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.
Do It Anyway
John Miles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I stare at all the people,
Would it change me,
Rearrange me,
Make me become aware?
'cause I want to, I'm gonna love you
Right in front of all these people.
Could you knock them,
Make them become aware?
But I'm gonna do it anyway,
It doesn't matter what the people say.
And in the end you all will see
The only one who's right is me.
In my own mind
She's the right kind,
Even though her colour scares you.
Try to see straight,
It's never too late,
Maybe see the light of day.
Should I hang round
With my own crowd
Or the people that I'm drawn to?
Could you guide me?
Or maybe hide me?
Or I'll see you all in hell.
The lyrics of John Miles's song Do It Anyway explores the idea of breaking free from societal norms and expectations to live life on one's own terms. The opening lines suggest a moment of introspection, where the singer considers the impact of other people on their identity. They wonder whether observing others could change them and make them more aware of their beliefs and values. The following lines reveal the singer's desire to openly express their love for someone, even if it meant going against the grain and shocking those around them. The lyrics suggest that this act of rebellion could potentially awaken others to their own desires and beliefs.
The chorus of the song serves as a declaration of independence, with the singer insisting that they will follow their own path regardless of what others say or think. They assert that only they can truly know what is right for them, even if it goes against the beliefs and prejudices of those around them. The bridge of the song poses a question about whether the singer should stick with their own group or join those with whom they feel a deeper connection. It ends on a defiant note, with the singer suggesting that they will do what they want regardless of the consequences, even if it means going to hell. The message here is one of self-acceptance, daring to be different, and bravery in the face of judgment.
Line by Line Meaning
If I turn round and I look down
And I stare at all the people,
Would it change me,
Rearrange me,
Make me become aware?
If I observe the people around me closely, will it influence my perspective and change my outlook on life?
'cause I want to, I'm gonna love you
Right in front of all these people.
If I shock them,
Could you knock them,
Make them become aware?
I want to express my love for you publicly. If it surprises and offends others, would you help me educate them about love and acceptance?
But I'm gonna do it anyway,
It doesn't matter what the people say.
And in the end you all will see
The only one who's right is me.
Despite the criticism and disapproval from others, I will follow my heart and be true to myself. Eventually, everyone will recognize that I made the right decision.
In my own mind
She's the right kind,
Even though her colour scares you.
Try to see straight,
It's never too late,
Maybe see the light of day.
In my opinion, the person I love is perfect for me even though others may be uncomfortable with her race. It's important to be open-minded and accepting of diversity.
Should I hang round
With my own crowd
Or the people that I'm drawn to?
Could you guide me?
Or maybe hide me?
Or I'll see you all in hell.
I'm unsure whether to associate with people who are like me or people who I am attracted to. Could you offer me advice and support? If not, I'll take my chances and be judged by others.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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