John Thomas Nolan was born on February 24, 1978 in Rockville Centre, Nassau County, New York, but grew up in Baldwin, Nassau County, New York. He attended school with Brand New frontman (and ex-TBS bassist) Jesse Lacey. He used to be in the band Jennifer's Dream, and also Straylight Run. He and Taking Back Sunday bandmate Shaun Cooper left Taking Back Sunday because they felt they were headed in a different direction in music. The two formed Straylight Run in May 2003 and brought in Will Noon, formerly of Breaking Pangaea, as their drummer and John's sister, Michelle Nolan, as their second vocalist/guitarist/pianist. John started out playing the guitar, then branched out into the piano and even took a few violin lessons. In early 2010, Straylight Run announced their indefinite hiatus, and soon returned to Taking Back Sunday once more. On Straylight Run's debut album, he sings and plays the guitar, piano, and glockenspiel. He is currently married to photographer Camille Nolan.
Here I Am
John Nolan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let's follow through on an idea.
Regardless of its relevence,
Its weight, or its meaning.
No, we don't have much time.
Let's leave something behind.
If it's wrong or it's right.
Come on, come on.
Come on, come on.
Come on.
Come on, come on.
Come on, come on.
Come on.
Say something to me.
I want to hear you.
Do what you need to.
I just want to see you.
Come on, come on.
Come on, come on.
Come on.
Here I am, let's dance.
Here I am, let's pretend.
Here I am, let's start
Over and over again.
Here I am, let's dance.
Here I am, let's pretend.
Here I am, let's start
Over and over again.
The lyrics of John Nolan's song, "Here I Am," are an invitation to build something without putting too much thought into it. The singer encourages the listener to follow through on an idea, regardless of its relevance, weight or meaning, because it's not theirs to decide. The urgency of not having much time is emphasized, and the singer implores listeners to leave something behind, whether it's right or wrong. In the chorus, the singer pleads with the listener to say something and do what they need to do because they want to see them.
The singer invites listeners to dance and pretend with him, to start again over and over. The song conveys a sense of urgency and a desire to make something happen while acknowledging that whatever we create may not always have a clear purpose or meaning. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this song is the invitation to embrace creativity without the burden of overthinking or worrying about perfection.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's build something.
Let's create something new and exciting.
Let's follow through on an idea.
Let's not give up on our thoughts and aspirations.
Regardless of its relevance, Its weight, or its meaning.
Regardless of how important or meaningful our idea may seem, let's pursue it anyway.
No, we don't have much time.
Our time on this earth is limited.
Let's leave something behind.
Let's make an impact or impression on the world before we are gone.
If it's wrong or it's right. It's not ours to decide.
We shouldn't be afraid to take risks or make choices because we don't have control over the outcome.
Come on, come on. Come on, come on. Come on.
Let's do this together and encourage each other along the way.
Say something to me. I want to hear you.
Let's communicate and express ourselves freely and honestly.
Do what you need to. I just want to see you.
I accept you for who you are and support your decisions.
Here I am, let's dance.
I am ready to take action and create something special.
Here I am, let's pretend.
Let's imagine and dream without limitations.
Here I am, let's start over and over again.
Let's not be afraid to start fresh and try again, even if we fail.
Contributed by Harper L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@squrrll
I miss Straylight Run! What a great reminder of how awesome John Nolan is.
@sk8brder40
I love John Nolan. He added so much to TBS's Happiness Is and it is such a great record, and Straylight was a phenomenal band with some really unique and cool sounds. I'm so pumped to hear a new solo work from John.
@TheFriendlyFriends
Amazing song. I love it.
@birdandmoose5427
I'm glad he's back with TBS
@cdw062
Beautiful song. Very nice video. John Nolan is a musical genius.
@takeyourknife
I'm happy as hell you came back to TBS John Nolan!! I told you that, when I met you! I also told adam he was my f'ing hero, lol! I saw you guys in Kuwait, (camp Arifjan). You guys were epic!!!! I can't believe you guys were touting out there!!! Thank you, for supporting the troops guys, much respect!! I've been a fan since 2001!!
@takeyourknife
Touring *
@pascaldemaria
Sweet transitions and overlays. So dope.
@Jillianhomemovies
nicely done!
@lumilara
what an amazingly beautiful song <3