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.
Next To You
John Nolan Lyrics
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Walking streets made of cobblestone
Drinking beer in the autumn moonlight
Holding hands and smiling slow
Oh, I'd give anything to be next to you in New Orleans
On the way there we′d talk for hours
We'd see the silent hypnotic power
Of the setting sun on the open road
Oh, I′d give anything to be on that road to New Orleans
I′m so tired of all this wishing
I'm so tired of this town
There′s just something I've been missing
Let′s pack our bags and leave right now
Oh, I can't wait to be there
I can′t wait to be there
Next to you in New Orleans
The lyrics to John Nolan's song "Next To You" describe a longing for escape and the desire to be with someone special. The song begins by painting a picture of a romantic evening in New Orleans, with walking on cobblestone streets, drinking beer in the autumn moonlight, and holding hands. The singer would give anything to be there with the person they are addressing.
The second verse describes the journey to New Orleans, and suggests that the time spent together on the way there would be just as meaningful as the destination itself. The singer imagines having deep conversations and an appreciation of the beauty of the setting sun on the open road.
The final verse expresses the singer's weariness with their current situation and their desire for change. They can't wait to leave their current town and be with the person they long for in New Orleans. The song conveys a sense of yearning for adventure and escape, as well as a deep connection to a loved one.
Overall, "Next To You" is a tender and heartfelt love song that captures the excitement of new beginnings and the joy of being with someone special.
Line by Line Meaning
If we left now we'd be there by midnight
Leaving now would get us to our destination by midnight
Walking streets made of cobblestone
Strolling along the old-fashioned streets
Drinking beer in the autumn moonlight
Having a beer outdoors in the autumn under the moonlight
Holding hands and smiling slow
Gentle gestures demonstrating affection
Oh, I'd give anything to be next to you in New Orleans
Expressing a strong desire to be with a special someone in a specific location
On the way there we'd talk for hours
Engaging in deep conversation during the journey
We'd understand what no one knows
Gaining insights and knowledge beyond that of the average person
We'd see the silent hypnotic power
Perceiving the mysterious, captivating force of nature
Of the setting sun on the open road
Watching the beautiful sunset while driving
Oh, I'd give anything to be on that road to New Orleans
Expressing a desire to embark on a journey to a specific destination
I'm so tired of all this wishing
Feeling exhausted by longing for something that hasn't happened
I'm so tired of this town
Feeling bored and unfulfilled by the current location
There's just something I've been missing
Identifying a void or something important that's absent
Let's pack our bags and leave right now
Suggesting impulsive action to pursue what's missing
Oh, I can't wait to be there
Expressing excitement and anticipation for the upcoming journey
I can't wait to be there, next to you in New Orleans
Stressfully anticipating arriving at the destination to be with the one they want to be with
Writer(s): Michael Dulaney, John Hobbs
Contributed by Hunter V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.