He was born Wesley Stace in Hastings, East Sussex, England. His given name, Wesley, comes from John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who preached one of his last sermons in the town where Harding was born.
His stage name may be seen as an almost inevitable nickname for a folk-pop musician, in that his first name overlaps with the Bob Dylan album (and song) "John Wesley Harding". The American gunfighting historical figure John Wesley Hardin was largely forgotten before 1965, when Johnny Cash wrote and recorded the song "Hardin Wouldn't Run".
His education included the boarding schools St. Andrews School (Pangbourne, Berkshire); Milbourne Lodge (Claygate, Surrey); The King's School (Canterbury, Kent); and university at Jesus College, Cambridge. He left Cambridge with a First in English Literature, but left before completing his Ph.d. in Social and Political Science.
Musical influences include Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Ray Davies, and Phil Ochs. He has been frequently compared to Elvis Costello probably fueled, in part, by the fact that two members of his early band The Good Liars (Pete and Bruce Thomas) had been members of The Attractions. Harding was chosen by Bruce Springsteen as his first opening act in 20 years for his solo shows at the Berkeley Community Theatre in 1995. Harding
Save a Little Room for Me
John Wesley Harding Lyrics
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When everything appears as the drag that it is
Get down that brown case that your grandma had
Open it up and think of your dad
When you're feeling empty
And the echos round this cold white room have no identity
When it's time to pack your bags
When it's time to buy a home
When you're sick of using a different phone everyday
Settle up your debts and then settle down
Take that suitcase back to the lost and found
When you're feeling lonely
I guarantee the neighborhood community will rally round you
Wait and see
When it's time to buy a home
Save a little room for me
When it's time to lie down
When you're sick of the sound and the sight hurts your eyes
Wrap up warm in a single bed
Tie up the loose strings that are in your head
When you're feeling empty
Dreams will fill you up in the big sleep city
When it's time for you lie down
Save a little room for me
Save a little room for me
John Wesley Harding's song Save a Little Room for Me is a poignant and emotive piece that touches on themes of departure, loneliness, and the need for human connection. The song begins with a call to pack one's bags when things appear to be getting too difficult, and to open up an old brown case that your grandmother had, and think of your dad. There is a sense of nostalgia and longing here, as though the singer is trying to hold onto something that is slipping away from them. The line "when you're feeling empty and the echoes round this cold white room have no identity" further reinforces this idea of emptiness and isolation.
The second verse speaks to the idea of settling down and buying a home, but again, there is a sense of displacement, as the singer encourages saving a little room for me. The idea of community is also present here, as the singer guarantees that the neighborhood will rally around in time of need. Finally, the last verse speaks to the need for rest and escape, with the singer encouraging the listener to wrap up warm in a single bed and tie up the loose strings that are in their head; a suggestion that suggests a need for calm and clarity. In each verse, the singer is essentially saying the same thing: that in times of change or uncertainty, there is a need for human connection and the comfort of others.
Line by Line Meaning
When it's time to pack your bags
When you need to leave and start fresh
When everything appears as the drag that it is
When life feels heavy and burdensome
Get down that brown case that your grandma had
Retrieve the old luggage that reminds you of your roots
Open it up and think of your dad
Reflect on the memories of your father
When you're feeling empty
When you feel like something is missing
And the echos round this cold white room have no identity
When your surroundings seem bland and impersonal
Save a little room for me
Think of me and keep me in your heart
When it's time to buy a home
When you're ready to settle down
When you're sick of using a different phone everyday
When you're tired of living a transient lifestyle
Settle up your debts and then settle down
Get your finances in order before putting down roots
Take that suitcase back to the lost and found
Release the baggage of your past
When you're feeling lonely
When you feel isolated and disconnected
I guarantee the neighborhood community will rally round you
Your community will support you when you need it
Wait and see
Be patient and have faith
Save a little room for me
Remember me and keep me close
When it's time to lie down
When it's time to rest
When you're sick of the sound and the sight hurts your eyes
When your environment is overwhelming and uncomfortable
Wrap up warm in a single bed
Find comfort in simplicity
Tie up the loose strings that are in your head
Clear your mind of stray thoughts
Dreams will fill you up in the big sleep city
As you fall asleep, hopes and aspirations will take hold
Save a little room for me
Hold onto me and don't forget me
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN WESLEY HARDING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind