John Parr's first entrance in to music was when he was 12-years-old and devised a band with two fellow schoolmates, which they named The Silence. The band enjoyed considerable success in the U.K. as the years went on. They eventually became professional and started to tour Europe. When Parr left the band, he joined a group called Ponders End. The progressive rock outfit picked up praise in the 70s as the 'best live act around' in Newcastle, along with the Dire Straits. In the end, however, they did not make a record deal, and the band's chapter in history closed, despite their local fame, without much fanfare.
Parr secured a publishing deal with Carlin Music in 1983, and American rocker and performer Meat Loaf asked him to write some songs for his new album in the same year. That led to the fateful meeting with John Wolfe (manager of The Who). Foreseeing the demise of The Who, a band that had been adrift upon the death of drummer Keith Moon, Wolfe was looking for a new venture and Parr seemed to be the one. The year of 1984 was Parr's first trip to America. He worked with Meat Loaf on the album 'Bad Attitude' while Wolfe was putting finishing touches on Parr's recording deal in New York.
The spirited arena rock track "Naughty Naughty" became Parr's first U.S. top 40 hit record, the single pushing his 1984 debut album, titled simply 'John Parr', up to #48 on the prestigious Billboard 200 chart. The song built his career up very quickly by achieving top three positions on rock station after rock station in America for up to six weeks. Then, 1985 saw him on the road with the band "The Business" (not to be confused with the British punk outfit of the same name), supporting fellow progressive rockers Toto and playing 10,000-seater venues across America. Though lightening didn't quite strike twice, Parr's tune "Magical" hit a respectable #28 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart, giving him some momentum. By the end of the tour, Parr had a call from one of the world's most successful producers, David Foster, that would be a key moment in his career
Foster requested Parr help with the soundtrack for the movie 'St. Elmo's Fire', a film featuring the popular 'brat pack' group of performers such as Demi Moore and Rob Lowe. "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" was the result, a song that fit in well with the movie yet also had an important history as it was also written on behalf of Canadian wheelchair athlete Rick Hansen (the 'man in motion'). The song became a #1 hit for Parr in the United States while additionally reaching the top 40 in over six different nations. Though Parr would create many songs later on, over the years, the tune has become his 'signature song'.
Parr notably co-wrote "Under a Raging Moon" for Roger Daltrey, a song that paid tribute to the late Keith Moon while also telling the general story of The Who. The parent album became Roger Daltrey's biggest solo success in America. In 1986, Parr joined up with Marilyn Martin to sing the duet "Through the Night (Love Song from Quicksilver)", a part of the soundtrack to the cycling-themed Kevin Bacon movie of the same name. Though earning some critical praise, the album was only moderately successful commercially.
Parr additionally wrote and produced further tracks for Marylin's debut album, including her popular tune "Night Moves". After the success of Meat Loaf's mid-80s work, Parr got out in front once again with the song "Rock & Roll Mercenaries". From there, he began work with Albert Magnili (director of the film 'Purple Rain') on the movie 'American Anthem'; Parr wrote and performed the main theme, a number titled "Two Hearts". Though he maintained his own supportive fan base, he found mainstream commercial success to the degree of "St. Elmo's Fire" elusive.
The Pepsi Company and Jack Calmes Satellite TV Corporation wanted to try something new, specifically a gig from London beamed live across America, Japan & Australia on the college Satellite Network, in the late 1980s. Parr ended up serving as the featured act, having done two similar shows before (one from the Olympic Stadium in Los Angeles where the flame was lit for a special performance of St. Elmo's Fire and was beamed live for Japan as well as the New Year Christmas Show from London). The special ended up being a great success, reaching almost 50-million people and making broadcast history for the network.
Another dream came true for John Parr in 1988 when he was offered to collaborate with one of the most successful record producers ever. Robert John "Mutt" Lange, who had assisted with hard rock mega-hit albums such as AC/DC's 'Highway to Hell' and Def Leppard's 'Hysteria', agreed with work with Parr. Lange and Parr produced the self-titled debut album for the British blues rock outfit Romeo's Daughter, a work that earned mixed popular success yet had strong critical acclaim.
