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.
Minutes To Midnight
Jon English Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well you can write to me your truth and happenin's inside
Or sell me a world that I don't need, then hitch a ride
The driver laughs, we chase behind, tryin' to match his pace
You change our heads and you make our beds
It's a hopeless race
You're gettin' it all your way, you can't tell wrong from right
'Cause right now it's minutes to midnight
Well you can tell me all about politics and kings
Or the price of cars and whisky jars and a million other things
But it seems to me my friend, a lot of lines are left unsaid
When the speaker has the only key to get inside his head
You're gettin' it all your way, you can't tell wrong from right
But right now you've got to pay
'Cause right now, it's minutes to midnight, yeah, ah yeah
No use in getting uptight, no use in startin' a fight
It's up to you now to make it alright
Your clocks readin' minutes to midnight
You're speakin' too late
Take my money, spend my life and do my thinkin' for me
Negotiate and sell my time, till we come down from the tree
You just stand with a book in your hand, walkin' my high wire
And lead our way for all who pay, from fryin' pan to fire
You're gettin' it all you're way, you can't tell wrong from right
And right now you've got to pay
'Cause right now, it's minutes to midnight, yeah
It's gettin' too late
No use in gettin' uptight, no use in startin' a fight
It's up to you now to make it alright
Your clock's reading minutes to midnight
No use in gettin' uptight, no use in startin' a fight
The lyrics of Jon English's "Minutes to Midnight" express a sense of urgency and frustration with the state of the world. In the first verse, the singer expresses cynicism towards those who sell a reality that isn't true and those who follow blindly. The reference to "minutes to midnight" suggests that time is running out, and this is a warning to those who are not paying attention to the issues at hand. The second verse speaks to the importance of communication and honesty, and the frustration of being unable to get through to those who hold the power. The singer accuses them of keeping important information hidden, and leaving much unsaid. The third verse highlights the ways in which we let others control our lives and decisions through manipulation and coercion, and end up sacrificing our own agency and freedom.
Overall, the song is a call to action, urging people to pay attention, take action, and make a difference before it's too late. It is a message that encourages personal responsibility and emphasizes the importance of being an active participant in shaping the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Well you can write to me your truth and happenin's inside
You can share with me your genuine thoughts and experiences.
Or sell me a world that I don't need, then hitch a ride
Or try to convince me to buy into a world that doesn't benefit me.
The driver laughs, we chase behind, tryin' to match his pace
We try to keep up with the leader as he sets the pace for us.
You change our heads and you make our beds, It's a hopeless race
You have the power to influence our thoughts and actions, but it's a never-ending cycle.
You're gettin' it all your way, you can't tell wrong from right
You are always in control and can't distinguish between right and wrong.
And right now you've got to pay, 'Cause right now it's minutes to midnight
Your actions and decisions have consequences that cannot be ignored anymore, as time is running out.
Well you can tell me all about politics and kings
You can share your knowledge about politics and powerful individuals.
Or the price of cars and whisky jars and a million other things
Or talk about material possessions and other trivial matters.
But it seems to me my friend, a lot of lines are left unsaid
But it appears to me that you are keeping some things to yourself.
When the speaker has the only key to get inside his head
When only the artist knows what they truly think or feel.
No use in getting uptight, no use in starting a fight
There's no point in getting angry or aggressive.
It's up to you now to make it alright
It's your responsibility to fix any problems or issues that may arise.
Your clocks readin' minutes to midnight
Time is running out and there's little time left to act.
Take my money, spend my life and do my thinkin' for me
You have taken control of my finances, time, and even my thoughts.
Negotiate and sell my time, till we come down from the tree
You constantly bargain and exchange my time and energy for your benefit, until we face the harsh reality of the situation.
You're gettin' it all your way, you can't tell wrong from right
You have complete control over the situation and can't distinguish between good and bad actions.
And right now you've got to pay, 'Cause right now, it's minutes to midnight
Your actions have consequences that are catching up with you, as time is running out.
It's gettin' too late, No use in gettin' uptight
Things are spiraling out of control and there's no point in getting anxious or aggressive.
Your clock's reading minutes to midnight
Time is running out and there's very little time left to take action.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JONATHAN JAMES ENGLISH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tiger Rogers
I remember the song well Rob & i agree with you it's one of his best. Was very popular in Sth. Australia - lots of airplay. And the vocal is top notch! Great slideshow. Thanks for posting, Cheers Tiger.
Tiger Rogers
+tenniscollector . He was a true performer & will be sadly missed.
tenniscollector
+Tiger Moth Thanks mate. You're right and also again in 1979/1980 when he brought out 'English History'.
Remembering Elvis Presley
Fantastic song and video Tribute to a true SUPERSTAR AND LEGEND!!!!! Jon`s awesome music and memories will live on forever!!!!! Wishing you and loved ones a very Happy and Blessed Easter, Angeline
tenniscollector
+Remembering Elvis Presley Thanks for commenting. Happy Easter to you too. Say did you have a look at the Phoenix Elvis Forum ?
TheLeonie9
Brilliant Song from the amazing man <3 on which today would have been his 67th birthday xxx He still had so much to do. Taken too soon, but will live forever in our hearts <3 xxx
tenniscollector
+TheLeonie9 Thanks for viewing the vid. I can see and imagine him in Rock and Roll Heaven rubbing shoulders with Bon Scott and Stevie Wright. There was a Righteous brothers song along the same lines.
Lola K
Fantastic song and video Tribute
tenniscollector
+Lola Koenig thank you. Appreciate your comment.