernest Borgnine would do.
I wonder what Ernie Borgnine would do.
I wonder what Ernie Borgnine would do.
I wonder what Ernie Borgnine would do.
Sorry that you think you had it rough in the first world.
You ought to get out and map sooner than later.
Now you've just run into a trap; you have to slow down.
Get out of your head and spend less time alone.
But you never know you get elaborate thought.
You lay awake at night and think that you are getting old.
You don't need to panic now; you got time to do that later.
Jack is chasing Danny outside in the snow.
[Repeat x2]
I wonder what Ernie Borgnine would do.
I wonder what Ernie Borgnine would do.
I wonder what Ernie Borgnine would do.
I wonder what Ernie Borgnine would do.
I got to meet him once, and he was really, really cool.
And when I think about everything's that he's been through,
I wish he'd call me on the phone and take my ass to school.
[Repeat x2]
I wonder what Ernie Borgnine would do.
I wonder what Ernie Borgnine would do.
I wonder what Ernie Borgnine would do.
I wonder what Ernie Borgnine would do.
I got to meet him once, and he was really, really cool.
And when I think about everything's that he's been through,
I wish he'd call me on the phone and take my ass to school.
In John Grant's song "Ernest Borgnine," the lyrics discuss the topic of personal responsibility and the concept of taking action to improve one's own life. The opening lines pose a question about the quantity of material wealth and success that is truly fulfilling, emphasizing the need to think about this question early on in life. Grant then goes on to mention a personal struggle with addiction but highlights the importance of getting back on track and finding oneself again. The lyrics shift to a conversation with Grant's father, who suggests that Grant has a disease, likely referring to addiction or mental health issues. Grant becomes defensive but ultimately suggests that his father may be right and that it’s never too late to change.
The chorus repeats the line, "I wonder what Ernie Borgnine would do," serving as a metaphor for looking to a strong role model who has overcome adversity and personal struggle. Grant admits to having met the famous actor and feeling inspired by his resilience. The song concludes with the admission that Grant would welcome a phone call from Ernie Borgnine, indicating that he is still searching for guidance in his personal journey towards self-improvement.
Line by Line Meaning
How much is enough? That's a really tough question.
You should start thinking about how much is enough to lead a satisfactory life.
You ought to give it some thought sooner than later.
It would be beneficial to think about it sooner rather than later.
Got off of the hooch and the crack - let's skip the smack down
Stopped using alcohol and drugs, might as well avoid more trouble.
But then you had to find yourself all over though.
You had to rediscover yourself without drugs and alcohol.
Dad keeps looking at me says I got the disease.
Father says you inherited an undesirable trait.
Now what did you expect? You spent your life on your knees.
Your past actions have let you down and you are reaping what you sowed.
It was never too late; tell me, what were you afraid of?
You had ample time to fix your mistakes, what stopped you from doing so?
Do the numbers in your head or get out the calculator.
Think wisely before making financial decisions.
I wonder what Ernest Borgnine would do.
Curious about the possible actions of Ernest Borgnine.
Sorry that you think you had it rough in the first world.
It's disappointing that you believe you had a tough time in a developed country.
You ought to get out and map sooner than later.
You should explore new places instead of dwelling in your past.
Now you've just run into a trap; you have to slow down.
You've fallen into a problem, it's time to take it slow.
Get out of your head and spend less time alone.
Don't overthink and socialize more.
But you never know you get elaborate thought.
You might have complex thinking without realizing it.
You lay awake at night and think that you are getting old.
You have sleepless nights worrying about your age.
You don't need to panic now; you got time to do that later.
There's no need to panic yet, you still have time.
Jack is chasing Danny outside in the snow.
Kids having fun outside in the snow.
I got to meet him once, and he was really, really cool.
Met Ernest Borgnine and found him extremely likable.
And when I think about everything's that he's been through,
Reflecting on the struggles Ernest Borgnine faced in life.
I wish he'd call me on the phone and take my ass to school.
Hoping Ernest Borgnine could teach a valuable lesson over the phone.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JOHN GRANT, BIRGIR THORARINSSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Cotgrave
I like John Grant because he's brutally honest about his sexuality. He tells it like it is and asks no favours. Fair play and respect to you sir!.
Grahame Macdonald
Fabulous images complementing a great song. Thank you.
feliperaurich
¡ Thanks !!
Brad Bailey
Fantastic photo montage! But what's with the obsession with Earnest Borgnine? When questioned about homosexuality, he stated that he didn't understand it.
Michael McCay
nice modular, that john's?