Paul Pilnick's early career was promoted and managed by Mr George Roberts whilst Paul worked as lead guitarist for the band, "Vince & the Volcanoes", led by Mr Vincent Tow/Ismail;
(Vinnie was an early, informal & friend, guitar tutor to, Lennon & McCartney)
They all worked at and from Liverpool 8, 'granby' during and including 1959 to 1963 and from 54 Huskisson Street Liverpool 8.
Johnny's Song
Stealers Wheel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trying to find anything that makes you feel
Gotta keep goin', don't let it get you down
You've been taking it so hard, taking it on the head
Don't you know life's as good as being dead?
Gotta keep movin', don't let it get you down
Now you've got nothing to lose
When everyone around you tells you you're doin' fine
So don't close your eyes and swallow all those lies
Don't believe what you've been told
'Cause you'll wake up one day knowing nothing they say
Can satisfy your soul
Gotta keep movin', don't let it get you down
Now you've got nothing to lose
When everyone around you tells you you're doin' fine
They're gonna drive you crazy
So don't close your eyes and swallow all those lies
Don't believe what you've been told
'Cause you'll wake up one day knowing nothing they say
Can satisfy your soul
(repeat first verse)
The lyrics to Stealers Wheel's song "Johnny's Song" convey a message of perseverance and staying true to oneself amidst the pressures and opinions of those around you. The lyrics open with Johnny's search for something, anything that will make him feel alive or bring him purpose. The following lines caution Johnny not to let the hardships of life get him down, but to keep moving forward, despite the difficulties he encounters. The song warns against the potential toxicity of those who claim to have Johnny's best interest at heart, urging him not to blindly follow their advice. Though life may be difficult and people around him may make him feel like he's doing fine, they can also drive him crazy and lead him astray. The repeating of the first verse acknowledges the cyclical nature of life and reminds Johnny to keep searching for something meaningful, to find his own way, and not to believe everything he's told.
The song's message of personal perseverance and not allowing the opinions of others to steer your path is a common theme in Stealers Wheel's music. The lyrics were written by the band's co-founder, Gerry Rafferty, who often drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of life. The song itself features acoustic guitar and piano, with layered vocal harmonies adding depth to the message. While not one of the band's biggest hits, the song has endured as a classic example of Stealers Wheel's brand of introspective, folksy rock.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking for something, looking for one thing
Searching for a specific thing that gives meaning to life
Trying to find anything that makes you feel
Trying to find something, anything that brings happiness and fulfillment
Gotta keep goin', don't let it get you down
You have to keep going even if everything seems hopeless
You've been taking it so hard, taking it on the head
You've been going through difficult times and taking a lot of hits
Don't you know life's as good as being dead?
Life can feel unbearable and not worth living at times
Gotta keep movin', don't let it get you down
You have to keep moving forward and not let your circumstances bring you down
Now you've got nothing to lose
In the midst of everything, you realize that you have nothing left to lose
When everyone around you tells you you're doin' fine
People might tell you that everything is okay, but you know that it's not true
They're gonna drive you crazy
People pretending that everything is fine can be maddening
So don't close your eyes and swallow all those lies
You can't pretend that everything is okay and believe the lies people tell you
Don't believe what you've been told
You can't believe everything that people say, especially if it contradicts what you see and feel
'Cause you'll wake up one day knowing nothing they say
Can satisfy your soul
You'll eventually realize that what other people say to you won't bring true fulfillment to your life
Now you've got nothing to lose
In the midst of everything, you realize that you have nothing left to lose
When everyone around you tells you you're doin' fine
People might tell you that everything is okay, but you know that it's not true
They're gonna drive you crazy
People pretending that everything is fine can be maddening
So don't close your eyes and swallow all those lies
You can't pretend that everything is okay and believe the lies people tell you
Don't believe what you've been told
You can't believe everything that people say, especially if it contradicts what you see and feel
'Cause you'll wake up one day knowing nothing they say
Can satisfy your soul
You'll eventually realize that what other people say to you won't bring true fulfillment to your life
(repeat first verse)
The struggles of life continue and the search for meaning and fulfillment continues as well
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GERRY RAFFERTY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind