Both “John” and “Johnny” have been used as inspiration for the names of many fictional characters, songs, and other cultural artifacts, making them two of the most widely recognized names in the English-speaking world.
Today In this blog post we will brought you some songs where the name John or Johnny comes in the title.
1. “Dear John” by Taylor Swift
“Dear John” is a song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released on her 2010 album “Speak Now”. The song is a mid-tempo ballad that features introspective lyrics and a haunting piano melody. “Dear John” is widely considered to be one of Swift’s most emotional and powerful songs, and it has been well received by fans and critics alike.
The song is widely believed to be about Taylor Swift’s relationship with American singer-songwriter John Mayer, although she has never confirmed this publicly. “Dear John” is a letter addressed to an ex-lover and it discusses the emotional toll of the relationship, as well as the feelings of anger and regret that the singer experienced after its end.
2. “Big Bad John” by Jimmy Dean
“Big Bad John” is a song written by Jimmy Dean, Dean Manuel and Bill Tillman, and recorded by Jimmy Dean. The song was released in 1961 and it became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number five on the Hot 100 chart. “Big Bad John” is considered to be one of Jimmy Dean’s signature songs and it remains one of his most well-known and well-loved tracks.
The song tells the story of a miner named Big John, who is described as being big and tough, but also kind and generous. The chorus of the song refers to him as the “big bad John” who stands tall above the rest. The song became popular in the United States and is considered to be a classic of country music and Americana.
3. “Johnny Thunder” by The Kinks
“Johnny Thunder” is a song by the English rock band The Kinks, written by their lead singer and guitarist Ray Davies. It was released on the album “The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society” in 1968.
The song is a playful, upbeat rock and roll tune that features catchy guitar riffs and driving rhythms. The lyrics tell the story of a man named Johnny Thunder who is described as a rebel and a troublemaker. Despite his reputation, Johnny is still loved by the people in his community, who see him as a charismatic figure and a symbol of freedom.
4. “Johnny Guitar” by Peggy Lee
“Johnny Guitar” is a song written by Peggy Lee and Victor Young, and recorded by Peggy Lee in 1954. It is a ballad that was written for the eponymous film “Johnny Guitar”, which was released in the same year.
The song is a romantic and nostalgic tribute to the titular character, Johnny Guitar, and it tells the story of a woman who is deeply in love with him. The lyrics express the singer’s longing for Johnny and her memories of their love, and the melody is lush and expressive, with a sweeping orchestral arrangement that perfectly captures the mood of the song.
5. “Johnny Hit and Run Pauline” by X
“Johnny Hit and Run Pauline” is a song by the American punk rock band X, released on their fourth studio album, “Under the Big Black Sun,” in 1982. The song is one of X’s most popular and well-known tracks, and it is considered to be a classic of punk rock and alternative music.
The song features fast, driving rhythms and punk-style guitar riffs, and the lyrics tell the story of a man named Johnny who leads a dangerous and reckless lifestyle. The character of Pauline is mentioned in the song as a love interest, but she is also described as being in danger because of Johnny’s actions.
6. “Johnny Come Home” by Fine Young Cannibals
“Johnny Come Home” is a song by the British band Fine Young Cannibals, released in 1985. It was included on their debut album, “Fine Young Cannibals,” and it was a hit single in many countries, reaching the top 10 in the UK and the US.
The song features a distinctive, upbeat reggae-influenced beat and a catchy melody, and the lyrics describe the feelings of a lover who is waiting for her partner, Johnny, to come home. The singer expresses her longing for Johnny and her hope that he will return to her, and the song is characterized by its upbeat and optimistic tone.
7. “Johnny Get Angry” by Joanie Sommers
“Johnny Get Angry” is a song by American singer Joanie Sommers. It was released in 1962 and became a hit in the United States, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song is a uptempo, upbeat pop tune with a catchy melody and lighthearted lyrics. The song tells the story of a girl who is upset with her boyfriend Johnny for not standing up for her, and she encourages him to get angry and fight for what he believes in. The song is known for its upbeat and playful tone, and it is considered a classic example of 1960s pop music.
8. “Johnny B” by The Hooters
“Johnny B” is a song by the American rock band The Hooters. It was released in 1985 and became a hit in many countries, reaching the top 10 in several European countries and the top 20 in the United States.
The song is an upbeat and energetic rock tune with a catchy melody and driving beat. The lyrics describe the character of Johnny B, who is portrayed as a confident and charismatic young man who is always ready for adventure. The song is characterized by its high-energy sound and its celebration of the spirit of youth and freedom.
9. “Johnny and June” by Heidi Newfield
“Johnny and June” is a song by American country singer Heidi Newfield. It was released in 2008 and became a hit, reaching the top 40 on the country charts.
The song is a ballad that pays tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, two of the most influential figures in country music history. The lyrics describe the love story of Johnny and June and the impact that they had on country music and on the lives of their fans. The song is characterized by its sentimental and nostalgic tone, and it is considered a tribute to the lasting legacy of Johnny and June Cash.
10. “Johnny Can’t Read” by Don Henley
“Johnny Can’t Read” is a song by American singer-songwriter Don Henley. It was released in 1982 and was included on his album “I Can’t Stand Still.”
The song is a social commentary that addresses the issue of illiteracy in America and the consequences of a lack of education. The lyrics tell the story of a young man named Johnny who cannot read and is struggling to find his place in the world. The song is characterized by its upbeat and catchy melody, and it delivers a powerful message about the importance of education and the opportunities that it can provide.
Conclusion
Songs with “John” and “Johnny” in their titles pay homage to the timeless and relatable figures of John and Johnny. These songs often capture the essence of friendship, love, and rebellion associated with these names, reflecting the experiences and emotions shared by many. Whether portraying stories of personal relationships or iconic characters, these songs offer a connection to the universal themes of companionship, individuality, and nostalgia. Through their lyrics and melodies, songs about John and Johnny invite us to explore the complexities of human connection and the enduring appeal of these familiar names.