Nonetheless, when the 80s began to come to a close, Parr's fortunes declined as the arena-ready pop rock and progressive rock that he had produced fell out of style in favor of alternative rock and grunge music. Parr soldiered on, even trying his hand at commercial jingle writing in the 90s. Though saddled with the 'two hit wonder' label due to the outside success of his "Naughty Naughty" and "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" singles commercially, Parr has kept on touring over the years, and he more recently joined the musical project known as Acoustic Fever alongside Herman Rarebell (from Scorpions), Bobby Kimball (from Toto), and others, touring in locations such as Hannover, Germany in 2014.
Website: http://www.johnparr.net/
Revenge
John Parr Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've sailed your seas of lies, but floundered on the rocks, I'm drowning
I was walking on the wire, one look at you and it could light my fire
Burning up in your desire, there's just one thing pulling me through
[Chorus]
Revenge, I thought you'd be here forever, sharing a future that's gone
Revenge, one for the lost and the lonely, ending each day with if only
You left me cold, I'm the victim now you've gone
Revenge, I need revenge
Did you see the way she looked, the way she smiled, I've seen it all before
I could write a book, I'd like to kiss and tell, or shout it
I was walking on the wire, one look at you and it could light my fire
Burning up in your desire, there's just one thing pulling me through
[Chorus]
Revenge, I need revenge, I'm taking revenge, I need revenge
I've got to find a new direction, I'm searching for the right connection
You're clawing me back, but I'm working on a new attack
[Chorus]
Revenge, I thought you'd never deceive me, you and you fooled all along
I just want more than the victory that you've won
Revenge, one for the lost and the lonely
The song "Revenge" by John Parr is about the aftermath of a failed romantic relationship. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been hurt by their former lover, who has lied to them and left them feeling like a victim. The singer is struggling to move on, and is consumed by thoughts of revenge. The chorus of the song repeats the word "revenge" several times, indicating that this is the central theme of the song.
The lyrics of the song suggest that the singer has been struggling with their emotions for some time. They have sailed "seas of lies" and have been "drowning" in their feelings. The singer has also been walking on a wire, suggesting that they have been living on the edge, trying to balance their emotions. The object of their desire is still present in their mind, and is the only thing keeping them going. However, the singer is now focused on revenge, and is determined to find a new direction in their life.
In conclusion, "Revenge" by John Parr is a powerful song that explores the theme of heartbreak and revenge. It is a song that many people can relate to, and the lyrics capture the intense emotions that come with the end of a romantic relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Did you say it for effect, or was it true, don't tell me, I can guess
I suspect you lied and I'd rather not know if it was intentional or not.
I've sailed your seas of lies, but floundered on the rocks, I'm drowning
I believed your lies but they've led me to destruction and I feel helpless.
I was walking on the wire, one look at you and it could light my fire
I felt electrified just by looking at you and was willing to take risks.
Burning up in your desire, there's just one thing pulling me through
Your passion for me was intense and the only thing that held me onto hope.
[Chorus]
Seeking revenge after being hurt and betrayed.
Did you see the way she looked, the way she smiled, I've seen it all before
I recognize the signs of deceit and insincerity in the way you act.
I could write a book, I'd like to kiss and tell, or shout it
I have so many secrets and stories about you that I would want to reveal and expose.
I need revenge, I'm taking revenge, I need revenge
The desire for vengeance is consuming me and I'm determined to get it.
I've got to find a new direction, I'm searching for the right connection
I need to move on from the past and find new opportunities and relationships.
You're clawing me back, but I'm working on a new attack
You're trying to manipulate me again but I'm resisting and creating a new plan.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN PARR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
NRReaper
Love John Parr, never really got the credit he deserved