He started playing guitar and writing his own songs at the age of 14 and soon learned how to record and produce himself, even making his own house tracks and DJing. At 20 he moved to London, started a band, played live and got signed to Island Records.
His second album, Revolve, was released in 2015. The lead single, Come and Get It, was released on 17th July 2015.
His older brother, James Newman represented United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 with the song Embers, which ended on a 26th and last place with nul points.
Down the Line
John Newman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And though I know it's no excuse
For you I know I'm right
And in another place, in another time
I'll buy you flowers, I'd build a home
Right now can't pay the bills, I cannot go
Can't give you anything you need
'Cause you're the right person at the wrong time
I wanna run into the light
And leave the dark behind
I wanna break the chains of life
With you right by my side
So
You gotta meet me down the line
So
You gotta meet me down the line
I'm easily dazed, I'm so confused
It's hurting me and I'm hurting you
Despite everything you do
You're gonna have to meet me further down the line
'Cause you're the right person at the wrong time
I wanna run into the light
And leave the dark behind
I wanna break the chains of life
With you right by my side
So
You gotta meet me down the line
So
You gotta meet me down the line
You've been trying hard
To make me feel a little better
It's gonna take a while
To make me feel a little better
And I'll try, try, try, try a little harder uh yea
And I swear, swear, swear I'm gonna lift you further
I wanna run into the light
And leave the dark behind
I wanna break the chains of life
With you right by my side
So
You gotta meet me down the line
So
You gotta meet me down the line
So
You gotta meet me down the line
I'm easily dazed, I'm so confused
It's hurting me and I'm hurting you
The lyrics of John Newman's song "Down the Line" speak about a complicated relationship. The singer has been through a lot of difficulties and struggles, causing problems for his partner. While he knows that these problems aren't an excuse, he wants her to know he's right for her. He envisions a time in the future when he can provide for her and build a home together, but for now, he cannot give her what she needs. The chorus emphasizes the desire to break free from the current struggles and move towards a brighter, more hopeful future.
The verse, "You're the right person at the wrong time," speaks to the sense of longing for someone who is currently unavailable or whose life circumstances are not conducive to being together. Despite the pain and confusion, the singer believes that there is a chance for them in the future, and he is asking the person to meet him "down the line." The bridge hints at the effort that both parties are putting in to make the relationship work, but it will take time.
Overall, "Down the Line" is a vulnerable look at the complexities of relationships and the hope for a future that may be uncertain. The lyrics showcase Newman's powerful vocals and emotional depth.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been battered, I've been bruised
I've been through tough situations, both physical and emotional.
And though I know it's no excuse
Despite that, it's not a justification for my actions.
For you I know I'm right
I'm sure of my feelings for you.
And in another place, in another time
Maybe we would have been together in different circumstances.
I'll buy you flowers, I'd build a home
In the future, I'd do everything to make you happy.
Right now can't pay the bills, I cannot go
But currently, I'm unable to provide for you.
Can't give you anything you need
I'm unable to fulfill your requirements.
But maybe if you'll meet me further down the line
However, if we meet later in life...
'Cause you're the right person at the wrong time
...you could be the perfect match for me, but the timing is off.
I wanna run into the light
I want to escape from darkness and difficulties.
And leave the dark behind
I want to forget about the tough situations I've been through.
I wanna break the chains of life
I want to break free from the difficulties of life.
With you right by my side
I want you to be with me through it all.
So, You gotta meet me down the line
So, please wait for me until we meet again.
I'm easily dazed, I'm so confused
I get overwhelmed and confused easily.
It's hurting me and I'm hurting you
It's causing me pain, and I know it's impacting you too.
You're gonna have to meet me further down the line
It's not the right time for us now so we will have to wait.
'Cause you're the right person at the wrong time
You're the perfect person for me, but not at this time in our lives.
You've been trying hard
You've been putting a lot of effort into making things better for us.
To make me feel a little better
You're trying to ease my pain and help me cope.
It's gonna take a while
Recovery and progress will take some time and patience.
And I'll try, try, try, try a little harder uh yea
I promise to put in more effort too.
And I swear, swear, swear I'm gonna lift you further
I'm committed to lifting you up and helping you grow.
Contributed by Katherine P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.