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.
Shiver
John Wesley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You seem a bit gone
Rumours of right and wrong, assailable
Delivered from tongues of those un-tamable
Yet loosed
Upon we
See you hurt
Then you shiver
I watched you Shiver oh
Then you Shiver till...
I can not breathe any more
No I can not be here alone
You shiver
I watched you Shiver oh You Shiver till I
No shield, entirely covered us
Faith, seems to crumble into dust
Leaving us just ourselves to despair of
Feeling the sting of the poison arrows
So loosed
Upon we
See you hurt
See you leave...
Then you shiver
I watched you Shiver oh
Then you Shiver till...
I can not breathe any more
No I can not be here alone
No I can not dream anymore
No I can not see anymore...
In John Wesley's song "Shiver," the lyrics explore the complexities of emotions, relationships, and the fragility of life. The opening lines express a sense of distance between the singer and the subject - "I'm a bit unavailable/You seem a bit gone." The use of the word "assailable" in the next line creates a feeling of vulnerability in the face of rumors and perceptions from others. Despite this, the subject is "delivered" from these opinions.
The chorus focuses on the physical manifestation of intense emotions - "Then you shiver/I watched you shiver...till." The abrupt shift from the third person point of view in the earlier verses to the direct address in the chorus creates a sense of urgency and intimacy. The singer can no longer bear to watch the subject suffer alone, as expressed in the lines "I can not breathe any more/No I can not be here alone." The repeated line "You shiver" emphasizes the human connection between the two.
The final verse brings in themes of faith and hopelessness. The use of the word "shield" creates an image of protection and security, but it is not enough to guard against the destruction caused by the "poison arrows" of life. The repeated line "Then you shiver/I watched you shiver..." brings the song full circle, emphasizing the cyclical nature of emotions and relationships. In the end, the singer is left feeling lost and alone, unable to dream or see a way forward.
Overall, "Shiver" is a poignant and introspective song that grapples with the complexities of human emotion and the fragility of life itself.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a bit unavailable
I am not fully present or engaged in this situation.
You seem a bit gone
You appear distant or disconnected.
Rumours of right and wrong, assailable
Opinions on what is correct or incorrect are subject to doubt or attack.
Delivered from tongues of those un-tamable
These rumors or opinions come from people who cannot be controlled or restrained.
Yet loosed
Despite this uncertainty,
Upon we
We are affected by it all the same.
See you hurt
I observe that you are in pain.
See you leave
I notice that you are pulling away or departing from this situation.
Then you shiver
Your reaction to this situation is physical and involuntary - you tremble.
I watched you Shiver oh
I witnessed your reaction.
Then you Shiver till...
This physical reaction continues for a time.
I can not breathe any more
This situation is overwhelming to the point where I am struggling to breathe.
No I can not be here alone
I cannot handle this situation by myself.
No shield, entirely covered us
We have no protection, and are completely vulnerable to the situation.
Faith, seems to crumble into dust
Our trust or belief in something greater is breaking down.
Leaving us just ourselves to despair of
We are left with nothing but our own sorrows and hopelessness to rely on.
Feeling the sting of the poison arrows
We are experiencing the impact of hurtful or damaging words/beliefs.
I can not dream anymore
This situation has drained all hope and aspirations from me.
No I can not see anymore...
I am unable to perceive things clearly or with optimism due to this situation.
Contributed by Caden I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Diego Hernández
wonderful album, full of precious tracks. Always be and Star are the most emotional and simply songs. Thanks John.
László Horváth
This is my favorite from Shiver...beautiful!
Jacob Hockman
John Wesley your music is great! =] Thanks for making it! This song really deserves more views!
Brian Bokor
Anyone living in Central Florida...John (Wes) plays weekly gigs in Riverview Florida.....if you get a chance to catch him live, do yourself a favor and don't miss him!...BTW - He also plays as Wes Dearth as well as John Wesley...
Michael Picard
Brilliant, The Porcupine strikes , straight to the heart.
Steve O'Donnell
Such a righteous tune...
swamks69
i love his music
ourfault 119
keep it up wes!
donald blakely
Hey John, It has been along time! This is "Blake" from 525 Gornto lake road! Do you still have that rattlesnake skin I gave you years ago! It was on an old photo. HA!