Miles was a member of groups "The Influence", which also included Paul Thompson, later drummer with Roxy Music and Vic Malcolm, later vocalist with Geordie and "The John Miles Set," before starting his solo career in 1971. During the 1970s he issued 18 singles and four albums, including "Rebel" (1976), "Stranger In The City" (1977), and "Zaragon" (1978). He had most success with singles; in addition to Music, he also charted with "Highfly" (1975), "Remember Yesterday" (1976), and "Slow Down" (1977). Most of his songs were co-written with his bassist Bob Marshall.
Miles has toured with Tina Turner, often filling in for Bryan Adams when the latter was unavailable to join her on tour for their duet. Miles is also a frequent guest vocalist on albums by The Alan Parsons Project.
In the 1980s he continued to record and tour. In 1983 a new radio station in the south of England, Radio Mercury, used parts from the song "Music" for their link jingles. The actual song itself also received extensive airplay on the station, leading one to speculate this was perhaps part of a deal for the usage in their jingles.
A list of Miles album releases from the 1980s and 1990s is as follows:
Sympathy (1980)
Miles High (1981)
John Miles' Music (1982)
Play On (1983)
Transition (1985)
John Miles Live In Concert (1992)
Anthology (1993)
Upfront (1993)
Master Series (1998)
Tom and Catherine (1999)
Millennium Edition (1999)
Throughout the late 80s and into the 90s John Miles was musical director to Tina Turner on her various tours, and played on several of her albums. He also played Hammond organ on Joe Cocker's album "Night Calls"(1992).
In 2002 he issued the DVD "John Miles - Live In Concert." In 2007, Miles performed in Gelsenkirchen, Germany with German band Pur and sang two songs. One of those songs, "Abenteuerland", Miles sang with Pur in German. The concert is available on the DVD, Pur-Friends-Live-Schalke-2007. In October 2008, Miles began touring once again with Tina Turner until May 2009.
In 2017, Miles was awarded an outstanding contribution to music award at the Progressive Rock awards.
Borderline
John Miles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To see me through the night
They're turning loose the old recluse
Who's hiding from the light
I take my sleep while young girls weep
And tell the same sad story
And those who lose must pay their dues
I'm on the borderline
I'm on the borderline
Well, I'm on the borderline
And no one ever shed a tear
Well I'm on the borderline
I'm on the borderline
Said I'm on the borderline
Won't you try to get me out of here?
Empty blind and far behind
Are eyes that never see
And after fame forgets your name
The prisoner goes free
Too much pain to break the chain
The weak man should be stronger
But losing face is no disgrace
The way could be much longer
I'm on the borderline
Said I'm on the borderline
I'm on the borderline
And no one ever shed a tear
Well, I'm on the borderline
I'm on the borderline
Said I'm on the borderline
Won't you try to get me out of here?
All right!
Give your soul to rock & roll
There's no place you can hide
Just tell the man, he'll understand
You did it for the ride
How much time to plan the crime
That takes away your freedom?
Then count the cost of what you lost
To give your life a reason
I'm on the borderline
Said I'm on the borderline
I'm on the borderline
And no one ever shed a tear
Well, I'm on the borderline
I'm on the borderline
Said I'm on the borderline
Won't you try to get me out of here?
All Right!
I'm on the borderline
Well, I'm on the borderline
I'm on the borderline
And no-one ever shed a tear
Get me out of here!
I'm on the borderline
Said I'm on the borderline
I'm on the borderline
Won't you try to get me out of here?
All right
The song "Borderline" by John Miles is a reflection on the struggles of fame and the toll it can take on a person. Miles sings about having to rely on doctors' pills to get through the night, and feeling like a recluse who is hiding from the spotlight. He contrasts his own struggle with the young girls who weep and tell the same sad story, suggesting that those who lose must pay their dues, while heroes take the glory.
Miles sings about feeling like he is on the borderline of something, perhaps success or failure, and feeling like no one has ever shed a tear for him. He reflects on the emptiness of fame, suggesting that once the fame fades, the prisoner goes free, and eyes that were once blind can finally see. He also grapples with the idea that the weak man should be stronger but that losing face is not a disgrace, and that the road ahead could be much longer.
Overall, "Borderline" is a poignant reflection on the highs and lows of the music industry, and the toll that fame can take on individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
Goodbye ills I've got doctors' pills
To see me through the night
They're turning loose the old recluse
Who's hiding from the light
I'm taking medication to deal with my physical and emotional ailments, and now it's time to face the world again.
I take my sleep while young girls weep
And tell the same sad story
And those who lose must pay their dues
While heroes take the glory
While I indulge in rest, others suffer and pay the price for their failures, while the successful bask in the glory of their achievements.
Empty blind and far behind
Are eyes that never see
And after fame forgets your name
The prisoner goes free
Those who are oblivious and remain unsuccessful will go unnoticed even when the famous become irrelevant or forgotten.
Too much pain to break the chain
The weak man should be stronger
But losing face is no disgrace
The way could be much longer
Breaking free of negative patterns is tough, and it often feels easier to stay weak even though it's not. Though it may take longer, never feel ashamed of trying again and again.
Give your soul to rock & roll
There's no place you can hide
Just tell the man, he'll understand
You did it for the ride
Fully commit to living impulsively without regret, as it won't be possible to go somewhere and hide if things go south. Share your wild adventures with the world with the assurance that the man will recognize that it's just for the thrill.
How much time to plan the crime
That takes away your freedom?
Then count the cost of what you lost
To give your life a reason
Ask yourself how long you're willing to plot and scheme for a cheap thrill that could cost you your life. Take a look at the repercussions of your actions and decide if it's worth the risk.
I'm on the borderline
Said I'm on the borderline
I'm on the borderline
And no one ever shed a tear
Well, I'm on the borderline
I'm on the borderline
Said I'm on the borderline
Won't you try to get me out of here?
I'm in a dangerous and risky place right now, but nobody seems to care or have concern for my well-being. I'm asking for help to get me out of here before it's too late.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Archie Marshall
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-fe5jz5yu8l
My all-time favorite song from any artist, anywhere. I never understood why John Miles wasn't a super star in the United States. Rest in Peace, Mr. Miles, you are greatly missed.
@ade655
brilliant track from a brilliant composer and musician
@martynjones8425
Zaragon album by John Miles most underated album of
late 70's
@tangoalpha1347
absolutly! the "overture" is a pure wonder for the hears, true.
@nimrodalessandromoreno8926
Excelente!
@stanleyczechmusicarchives6348
Live in Santa Cruz Civic Center 1978! I got hooked.
@antoniodias4718
a great rocker....
@hectorromero3132
lastima no tener el albun comleto