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/
Take Me to Heart
Jon Allen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the dead of the afternoon
All that I can do is dream
That all that sky above me
Is not as empty as it seems
Walking through this Masquerade
Of neon Signs on this cheap parade
A Diamond in the gutter
A note that's ringing true
So take me to heart sweet darling
Take me to heart and I'll stay
A man like me could love you
So take me to heart I say
She'll come down like an angel fair
I'll turn a corner she'll be waiting there
I won't have to know her name
To know that all this living
Hasn't been in vain
So take me to heart sweet darling
Take me to heart and I'll stay
A man like me could love you
So take me to heart I say
The song "Take Me to Heart" by Jon Allen tells the story of a man who feels out of place in his environment, surrounded by the emptiness of the afternoon skies and the artificial lights of the city, represented by the neon signs on the cheap parade. The man is searching for something real and authentic, something that rings true among the chaos of the world he sees around him. He dreams of finding a diamond in the gutter, a symbol of hope and beauty in an otherwise bleak landscape. He longs for a connection with someone who can take him to heart, who can show him that life is worth living and that love is still possible.
The lyrics paint a picture of a man who is searching for purpose and meaning in his life, someone who is lost but knows that there is something out there that can make him feel alive. He is willing to take a chance on love, to risk his heart in the hope of finding something real and valuable. The song is a powerful ode to the idea of redemption through love, of finding salvation in the arms of someone who truly cares for you.
Line by Line Meaning
Out of place like a paper moon
Feeling disconnected and insignificant, just like a paper moon that is not a real moon in the sky
In the dead of the afternoon
During the quietest time of the day, when not much is happening
All that I can do is dream
Unable to take action, so resorting to dreaming and imagining
That all that sky above me
Hoping that the vast sky has something more for him than just emptiness
Is not as empty as it seems
Wishing that the empty sky is actually full of possibilities and opportunities
Walking through this Masquerade
Moving around in a world that seems fake and artificial, like a masquerade ball
Of neon Signs on this cheap parade
The world may be flashy and gaudy, but it's not really genuine or substantial
Girl I'm looking out for you
Searching for someone special in this impersonal, superficial environment
A Diamond in the gutter
Trying to find a rare jewel or treasure in an unlikely, unpromising place
A note that's ringing true
Feeling like there is something genuine and sincere in the midst of all the phoniness and deception
So take me to heart sweet darling
Asking the girl he likes to accept him and his love wholeheartedly
Take me to heart and I'll stay
Promising that if she does that, he will always be there for her and be loyal to her
A man like me could love you
Assuring her that despite his flaws and limitations, he is capable of loving her fully and sincerely
So take me to heart I say
Repeating his earnest plea for her to open up her heart to him and give him a chance to love and cherish her
She'll come down like an angel fair
Believing that the girl he's been searching for will appear like a heavenly being, beautiful and pure
I'll turn a corner she'll be waiting there
Hoping to stumble upon her unexpectedly, as if fate has brought them together and he has found what he's been looking for
I won't have to know her name
Realizing that there's more to a person than just a name, and that he will recognize her by her essence or aura
To know that all this living
Feeling like all the ups and downs of life will be worth it, if he can find true love and meaning
Hasn't been in vain
Believing that his search for love and purpose has not been pointless, even if it has been difficult and frustrating
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Bill Danoff, John Denver, Taffy Nivert Danoff
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind