English was acclaimed for his starring role in the 1978 Australian TV series Against the Wind - he won the TV Week Logie Award for 'Best New Talent in Australia'. He also co-wrote and performed the score with Mario Millo (ex-Sebastian Hardie). The series had international release, known as Mot alla vindar (1980) in Scandinavia,[7] where both "Six Ribbons" and "Against the Wind" were released as singles, both singles and the soundtrack album peaked at #1 on the Norwegian charts; the first single, "Six Ribbons" and the album, peaked at #4 on the Swedish charts.
During 1983-1985, English won four Mo Awards with three consecutive 'Entertainer of the Year' awards and a further 'Male Vocal Performer' in 1985. English has performed in Gilbert and Sullivan's operettas Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado and HMS Pinafore from 1984. Performances of Essgee Entertainment's productions of the Gilbert and Sullivan trilogy from 1994 to 1997 were broadcast on Australian TV, they were all released on VHS and subsequently on DVD.
Hot Town
Jon English Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Leavin' all your friends behind, are you hopin' to fi-ind
Love is a city, 'cause you're young and feelin' pretty
But you won't even know your na-ame
So you think it's all good fun, a movie parade
You spe-end your best days in the su-un, with the new friends you made
But when you've got trouble you don't look back
They wo-on't know ya, they won't even know-ow your name
Slow down, hot town burn like a fever, Sneakin' up on you from behind
You better slow down, hot town burns like a fever
Lyin' in the back o' your mind
You better slow down, hot town burns like a fever
Creepin' up on you from behind
So you think you've go-ot it made, at least for a while
A-always sittin' in the sha-ade, adjustin' your smi-ile
But I don't like to shake you, don't you know, you had it comin'
But they don't even know-ow your name
You better slow down, hot town burns like a fever
Lyin' in the back o' your mi-ind
Slow down, hot town burns like a fever, Sneakin' up on you from behi-i-ind
No one ever told her or showed her the way
No one ever told her or showed her
Better slow down, hot town burns like a fever, Lyin' in the back o' your mi-ind
Slow down, hot town burns like a fever, Sneakin' up on you from behind
Better slow down, Hot town burns like a fever
Burnin' up, Burnin' in the back o' your mind
Slow down, hot town burns like a fever, It's creepin' up
It's creepin' up on you from behind
Slow down, hot town burns like a fever
Oh-oh, burnin' up, oh-oh burnin' in the back o' your
The lyrics of Jon English's song Hot Town depict a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting caught up in the excitement and glamour of city life, and losing oneself in the process. The lyrics warn that the fast-paced and hedonistic lifestyle of the city can be all-consuming, and one may find themselves in trouble without even realizing it. The repetitive chorus of "slow down, hot town burns like a fever" serves as a reminder to the listener to take a step back and reassess their priorities before it's too late.
The lyrics make use of vivid imagery to paint a picture of a carefree, yet ultimately lonely existence. The singer warns that while it may seem like good fun to spend your days basking in the sun with new friends, there is a price to pay for losing touch with your roots. The song highlights the danger of becoming too caught up in the pursuit of pleasure and losing one's sense of self. The last line of the song, "no one ever told her or showed her the way," is particularly poignant, suggesting that the singer has been left to find her own way in the world and may have gotten caught up in the chaos of the city as a result.
Line by Line Meaning
So you think you're so refi-ined, ahead of your ti-ime
You believe that you are sophisticated and advanced compared to others
Leavin' all your friends behind, are you hopin' to fi-ind
Are you expecting to find something better by abandoning your friends
Love is a city, 'cause you're young and feelin' pretty
When you're young and attractive, it's easy to believe that love is abundant and always available
But you won't even know your na-ame
You might lose your identity in the pursuit of love and popularity
So you think it's all good fun, a movie parade
You believe that your glamorous and exciting lifestyle will continue forever, like a movie
You spe-end your best days in the su-un, with the new friends you made
You spend your most memorable moments in the sun with the friends that you recently met
But when you've got trouble you don't look back
When you face difficulties, you don't seek help from the friends you have left behind
They wo-on't know ya, they won't even know-ow your name
Your old friends won't recognize you or remember who you are
Slow down, hot town burn like a fever, Lyin' in the back o' your mind
The fast-paced city lifestyle that you're living can have a negative impact on your mental health
You better slow down, hot town burns like a fever
It's essential to take a break and relax, as the city lifestyle can be overwhelming
Creepin' up on you from behind
You might not realize the impact the city is having on you until it's too late
So you think you've go-ot it made, at least for a while
You feel that you have everything you need for the time being
A-always sittin' in the sha-ade, adjustin' your smi-ile
You're comfortable and content with your lifestyle, but might not be aware of the dangers that come with it
But I don't like to shake you, don't you know, you had it comin'
Someone might want to warn and help you, but it's difficult to do so without offending you
But they don't even know-ow your name
Even the people who want to help might not know who you are
No one ever told her or showed her the way
Nobody has ever guided or mentored her to help her make the right choices
Better slow down, hot town burns like a fever, Lyin' in the back o' your mi-ind
It's crucial to take a break and reduce your exposure to the city to avoid negative impacts on your mental health
Sneakin' up on you from behi-i-ind
The negative impacts can occur subtly and unexpectedly
Burnin' up, Burnin' in the back o' your mi-ind
The negative impacts can be intense and persistent, even when you're not in the city
It's creepin' up on you from behind
The negative impacts can surface when you least expect them
Contributed by Andrew B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Geoffrey Rodgers
Best Jon English song by far, just as catchy and fresh today in 2019 as it was 40 years ago back in 1979.
anthony zuter
for sure i first heard it when i was 12 ,and still love it 2020
Steven Smith
R.I.P.JON.You are a bloody legend
jimmy wrangles
RIP John, I've loved this song my whole life.
Rock n Roll - Karaoke - Soloist
Always loved this song, my sister had the single and i'd play it over and over. Missing you Jon :(
Lotusss666
How on earth am I the first one to like this song? Surely can't be right. Love this song, as I do all of Jon's songs - his brilliant talent is sadly missed.
Craig Coleman
It's not just you hon! This was the first single I ever bought as a 14yo. Loved it and played it endlessly. Still have it! Jon was brilliant.
horseshoe 182
jons got a great rock voice imo, very underrated song! 2020 rock on.
alan burge
He was a regular bloke but damn what a talent. Great singer. Great performer too on tv and stage and he had a sense of humour too. He was the full package. The real deal. He even spun a decent hit song out of a silly little tv show. All together now. Silly show but what a song ! That show is more notable for the cast and people rather than the show itself !
Happy Sunflower
Jon English was super cool, greatly missed.