Johnny
The Notwist Lyrics

Johnny's always running around
Johnny is constantly moving from place to place or trying to accomplish something.

Trying to find certainty
He is searching for security and assurance in his life.

He needs all the world to confirm
Johnny requires validation from everyone and everything around him to feel like he isn't alone.

That he ain't lonely
He fears being lonely and wants to be surrounded by people to avoid that feeling.

Mary counts the walls
Mary is counting the walls out of pure boredom from Johnny's restlessness.

Knows he tires easily
Mary is aware that Johnny gets exhausted and restless quickly.

Johnny thinks the world would be right
Johnny believes that the world would be ideal if it would accept and agree with him.

If it could buy truth from him
He is convinced that he is the only one who knows the truth and the world should pay for it.

Mary says he changes his mind more than a woman
Mary sees Johnny as indecisive and prone to changing his mind on a whim.

But she made her bed
Mary made a decision and now has to stick with it, regardless of Johnny's actions.

Even when the chance was slim
She decided to stay with Johnny even though the probability of success was low.

Johnny says he's willing to learn
Johnny claims that he is open to knowledge and growth.

When he decides he's a fool
However, he will only accept new information if he realizes that he has been foolish.

Johnny says he'll live anywhere
Johnny declares that he is capable of adapting to any environment.

When he earns to time
But, he only will do so when he has the luxury of time and stability.

Mary combs her hair
Mary grooms herself as a way to pass the time while Johnny is preoccupied.

Says she should be used to it
Mary acknowledges that Johnny's fickle nature is not new to her.

Mary always hedges her bets
Mary is hesitant to take a firm stance or make a decision, as she never knows what to expect from Johnny.

She never knows what to think
His inconsistency makes it difficult for Mary to gauge his intentions or emotions.

She says that he still acts
Mary observes that Johnny still behaves as if he has something to prove or as if he is a discovery waiting to happen.

Like he is being discovered
As if he is still an up-and-comer, rather than an established or accomplished individual.

Scared that he'll be caught
Johnny is afraid of being exposed or caught in a negative light.

Without a second thought
He worries about this without even pausing to consider whether it is a rational fear.

Running around
Johnny continues to move and strive without a clear purpose or endpoint.

Johnny feels he's wasting his breath
Johnny is frustrated because he thinks his words are falling on deaf ears, and that he is talking to Mary without making progress.

Trying to talk sense to her
He wants Mary to understand his perspective, but consistently fails to get his points across.

Mary says he's lacking a real
Mary believes Johnny is missing an essential quality or characteristic.

Sense of proportion
Specifically, she thinks his sense of balance and proportion is skewed or nonexistent.

So she combs her hair
Mary focuses on her own grooming as a way to remain occupied and avoid conflict with Johnny.

Knows he tires easily
She recognizes that Johnny can't remain focused or committed for long periods of time.

Johnny's always running around
The song concludes with the same line that started it, emphasizing Johnny's endless motion and lack of direction.

Running around
This line serves as a refrain underscoring Johnny's restlessness and lack of resolve or purpose.