A versatile musician, he also plays guitar, mandolin, koto, lap steel guitars, autoharp, ukulele, cello, and the three over-dubbed recorders heard on "Stairway to Heaven".
He is widely respected as both a musician and a producer and is considered as one of the most influential bassists in Rock music.
He is also credited for his masterful string arrangements on such albums as REM"s "Automatic for the People".
John Paul Jones is also a forming member of the newest 'supergroup' Them Crooked Vultures: rumored for months, announced in 2009, Them Crooked Vultures is comprised of Joshua Homme (lead guitar, vocals), Dave Grohl (drums, vocals), John Paul Jones (bass, keyboard, vocals) and also touring with the band is Alain Johannes (rhythm guitar).
Grind
John Paul Jones Lyrics
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(I′m watching you)
Why are you watching, then?
(To see what shall happen, Sir)
What do you think will happen now?
(What do you think will happen?)
We don't know, not at all
Things are different now
(You look different)
Do you care?
(Then why do you hide?)
I thought I could get away with it
(I was watching, I know who you are)
The lyrics of John Paul Jones’s song Grind are a conversation between two individuals. The conversation has an uncertain and ominous feeling. The opening line "Somewhere here, I'm watching you," hints at a lurking or voyeuristic presence as the first individual admits to watching the second individual. The second individual seems to acknowledge the presence but doesn't seem overly concerned at this point.
The first individual continues the conversation asking the second individual what they think will happen. The second individual admits that they don’t know what will happen at all, which only adds to the uncertainty of the situation. As the conversation progresses, the first individual reveals that they have seen the second individual before and points out that they look different now. The second individual doesn't seem to care and inquires as to why the first individual is hiding.
In the end, the first individual reveals that they thought they could get away with whatever they were attempting to hide, but the second individual has been aware of their presence and knows who they are. The song's lyrics don't provide a clear-cut conclusion leaving the listener with an unresolved feeling of unease.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere here
I am currently in this location
(I′m watching you)
I am observing your actions
Why are you watching, then?
What is the reason for your observation?
(To see what shall happen, Sir)
I am anticipating the outcome of events
What do you think will happen now?
What is your prediction for the present situation?
(What do you think will happen?)
Can you provide a hypothesis for the current circumstances?
We don't know, not at all
There is uncertainty about what will occur
(I′ve seen you here before)
I have previously observed your presence in this location
Things are different now
The current circumstances have changed
(You look different)
Your appearance has altered
Do you care?
Do you possess concern or interest?
(Then why do you hide?)
If you do care, why conceal your emotions or actions?
I thought I could get away with it
I expected to escape consequences for my actions
(I was watching, I know who you are)
As an observer, I have identified and recognized your identity
Writer(s): John Paul Jones
Contributed by Kennedy Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.