Most recently, Wesley has performed as sideman, guitarist/vocalist for critically acclaimed Atlantic/Roadrunner Records U.K.-based recording act Porcupine Tree, during the In Absentia, Deadwing, Fear of a Blank Planet, and The Incident world tours. Wesley's versatility shows from his diverse touring background. In recent years he has performed lead guitars and background vocals for White Lion front man Mike Tramp, subbed on lead guitar and bass for Gainsville's Sister Hazel, and as lead guitarist for Scottish neo-prog band Fish on many lengthy European, American and South American Tours and on several U.S. and European Solo dates.
In 2005, Wesley produced and recorded his fifth studio release, Shiver, co-produced by Mark Prator, and mixed by Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree.
He has an official fan website at http://www.john-wesley.com where fans can read lyrics, view photos and preview album clips.
On the 24th August 2007, John Wesley announced that he was making the majority of his solo material available for free download on his website http://www.john-wesley.com, in what he called his "Share the Wes" policy. He will still be offering certain CDs and new releases for purchase at gigs and online.
2. John Wesley was an American soul singer of the 1960s, who released most of his music on the Melic record label. Most of his recordings were credited to John Wesley & The Four Tees, except for a 1966 single called 'Love Is Such a Funny Thing', which was recorded with The Four Tees but credited to Wesley alone.
All Or Nothing
John Wesley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Watch you rack 'em up with the best of them
Don't relate to this condition of fame
I know all the wanna bes and could've beens
Seen you bullshit the gonna bes and should've beens
Now you live our world like a movie scene
and open our souls like a vein
We live or we die by our promises
We live and we breathe each other
We hold to the love that bonded us
I'll be there when you've tripped and fallen down
I'll be there when it's too dark to see
You say that it's all or nothing
You say that it's all or nothing
Now it's all or nothing
Followed you here on the tail of your latest whim
Followed you like a kite in the rain
Watch the wheels make you promises and pretend
Watch you strip for a break that never came
This place chokes the life out of you and it
Sucks us in, smothers us in sin
Now you live our world like a movie scene
slowly we fade...from the screen
Would you be a queen
Humbled to your knees by some
B movie celluloid king
You were always so beautiful to me
Now it's all or nothing
The song "All Or Nothing" by John Wesley is a poignant reflection on the glamorous facade of Hollywood and the price that its inhabitants pay for its flimsy glitter. Wesley opens with a statement of recognition; that he doesn't know much about Hollywood but he understands the game. He highlights the artificiality of the industry and the relationships formed in it, describing how the players of the game, whether going to be's or could have been's, have to constantly perpetuate an image of themselves to maintain their status. In contrast, Wesley chooses not to chase that hollow superstar dream but instead has formed genuine relationships and bonds.
The chorus captures the essence of the song's message beautifully. Wesley muses about how his relationships are all or nothing; they are bound to one another through love and commitment. He acknowledges the challenging nature of these relationships, which he will always persevere to maintain. Wesley then goes back to his observations of the Hollywood world, describing how he's followed his protagonist, like a kite in the rain, and witnessed their failings. With a vivid metaphor, Wesley describes how the industry strips its participants bare, leaving them with nothing to show for it.
Highlighting how Hollywood treats its actresses, Wesley questions whether one would be humbled by some male character's adoration on the set of a B-Movie. He expresses his admiration for his subject regardless of her perceived fall from grace, acknowledging her past beauty and vulnerability. Overall, the song is a haunting depiction of the reality of Hollywood, reminding us that real connections and relationships will always supersede the artificial trappings of fame.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't know much about Hollywood but I recognize the game
Although I am not knowledgeable about the movie industry, I can still tell when people are playing a game.
Watch you rack 'em up with the best of them
I see you succeeding and being just as good as the others in the industry.
Don't relate to this condition of fame
I do not understand or connect with the lifestyle of the famous.
I know all the wanna bes and could've beens
I am aware of all the people who aspire to be famous or had potential but never made it.
Seen you bullshit the gonna bes and should've beens
I have observed you giving false hope to those who are trying to make it big and those who had potential but never succeeded.
Now you live our world like a movie scene
You have become a part of our world and live your life as if it were a scene from a movie.
and open our souls like a vein
You reveal deep emotions within us as if we were opening up a vein.
Now it's all or nothing
We must either give our all or nothing at all.
We live or we die by our promises
Our ability to keep our promises determines our success or failure in life.
We live and we breathe each other
We depend on one another for our existence and our relationships with each other.
We hold to the love that bonded us
We cherish the love that brought us together and hold onto it tightly.
I'll be there when you've tripped and fallen down
I will be by your side when you stumble and need help getting back up.
I'll be there when it's too dark to see
I will be there to guide you even during the darkest of times.
You say that it's all or nothing
You insist that there is no middle ground and we must choose between giving our all or giving up completely.
Followed you here on the tail of your latest whim
I have followed you here because of your latest impulsive decision or interest.
Followed you like a kite in the rain
I have followed you despite the difficulties and challenges during the journey.
Watch the wheels make you promises and pretend
I observe others making empty promises to you and pretending to support you but having no intention of following through.
Watch you strip for a break that never came
I witness you sacrificing and exposing yourself for an opportunity or chance that never materializes.
This place chokes the life out of you and it
The environment and atmosphere here slowly drain the energy and vitality out of you.
Sucks us in, smothers us in sin
The place pulls us in, suffocating us and bringing us into a world of wrongdoing and temptation.
slowly we fade...from the screen
We begin to disappear, becoming less prominent or successful in the industry.
Would you be a queen
Would you be willing to play a significant role or hold a position of power.
Humbled to your knees by some
Being brought down or humbled by someone else.
B movie celluloid king
A mediocre or insignificant movie director.
You were always so beautiful to me
Despite your position or status, I still find you to be a beautiful person on the inside.
Contributed by Elena A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.