1. a guitar player … Read Full Bio ↴There are several artists with this name, including:
1. a guitar player and singer from Devon UK
2. a Canadian emcee with releases on Peanuts & Corn Records
3. the replacement member for Ryan Preston in the dance trio Cryalie (2009)
4. a post-hardcore band from Toronto
1) John Smith is a guitar player and singer from Devon. He has toured England, Europe and America extensively. His technical adventurousness and passion as a live performer have secured him support slots with , Iron and Wine, James Yorkston, John Martyn, David Gray, Jools Holland, Gil Scott-Heron and Lisa Hannigan (whose records he also plays on).
After the death of John Martyn, he appeared on a tribute album Johnny Boy Would Love this…a Tribute to John Martyn alongside Bombay Bicycle Club, Paolo Nutini, Snow Patrol, Phil Collins and Beth Orton and more.
His unique guitar style has influenced many artists including James Newton Chadwick and Ben Howard.
The Fox And The Monk (2007) debut album
Map or Direction (2009)
Eavesdropping (2011)
Great Lakes (2013)
http://johnsmithjohnsmith.com/ ~~~~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Smith_(musician)
2) John Smith is a Canadian emcee with releases on Peanuts & Corn Records. After the first release, Blunderbus, which met with critical acclaim, came School Day 2 Garbage Day 4 (2000) with mcenroe and DJ Hunnicutt (as Park-Like Setting). In 2002 he collaborated with fellow P&C artist Pip Skid for All Beef, No Chicken. He then released Pinky's Laundromat, introducing several characters from native Winnipeg, Growing Pains (2006), and the Smithtape vol 1 and vol 2 Double Bacon Genius Burger.
3) John Smith is the replacement member for Ryan Preston in the dance trio Cryalie as of early 2009.
4) John Smith is a post-hardcore band from Toronto, Ontario. http://wearejohnsmith.bandcamp.com
Sanctuary
John Smith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trying to forget
Lost a card or two
And found myself in bed
She told me it was nothing
And I could not disagree
So I woke up
With my coat and my change
I stumbled out of there
Into the freezing morning
Let it lead me anywhere
I saw the future with eyes wide open
Across a river of fallen leaves
And though you're gone I was kind of hoping
You'd still be there to shelter me
And I would find some sanctuary
I watched you run like crazy
Chasing all those dreams
I tried to follow close
But I ran out of steam
I knew I had lost you
Long before you had to leave
Walking past the station
Getting colder now
Remembering how you waited there
Your first time in this town
And how it felt to hold you
As the evening sun went down
Oh gotta let it go, let it go
I can't keep aligning the stars
I'm a fool if I think that
Wine and a stranger
Waking up wasted
Ever fixed a broken heart
But it's a place to start
The first verse of this song sets the scene of someone drowning their sorrows in alcohol, trying to escape reality by losing themselves in a haze of excessive drinking. They confess to losing control and finding themselves in bed with someone, perhaps seeking temporary solace or distraction from their troubles. The individual they encountered reassures them that it was meaningless, but deep down, they may still feel conflicted about the encounter.
In the second verse, the singer wakes up the next morning feeling suffocated and desperate for fresh air, physically leaving the space of their indulgence. The imagery of stumbling out into the freezing morning conveys a sense of disorientation and a need for clarity. Despite feeling lost and uncertain, they open themselves up to the possibilities of the unknown, willing to let the morning lead them wherever it may.
The chorus delves into a reflective moment where the singer envisions a future with a sense of hopeful longing. Imagining a landscape filled with fallen leaves, they acknowledge the absence of someone significant in their life. Despite this absence, there is a yearning for that person to provide comfort and shelter, symbolizing a desire for emotional refuge or sanctuary in times of distress.
