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/
Lay Your Burden Down
Jon Allen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And it's trying to catch your eye
Just a whisper in the dark
Of what's to come
This old world is spinning fast
Like a train that's flying past
And it seems not even hope
Is holding in
Now the night feels like forever
But soon the sun will come around
Make you heart a little lighter
Darling lay your burden down
Trouble's slipped into your stride
Shook you mixed you up inside
Stole the light that let you see
That you were strong
You Don't think you'll make it though
But if you'll let me carry you
I'll take you far enough to see that you were wrong
Now the night feels like forever
But soon the sun will come around
Make you heart a little lighter
Darling lay your burden down
Though it's dark and I don't know where we're going to
Time can be cruel when you're standing still
Now the night feels like forever
But soon the sun will come around
Make you heart a little lighter
Darling lay your burden down
The song Lay Your Burden Down by Jon Allen speaks about trying to find hope in a world that seems to be spinning endlessly out of control. The opening lines refer to the new moon on the rise, visible to those who take the time to look up at the night sky. This new moon represents the possibility of a new beginning, a fresh start, and the potential for positive change in the future. It's just a "whisper in the dark" at this point, but it's a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
The world is portrayed as a train that's "flying past" so quickly that it's hard to keep up. Even hope itself seems to be slipping away from those who are struggling. The lyrics suggest that trouble has "slipped into your stride" and has "shook you mixed you up inside", causing you to lose sight of your own strength. But this is where Jon's message of love and support comes in. He offers to "carry" the burden of the listener, to help them see that they are not as weak as they may think. He tries to reassure them that with his help, they can overcome the darkness and find the light once again.
The repeated chorus emphasizes that the night may feel never-ending, but the sun will come around. The sun represents hope, warmth, and a new day, and by laying down their burden, the listener can allow themselves to be free of the weight that has been dragging them down. The song acknowledges that life can be cruel and uncertain, but there is always a way forward if you're willing to let go of the things that are holding you back.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a new moon on the rise
The night is young and a new beginning is upon us
And it's trying to catch your eye
There are opportunities to come, but we must seek them out
Just a whisper in the dark
The potential for success is shrouded in doubt and uncertainty
Of what's to come
A hint at the promise of a better tomorrow
This old world is spinning fast
Time moves on at an unnerving pace
Like a train that's flying past
We must keep pace or be left behind
And it seems not even hope
Even optimism can be difficult to maintain at times
Is holding in
All our fears and doubts can spill out uncontrollably
Now the night feels like forever
Doubt and despair can make time feel like it's standing still
But soon the sun will come around
Hope for a brighter tomorrow is always on the horizon
Make you heart a little lighter
Hope can bring a sense of relief and joy
Darling lay your burden down
Put your worries aside and embrace the promise of a better future
Trouble's slipped into your stride
Problems have become a part of your life and are affecting your progress
Shook you mixed you up inside
The emotional toll of life's challenges can be overwhelming
Stole the light that let you see
Difficulties can cause us to lose sight of what's important
That you were strong
Belief in oneself can be hard to maintain under duress
You don't think you'll make it though
The weight of the struggle can be discouraging
But if you'll let me carry you
Allowing others to help can lift some of the burden
I'll take you far enough to see that you were wrong
With a little aid, it's possible to overcome challenges and come out stronger
Though it's dark and I don't know where we're going to
Uncertainty and doubt can continue to persist, even with help
Time can be cruel when you're standing still
Inaction can sometimes exacerbate the pain of difficulty
Darling lay your burden down
Once more encouraging the listener to cast aside their struggles and embrace hope
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind