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.
Still Waiting
John Wesley Lyrics
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You, I can no longer defend
I stare into the west
For some sign of the quest
That bade you go into the sun
I'm waiting, waiting for your sun to shine
Yes I'm waiting, waiting for your
The river runs cold, the arcs stand bold
Awaiting your triumph to come
We stay behind
While you're off to find
The promise of Hollywood's forgotten sons
I'm waiting, waiting for your sun to shine
Yes I'm waiting, waiting for your
The lyrics of John Wesley's Still Waiting are about waiting for someone who has gone off to pursue their dreams in Hollywood. The singer is left behind, staring into the west for some sign of the person's success while they pursue the promise of becoming one of Hollywood's forgotten sons. The singer can no longer defend the person's choices and is left waiting in anticipation for their return.
The symbolism in this song is strong with the use of flares to indicate that the person has arrived, the river running cold representing the passage of time and the arcs standing bold representing the challenges faced by the person in trying to make it in Hollywood. The use of forgotten sons highlights the idea that not everyone who goes to Hollywood becomes successful and there are many people who are left behind due to the competitiveness of the industry.
The song has an underlying theme of hope and waiting, and the lyrics depict the struggle that comes with waiting for someone who has gone off to pursue their dreams. The lyrics invite the listeners to reflect on their own experiences of waiting for someone or something and the feelings that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Send up a flare when you're finally there
Let me know when you've reached your destination so I can finally stop defending you
You, I can no longer defend
I can no longer make excuses for you or justify your actions
I stare into the west
I look towards the horizon, hoping to see a sign of your return
For some sign of the quest
I'm searching for any indication that your journey was worth it
That bade you go into the sun
The thing that motivated you to leave and chase your dreams
The river runs cold, the arcs stand bold
Life goes on without you, even though we're all waiting for your triumphant return
Awaiting your triumph to come
We're eagerly anticipating the moment when you achieve success
We stay behind
The rest of us are still here, waiting patiently for your return
While you're off to find
You're out there searching for your dreams
The promise of Hollywood's forgotten sons
You're chasing the same dream that countless others have pursued and failed
I'm waiting, waiting for your sun to shine
I'm patiently holding out hope that you'll succeed and return with great success
Yes I'm waiting, waiting for your
I'm still waiting for you to come back, and hoping you will bring bright things into our lives when you do
Contributed by Cooper R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@stevebd08
Anyone who has seen John solo or with Porcupine Tree knows he is killer, a gifted musician. Great song, John.
@BeardedMadman71
Shame there aren't more comments for this.
@stevep8445
Have seen John solo, with Fish and with Porcupine Tree. Will be seeing him in November opening for Marillion.. Can't wait...