singer-songwriter and actor. He has also performed and recorded with the English Folk-Rock act Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit.
Flynn released his debut album, A Larum, in 2008. This was followed by the Sweet William EP in 2009 and his second album Been Listening in 2010. 'Been Listening' includes the singles album Kentucky Pill, Barnacled Warship and The Water, which features a duet with Laura Marling.
Wayne Rooney
Johnny Flynn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Primordial superman
I know the trouble you've gotten in
Leave this trouble half cottoned down
If I know better, I don't know better
If I know better, I don't know better
The other half's in bed
We'll pray for the pigeon or half at least
And pray he's not half dead
If I know better, I don't know better
If I know better, I don't know better
The bartender looks like George Best
Many of them do
Well look at the way that George went astray
And has since been misconstrued
If I know better, I don't know better
If I know better, I don't know better
Got caught in a sacrilegious embrace
We're entrepreneurs in the field
Til we rolled on the bones and we made them our own
And the road to contention was sealed
If I know better, I don't know better
If I know better, I don't know better
The lyrics to Johnny Flynn's "Wayne Rooney" tell the story of a group of individuals who are trying to navigate their way through life, with all its troubles and obstacles. The first verse refers to an "elephant hunter" from Ebbsfleet, who is described as a "primordial superman". This seems to be a metaphor for a person who is tough and resilient, but also perhaps a bit rough around the edges. The singer acknowledges that this person has been in trouble before, but urges them to "leave this trouble half cottoned down", meaning to try and avoid getting into further difficulties.
The second verse is a bit more abstract, with the imagery of a half-alive pigeon and a bartender who looks like George Best. The pigeon represents something that is struggling to survive, while the bartender is a reminder of someone who was once great but fell from grace. The chorus, "If I know better, I don't know better", suggests a sense of uncertainty or confusion about what the future holds.
The final verse is perhaps the most intriguing, with references to "sacrilegious embrace" and "entrepreneurs in the field". It seems to describe a group of people who have found success through questionable means, but who have also taken risks and seized opportunities when others might have been more cautious. The last line, "And the road to contention was sealed", implies that this willingness to take chances has led to both success and conflict.
Overall, "Wayne Rooney" is a complex and thought-provoking song that uses vivid imagery and a catchy melody to explore themes of risk-taking, resilience, and the often unpredictable nature of life.
Line by Line Meaning
You're one of those elephant hunters from Ebbsfleet
You are someone who seeks out impossible tasks or goals, like hunting elephants in a place like Ebbsfleet.
Primordial superman
You are a powerful and superior being with origins from a distant and ancient past.
I know the trouble you've gotten in
I am aware of the problems and difficulties you have faced in your life.
Leave this trouble half cottoned down
Don't let your problems stay unresolved or unsolved, take action and deal with them.
The pigeon's half alive
The bird is only partly alive.
The other half's in bed
The bird's other half or the person who could help it is asleep or inactive.
We'll pray for the pigeon or half at least
We will hope for the bird's recovery or at least for half of it to survive.
And pray he's not half dead
And we hope that the bird is not almost dead or dying.
The bartender looks like George Best
The bartender has a physical resemblance to George Best, a former professional footballer.
Many of them do
Many bartenders look like famous people, perhaps to attract customers.
Well look at the way that George went astray
Consider how George Best struggled with alcoholism and addiction before his death.
And has since been misconstrued
His life and career may have been misunderstood or misinterpreted.
Got caught in a sacrilegious embrace
I/we were caught doing something that might be considered disrespectful or blasphemous.
We're entrepreneurs in the field
We are ambitious and resourceful in our pursuit, like entrepreneurs in a business field.
Til we rolled on the bones and we made them our own
Until we took advantage of the situation, like rolling dice and taking ownership of the outcome.
And the road to contention was sealed
This led to a path of conflict or disagreement between us and someone else.
If I know better, I don't know better
Despite my experiences and knowledge, I am still uncertain or unaware of what is best.
If I know better, I don't know better
I continue to acknowledge my lack of complete understanding or certainty.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN PATRICK VIVIAN FLYNN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind