The Ballad Of John Michael Smith

I wrote this song because I've been inspired by the news that Bruce Springsteen is about to release a new collection. I love Springsteen's efforts to communicate after all these years and I sure admire his abilities as a storyteller. I think John Michael Smith represents for me the failure to compete in a capitalist context. Something like that. And of course that pedal note on top of the E chord makes me want to hire backup singers to do gospel wailing over-the-top harmonies...


One More Time (The Ballad of Johnny Smith)

1-John Michael Smith walks out on the street
Hopeless hungry looking for something to eat
Wasted angry
Disinclined
To listen even one more time...

2-Only two weeks on full parole
Painfully aware he's packing quite a hole
Deep down inside
Maybe it's his soul
He's confused he don't really know...

Bridge

Sees the workers trundle off to work
John Michael Smith is stuck down in the dirt
All the workers caught up in their dreams
Johnny only knows where he's been
And he's afraid of going back....

3-Officer says mister move along
Johnny's feelings rise up swift and strong
Blinded trapped
Disenfranchised
All he sees is the blood behind his eyes...

Bridge

4-Someone shouts out holy Christ he's shot
John Michael bleeds out right there where he's dropped
How come what for people asked the cop
Officer tells the crowd they got to go
Officer states this man he said no....

Repeat first verse and bridge

Category:

Music

Tags:

• John
• Michael
• Smith
• Johnny Maudlin
• Gary Gilmore
• Wrecking Ball

[STUDIOCHINCHAN]

Hi Johnny, thanks for sending me this great tune. You've done a wonderful job my friend. Writing a song and telling a story like this one is not easy : respect my friend. Big thumbs up !!!

Eric

[Johnny909]

@STUDIOCHINCHAN Thank you very much for that ;-)

[woodendreams]

Classic veteran story telling here. Johnny nails the frame, and musically paints a portrait of another working class hero failed by the system of alleged order out of chaos. These days more people fit in the picture, and even more are lost and left without a family in a frame. The walking fingerstyle melodic acoustic guitar is as captivating as a parimeter wooden fence on a wild Horse farm, as a friendly tour-guide social commentary reveals the pain and disillusion of John Smith. 10/10, THX!!!

[Johnny909]

@woodendreams Well...damn...what can I say beyond thank you. It's pleasing to sit with the guitar and find the song and it's really pleasing when the song communicates something. Very fulfilling ;-)

[0258jtj7]

You stayed right on the line between making a statement and drawing a very vivid and sad picture about life as it is for so many these days. I suppose it applies to 'all days'. Ah, ya make me think and I'm loving your songs!! Powerful.

[Johnny909]

@0258jtj7 I appreciate all these comments. The feedback I receive here is sometimes the most valuable feedback I receive period. Again, this song was inspired, allot, by listening to Bruce Springsteen sing his heart and guts out but matters that...matter. I want to try and hold myself to that standard. I try and write about things that are important to my own peer group...boomers, workers, and of course other humans. I'm able to connect to that part of me that is John Michael.

[2322Hoover]

I think that any song that bemoans the terrible waste of human gifts was worth the writing. This one is also very lovely. Great recording, beautiful guitar part. Thank you Johnny. Kind regards, Roger.

[KristinSpradling]

The guitar is breathtaking on this song. Your lyrics and vocals are equally enchanting. 

[nikiita7]

Great video!!!

Thanks:)

[Carolina37311]

Hi Jonny, that's a nice Song. A wonderfol weekend for you and best wishes from Carolina

[highlandcountrysongs]

Lovely song and listening.............Davie

[PeterBullOlsson]

Nice sounds very good....PBO

[JumaHoliday]

Great video!!!

Happy Weekend:)

Juma

*.*:)

[kris0726440]

Ballad Sing GREAT NATURALLY AS SHOULD SING Teki ballads.

THANK YOU FOR THE MESSAGE Johnny I greet you cordially.

[Sedik66861]

Sumptuously sublime music

My heartfelt congratulations for the superbly brilliant work

Thank you wholeheartedly for sharing this fabulously wonderful upload

With my highest admiration I wish you an excellent continuation

Bravo *****