Continuing to reminisce about the past, the singer recalls moments shared with the person they long for. Walking through familiar places and remembering intimate details, such as waiting at the station or watching the sunset together, evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing. They come to terms with the realization that they have lost this person, even before they physically departed, highlighting a sense of resignation and acceptance of inevitable separation. The lyrics convey a bittersweet tone as the singer grapples with letting go and starting anew, recognizing the futility of seeking solace in temporary distractions like alcohol and temporary flings. By acknowledging their own foolishness and the need to move on, they confront the painful reality of heartbreak and the difficult journey towards healing.
Line by Line Meaning
Drinking hard in circles
Engaging in repetitive, self-destructive behaviors to cope with emotional pain
Trying to forget
Attempting to push painful memories out of one's mind
Lost a card or two
Making mistakes or bad decisions
And found myself in bed
Ending up in a vulnerable or regrettable situation
She told me it was nothing
Trying to downplay a significant event or mistake
And I could not disagree
Unable to deny the truth or reality of the situation
So I woke up
Becoming aware of one's surroundings and situation
Desperate for a little air
Feeling suffocated or overwhelmed
With my coat and my change
Leaving with only the essentials
I stumbled out of there
Leaving the comfort or familiarity of a place
Into the freezing morning
Facing harsh realities or difficult circumstances
Let it lead me anywhere
Embracing uncertainty and unpredictability
I saw the future with eyes wide open
Facing the future with clarity and awareness
Across a river of fallen leaves
Navigating through past experiences and memories
And though you're gone I was kind of hoping
Despite knowing the truth, holding onto hope or longing
You'd still be there to shelter me
Seeking comfort and protection from someone emotionally
And I would find some sanctuary
Hoping to find peace or solace in a challenging situation
I watched you run like crazy
Observing someone pursue their dreams passionately
Chasing all those dreams
Actively pursuing personal goals and aspirations
I tried to follow close
Attempting to keep up with someone's ambition or pace
But I ran out of steam
Losing energy or motivation to keep up
I knew I had lost you
Realizing a relationship or connection has ended
Long before you had to leave
Recognizing the signs of detachment or distance
Walking past the station
Moving forward or progressing despite setbacks
Getting colder now
Feeling emotionally distant or disconnected
Remembering how you waited there
Recalling moments of patience and support from someone
Your first time in this town
Reflecting on initial experiences or memories
And how it felt to hold you
Recalling the emotional connection with someone
As the evening sun went down
Remembering intimate or peaceful moments
Oh gotta let it go, let it go
Recognizing the need to release past emotions or situations
I can't keep aligning the stars
Unable to control or manipulate external circumstances
I'm a fool if I think that
Acknowledging unrealistic expectations or beliefs
Wine and a stranger
Using temporary distractions or escapism
Waking up wasted
Regretting impulsive or reckless actions
Ever fixed a broken heart
Questioning the effectiveness of certain coping mechanisms
But it's a place to start
Recognizing the need for personal growth and healing
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: JONAS CARL GUSTAF MYRIN, JORDAN MACKENZIE SMITH, JOSH ZEGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jpinto9056
The best of the bests!
@user-rv6mh3zf7u
I don’t sub every singer I hear. I heard 3 songs. That was good enough for me.
@alanr.johnson7222
A new master in a great English language singer songwriting tradition on this side of the Atlantic. I've been a big fan of Bert Jansch since the mid1970s and missed him enormously over the last 10 years, John Smith has gone a long way to filling that gap!
@thejohnsmith
Most kind. Thank you Alan!
@Buddhamaster44
Dear John... If only you would truly realise how good you are.... 😊, and stop being so bloody humble.....cheers mate ! Erik 🙏🎸
@danbennett6854
What a beautiful video to accompany a great song!
@sbassett5572
Still here in south India listening John, still going inspired by your music.. Thanks
@thejohnsmith
That's very cool. Thank you for that.
@sbassett5572
@@thejohnsmith emailed you a few years ago.. About the child protection work here and how youd inspired me to keep going.. We are still going, still listening in the mountains of Tamil Nadu. Hopefully get back one of these years and see you live again.. Your music means the world to us here, so.. Thank you 🙏
@rustyrobots426
Just a beautiful song John as is all of the fray.