Heart ...
One of the most important … Read Full Bio ↴From www.johnmcvey.com:
Heart ...
One of the most important things in music (and in life) is heart ... John McVey has that in spades. As a singer/songwriter, John has won national awards and thoroughly entertained audiences and listeners all over the world. His songwriting craft is recognized as among the best in the acoustic music world. His rhythmic guitar playing and soulful voice extract every possible bit of meaning from a song. Now he has added producer and engineer to his list of talents. In this realm he's as comfortable and innovative as on stage. And his heart comes through there as well.
The Artist ...
John McVey has been a performer most of his life. He's toured widely in this and several other countries. He's released two CDs. He's shared stages with Jonatha Brooke, Shawn Mullens, Ricky Lee Jones, Arlo Guthrie, Vince Gill and many more. He's won the Kerrville “New Folk” Contest and has been a finalist in every other one he entered. He's been named The National Academy of Songwriters “Artist Of The Year.” He's appeared on many TV and radio shows. He's been featured in The Performing Songwriter Magazine and reviewed (favorably!) by Rolling Stone. He's given his time and his music to national charities like Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Make A Wish, and local charities like Grand Rapids MI's God's Kitchen and Kids Food Basket programs. He is heavily influenced by The Beatles, Crosby, Stills and Nash, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell. But also by many Motown artists, like Sly Stone, Jazz artists like Bird, Earl Klugh and Pat Matheny, and rockers like Jimi Hendrix and Van Morrison. He reads a lot. He is an art enthusiast. He loves wine.
The Producer/Engineer ...
John has recently settled in Boulder, CO. He works full time as a producer/engineer at Coupe Studios. Given that he's spent most of his life on the business end of a microphone (and still does regularly, both live and in the studio), he is now positioned perfectly to contribute to his artist clients. As a writer, he is a student of what makes a song work. As a music enthusiast, he is a student of sonic excellence. As a student of sound, he's technician and ‘gear slut.' As a player and singer, he is a student of accuracy and soulful expression. As a student of all of these things, he is able to bring his vast experience to each project in such a way as to get the most out of every performance, every instrument, and every piece of equipment. He loves his work.
The Writer ...
To find out what all the hoo-ha is about, just listen to his songs. But it doesn't end there. If you want to sell something, hire him as a commercial writer. He's written and produced commercial music for The US Ski Team, Dish Network, The Idaho Lottery, Foundation for a Better Life, and many more. In addition, he's written many songs for other artists and for many people for life events (wedding anniversaries, children, parents, etc.) that have moved their recipients beyond any other gift they could have received.
The Man ...
Heart ... that's truly the beginning and the end. John will bring it to any project, performance, event, song, recording and relationship in which he's involved. The work is important, challenging, fun and wonderful. The heart is imperative.
Who Do I Write To
John McVey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can change local ebb and flow,
Or help right wrongs done to folks
That you don't even know.
But who takes complaints
When every day can seem so sad?
Tell me, who do I write to
To whom it may concern
I'm sincerely feeling down.
I just hit white water
And I'm afraid I'm gonna drown.
The next moment's like an ocean
Looks like it just might swallow me.
Tell me, who do I write to
When things are bad as they can be?
Dear God, I don't understand
How a man can feel this way.
I'd sure like to tell someone
If I could just think what to say.
The weather changed, my plans fell through
Everything I need is broke.
Who do I write to
When life seems like a joke I didn't get?
My emotions are fragile
I feel like a first class post.
I need delivery from the thing I fear the most.
Just to know somebody's out there
I'd give anything I had.
Tell me, who do I write to
When things are going bad?
The song "Who Do I Write To" by John McVey is about the feeling of being lost and not knowing who to turn to when life's problems become overwhelming. The lyrics suggest that there are people who can help, such as elected officials who have the power to make changes and provide aid to those in need. However, even with this knowledge, it can be hard to put pen to paper and make a request for assistance. The song speaks to the desire for human connection and the search for a sense of purpose and hope.
The first verse talks about how a letter to a congressman can make a difference. It inspires the listener to take action and seek out someone who can make changes in their community. However, the chorus asks the question, "Who do I write to when things are going bad?" This question is one that many people can relate to. When everything feels like it's falling apart, who can you turn to for help?
The second verse talks about the feeling of being overwhelmed by life's obstacles. It's as if the singer is drowning in their problems and they don't know how to move forward. The line "Dear God, I don't understand how a man can feel this way" is especially poignant because it shows how lost and alone the singer feels. They are searching for help, for someone to talk to about their troubles.
In the final verse, the singer wants to know that they are not alone. They want to connect with someone, anyone who is out there. They need to know that there is hope and that things will eventually get better. They may not know who to turn to, but they know that there must be someone who can help.
Overall, "Who Do I Write To" is a powerful song that speaks to the universal experience of feeling lost and alone. It reminds us that there are people who can help, even when we don't know who they are. It's a call to action, urging us to reach out when we need it most.
Line by Line Meaning
A letter to your congressman
Can change local ebb and flow,
Or help right wrongs done to folks
That you don't even know.
Sending a letter to your congressman can have an impact on the community or help correct injustices that you are unaware of.
But who takes complaints
When every day can seem so sad?
Tell me, who do I write to
When things are going bad?
Who is there to listen to our complaints when life becomes unbearable and it seems like every day is tough? Who can we write to when things are not going well?
To whom it may concern
I'm sincerely feeling down.
I just hit white water
And I'm afraid I'm gonna drown.
This is a formal letter addressed to anyone who may read it. The writer is feeling low and thinks that life is getting rougher by the day.
The next moment's like an ocean
Looks like it just might swallow me.
Tell me, who do I write to
When things are bad as they can be?
Life's challenges seem to come in waves, and at times it feels like we are drowning. Who can we reach out to when things get so drastic and seem impossible to handle?
Dear God, I don't understand
How a man can feel this way.
I'd sure like to tell someone
If I could just think what to say.
Addressed to God, the writer expresses their confusion about how people can feel so low. They wish they could confide in others, but they are unable to articulate their situation.
The weather changed, my plans fell through
Everything I need is broke.
Who do I write to
When life seems like a joke I didn't get?
Small things such as unexpected weather changes and plans falling through can lead to a frustrating day. The writer feels that everything is falling apart, and life seems like a joke that they do not understand.
My emotions are fragile
I feel like a first class post.
I need delivery from the thing I fear the most.
The writer's emotions are delicate, and they feel like they are about to break. They need help and support, delivered like a first-class letter, to help them overcome their fears.
Just to know somebody's out there
I'd give anything I had.
Tell me, who do I write to
When things are going bad?
When life is going bad, all it takes is knowing that someone is there to listen and support, and the writer would give anything they had to see this happen. They still wonder who they can reach out to in such a situation.
Writer(s): john mcvey
Contributed by Liam C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.