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.
The King of 17
John Wesley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So I'm gonna look after of you
Your daddy loves liquor and your momma needs help
Cause all of her nightmares came true
I got this car when my granddaddy passed
So meet me just after last bell
I 've got twenty dollars it'll get us some gas
But it's twenty dollars further from hell
Leave it to me cause I'm 17
Leave it to me we'll get through
If' you'll be my queen then I'll play a king
I'll always look after you
Just leave it to me
I am a king at 17
Leave it to me...
I am the King of 17
We head to the east to catch up to the sun
You smile as you watch it rise
We come from nothing, we leave nothing behind
my world is the hope in your eyes
Leave it to me cause I'm 17
Leave it to me we'll get through
If' you'll be my queen then I'll play a king
I'll always take care of you
Just leave it to me
I am a king at 17
Leave it to me...
I am the King of 17
The lyrics to "The King of 17" by John Wesley speak of a young man who is willing to take on the responsibility of caring for a girl despite the difficult circumstances of her family. He acknowledges that her parents are unable to take care of themselves due to her father's love for liquor and her mother's difficulties. The lyrics point to the fact that the girl has been through some tough times, but he assures her that he will take care of her.
The singer of the song talks about how he has inherited a car from his grandfather, and with his twenty dollars of gas money, they will go far enough away from their troubles to get a fresh start. He is confident that he can handle everything at 17, referring to himself as the "King of 17". The song talks about hope and the promise of something better in the future. It's a story of resilience, promise, and starting over.
The song's message speaks to the innate ability of young people to take on difficult situations and come out on top. The responsibility may seem like a heavy burden, but youth has a way of bearing it with grace and strength.
Line by Line Meaning
Your momma and daddy can't take care of themselves
Your parents are unable to care for themselves
So I'm gonna look after of you
I will take care of you
Your daddy loves liquor and your momma needs help
Your father is addicted to alcohol and your mother requires assistance
Cause all of her nightmares came true
Because all of her worst fears have become reality
I got this car when my granddaddy passed
I inherited this car when my grandfather died
So meet me just after last bell
Meet me after school is dismissed
I 've got twenty dollars it'll get us some gas
I have twenty dollars that we can use to buy gasoline
We won't get too far and we won't get there fast
Our trip will not be long and we will not arrive quickly
But it's twenty dollars further from hell
But it brings us twenty dollars closer to a better life
Leave it to me cause I'm 17
Trust me because I am young and capable
Leave it to me we'll get through
Trust me, we will overcome our difficulties
If' you'll be my queen then I'll play a king
If you are my partner, I will be a strong leader
I'll always look after you
I will always take care of you
Just leave it to me
Trust me completely
I am a king at 17
I am a young and promising leader
I am the King of 17
I am the ruler of my youth and my destiny
We head to the east to catch up to the sun
We travel towards the east to see the sunrise
You smile as you watch it rise
You feel happy as you see it appear
We come from nothing, we leave nothing behind
We have no possessions or legacy
my world is the hope in your eyes
My reason for living is the optimism in your gaze
I'll always take care of you
I will always look after you
Contributed by Max T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.