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.
Free
John Wesley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of flying over fences, in the breeze
Golden doors before you
A new world waits, but you can't leave
Well you gotta be brave
You gotta be strong
If you're gonna be free
Reasons long forgotten
All that matters is you can't breath
Choking on apathy
Playing for sympathy, on your knees
Well you gotta be brave
You gotta be strong
If you're gonna be free
Trapped in this small world
Drowning in dreams
Drowning in me
This can't be wished away
There's no magic words to say
There is no knight in shining armour
Come to rescue you from me
Well you gotta be brave
You gotta be strong
If you're gonna be free
Trapped in this small world
Drowning in dreams
Drowning in me
Trapped in your small world
Drowning in your dreams
The lyrics of John Wesley’s song Free paints a picture of someone with intentions of breaking free from their current situation, but is unable to due to the limitations and restrictions they face. The first two lines depict the hope and desire of this person to fly over fences and start anew, but they are unable to do so because they are held back by an invisible force. This force is represented by the “golden doors” that are before them, which symbolizes opportunities and a new life waiting for them, but they cannot leave their current situation.
The next few lines describe the struggles of this person. They are suffocating under the weight of their problems and are unable to even breathe properly. They have succumbed to apathy and have resorted to playing for sympathy on their knees. The following lines urge this person to be brave and strong if they want to be free. They are trapped in their small world and are drowning in their dreams.
The final lines of the song suggest that this person’s situation cannot be solved easily. There are no magic words to say, and there is no knight in shining armor coming to rescue them. They are the only ones who can change their lives, but they must be brave and strong to do so.
Line by Line Meaning
My what pretty intentions
Despite the noble aspirations I have, they may only appear beautiful on the surface
Of flying over fences, in the breeze
To overcome barriers and move freely, without resistance or obstacles
Golden doors before you
An opportunity for something greater lies ahead
A new world waits, but you can't leave
Although there is promise and potential, there are still limitations and restrictions
Well you gotta be brave
In order to succeed, one must have courage and strength
You gotta be strong
In order to withstand challenges and overcome adversity
If you're gonna be free
In order to achieve liberation and independence
Reasons long forgotten
The justifications for one's unhappiness or struggles have become blurry and obscure
All that matters is you can't breathe
The overwhelming feeling of being trapped and suffocated consumes all else
Choking on apathy
Indifference has become stifling, making it difficult to feel or care
Playing for sympathy, on your knees
Seeking pity and compassion from others, in a desperate and vulnerable position
Trapped in this small world
Being confined to a limited existence with little room for growth or expansion
Drowning in dreams
Having aspirations and desires that feel unattainable or overwhelming
Drowning in me
Feeling consumed or overwhelmed by one's own struggles and emotions
This can't be wished away
One's problems cannot simply disappear through hopeful thinking alone
There's no magic words to say
There is no easy or instantaneous solution
There is no knight in shining armour
There is no one who can come to the rescue, or solve the problem on behalf of the individual
Come to rescue you from me
The individual must take charge and responsibility for their own well-being and happiness
Trapped in your small world
The individual has been confined by their own limitations and fears, preventing them from experiencing a broader world
Drowning in your dreams
The individual is overwhelmed by their aspirations and desires, which feel unobtainable or unrealistic
Contributed by Oliver T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.