While at school, Allen featured in a number of school bands, playing drums. On one occasion Jon became the lead singer and realized that he was a natural show off. He later attended the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) on a songwriting course. Through this he learnt how to become a more self-disciplined writer. After graduating Jon moved to London, after one of his demos received a five-star review in the magazine Making Music. Management offers in London soon followed, prompting Jon to immerse himself in the live music scene and surround himself with like-minded people. Since moving to London, Allen found himself sharing the stage with artists as Emmylou Harris, Mark Knopfler, KT Tunstall and Jose Gonzalez.
After selling more than 20,000 downloads via his website of Going Home Jon is steadily building up a strong and supportive fan base in the UK. In 2009 he released his debut album Dead Mans Suit which featured the singles 'In Your Light', 'Dead Mans Suit', 'When The Morning Comes' and 'Down By The River'.
On May 22nd 2011, Allen released his second album 'Sweet Defeat' through Monologue Records. His first single from the album, 'Joanna' was playlisted on Radio 2.
'Sweet Defeat' was released in the US via OK! Good Records and can be purchased or streamed here:
http://www.okgoodrecords.com/blog/2012/03/13/jon-allen-sweet-defeat/
Down By the River
Jon Allen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And we walked out across the fields
Down the lane and over the railway line
Our hearts were racing our feet were chasing
We were looking for a hide away
Getting lost and losing track of time
We went down by the river
Where the water ran slow
Was where we let our loving run free
We went down by the river
We went down by the river
Just laying low
My true love and me
You let your long brown hair hang down
Your summer dress was swaying in the breeze
When we were skimming stones across the stream
You had a lazy style and a carefree smile
You were a breathless beauty to behold
The sweetest sight my eyes had ever seen
We went down by the river
We went down by the river
Where the water ran slow
Was where we let our loving run free
We went down by the river
We went down by the river
Just laying low
My true love and me
Well waters rise and streams divide
And that river keeps rolling on
Paper boats and pleasure drift away
And you may be just a memory
But you're shinning like a distant star
It seems to me as clear as yesterday
We went down by the river
We went down by the river
Where the water ran slow
Was where we let our loving run free
We went down by the river
We went down by the river
Just laying low
My true love and me
In Jon Allen's song "Down By the River," he reminisces about a special moment in time with his true love. The lyrics describe a beautiful day where the couple ventured out into the countryside, walking through fields, lanes and over railway lines, feeling their hearts race whilst their feet chased - looking for a hidden location to escape to, one where they could get lost and let their love run free. Eventually, they found themselves down by the river, where the water ran slow, and the couple shared a moment of pure love and joy in each other's company.
The lyrics are very descriptive, capturing the essence of the moment that Jon Allen is trying to convey. The imagery of the couple sitting down on the riverbank, with the woman's long brown hair hanging down whilst her summer dress sways in the breeze and the sun shining down upon them, creates a vivid and romantic scene. The line, "you had a lazy style and a carefree smile," perfectly sums up the feeling at the time, where the couple was in a relaxed and happy state, without a care in the world.
The song's final verse reflects upon the passing of time; the river keeps rolling on, but the memory of this special moment remains. Allen recognizes that his love may have faded, but he cherishes the memories that still shine bright in his heart. "Down By the River" is a beautiful song that captures the essence of young love and the memories that will stay with you forever.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you remember you took my hand
Do you remember the moment you took my hand and led me out across the fields
And we walked out across the fields
Together we walked across the vast, open fields
Down the lane and over the railway line
We followed a trail down a path and over a railway line
Our hearts were racing our feet were chasing
As we ran, our hearts beat fast and our feet tried to keep up with our excitement
We were looking for a hide away
We sought out a secluded spot to retreat to
Getting lost and losing track of time
We became absorbed in the moment and forgot about time passing
We went down by the river
Together we went to the river
Where the water ran slow
We found a calm spot on the river, where the water flowed slowly
Was where we let our loving run free
It was there that we poured out our love without any reservation
Just laying low
We tried to escape the world for a while and lay low by the river
My true love and me
It was there, by the river, that we were completely ourselves, truly loving each other for who we are
You let your long brown hair hang down
You relaxed and let your long brown hair hang loosely down your back
Your summer dress was swaying in the breeze
Your summer dress danced in the light breeze along with the tall grasses beside the river
When we were skimming stones across the stream
We played together, skimming stones across the moving water
You had a lazy style and a carefree smile
You had an easygoing manner and a smile that conveyed your worry-free spirit
You were a breathless beauty to behold
You were absolutely enchanting, and I was left breathless by your beauty
Well waters rise and streams divide
As time passes, rivers swell and direction changes
And that river keeps rolling on
But the river keeps moving forward, unperturbed
Paper boats and pleasure drift away
Memories and good times can easily fade away, like paper boats and moments of pleasure
And you may be just a memory
While you may be just a memory to me now, in my mind you will always be real and present
But you're shinning like a distant star
You remain a shining light in the distance, guiding me whenever I think of you
It seems to me as clear as yesterday
Despite the years that have passed, it feels like our time together was just yesterday
Lyrics © HAL LEONARD CORPORATION
Written by: ZANE VAN HUKES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
joshua meighan
Amazing song this guy is brilliant I need to see him live brilliant Jon 👍
King Maker
Love this song and especially the busy and fun bass line.
Guus Woering
great song
Al Styf Al Benz
Tough guy!
TheGenreman
At his most Rod/Facesish here but that's no bad thing. All it needs is a mandolin.