Little Nemo was born in 1983 as the result of the musical encounter between… Read Full Bio ↴Little Nemo was born in 1983 as the result of the musical encounter between Olivier Champeau and Vincent Legallo in the Paris area. The name stems from Windsor McCay's comic strip, dating back to the early 20th century and telling the oneiric adventures of a little boy during his sleep. That sets the tone for the many arty references in the group's history. The duet asserts this psychedelic ascent while quoting Syd Barrett from Pink Floyd as their influence. Their music mixing keyboards (mainly Olivier), a drum machine and guitar/bass by Vincent is influenced by the new wave of The Cure and Joy Division, as well as by the French groups Taxi Girl and Marquis de Sade.

Johnny Got His Gun
Little Nemo Lyrics

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Johnny's alone in his mind
As spring's colours let him cold,
Remembers the day
When Mary came to him and said :
"It's for ever..."

Now Johnny can't understand
Why Mary will never touch his hand ... Why?Why?

Johnny's alone in his mind
Feels autumn's here cos of signs
Thinking of the train
He took one morning in the rain
Why this train?

Johnny's alone in his mind
Knows that winter isn't far
Waiting in silence

To make himself heard by the nurse
"I want to die..."

Overall Meaning

"Johnny Got His Gun" by Little Nemo is a poignant and evocative song that explores the innermost thoughts and feelings of a man who has been left alone with his thoughts. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, and they paint a vivid picture of a man who is struggling to make sense of his life and his place in the world. The song begins with Johnny alone in his mind as spring comes but he feels cold. He remembers the day when Mary came to him and said that she loved him forever but he can't understand why she will never touch his hand. This highlights the painful reality that Johnny has been left alone, and the only person he seems to have any connection to is Mary, who is no longer with him.

As the song progresses, Johnny reflects on his life, and the changing seasons serve as a metaphor for his emotional state. He thinks of a train he took one morning in the rain, and wonders why he did it. This could represent a turning point in his life, where he made a decision that would ultimately lead him to this isolated and lonely existence. He realizes that winter is coming, and he is waiting in silence, yearning to be heard by the nurse. The final words reveal the depths of his despair, as he tells the nurse that he wants to die.

Overall, "Johnny Got His Gun" is a haunting and moving song that captures the essence of isolation and despair. It is a song that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced feelings of loneliness, sadness, or hopelessness. The use of seasonal imagery and the evocative lyrics make this a truly powerful and emotional piece of music.

Line by Line Meaning

Johnny's alone in his mind
Johnny is isolated in his thoughts, trapped in his own internal world.

As spring's colours let him cold,
Despite the warmth and vibrancy of spring, Johnny feels detached and numb.

Remembers the day
Johnny reminisces about a specific moment in time.

When Mary came to him and said : "It's for ever..."
Mary promised Johnny a commitment that would last a lifetime.

Now Johnny can't understand
Johnny is confused and unable to comprehend.

Why Mary will never touch his hand ... Why?Why?
Johnny is questioning why Mary has become distant and refuses to show him affection.

Feels autumn's here cos of signs
Johnny senses that the season has changed and that the signs of autumn are present.

Thinking of the train
Johnny recalls a particular train journey.

He took one morning in the rain
Johnny rode the train on a rainy morning.

Why this train?
Johnny wonders about the significance of this specific train trip.

Knows that winter isn't far
Johnny realizes that the colder, darker season of winter is approaching.