Billy Idol

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John Wayne album cover

John Wayne

Billy Idol

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
You know you make me crazy
And my mind is racing
You're wastin' all my time
Someone come and save me
Oh, yeah

'Cause when I need you
I can see through
And I feel you
Right now
On my highway
Doin' my way
And I want you to feel
When I'm going down

[Chorus]
'Cause I am not afraid
And I won't go down in flames
'Cause nothing's gonna be the same
And everything you know
You keep inside your soul
'Cause tonight I'm gonna be John Wayne
Oh, yeah

[Verse 2]
Our golden days are chasin'
And you're not gonna face it
The reason's in the rhyme
You walked on what was sacred
Oh, yeah
See Billy Idol LiveGet tickets as low as $32You might also likeAnd when I need to
I can reach through
And I feel you
Right now
It's a new day
But your skies are grey
And I want you to feel
When I'm going down

[Chorus]
'Cause I am not afraid
And I won't go down in flames
'Cause nothing's gonna be the same
And everything you know
You keep inside your soul
'Cause tonight I'm gonna be John Wayne

[Guitar solo]

[Bridge]
Everything you know
You keep inside your soul
'Cause tonight I'm gonna be John Wayne

[Chorus]
I am not afraid
And I won't go down in flames
'Cause nothing's gonna be the same
And everything you know
You keep inside your soul
'Cause tonight I'm gonna be John Wayne
Ow
I am not afraid
And I won't go down in flames
'Cause nothing's gonna be the same
And everything you know
You keep inside your soul
'Cause tonight I'm gonna be John Wayne
YeahEmbed

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Billy Idol’s “John Wayne” is a quintessential rock classic that captures the essence of the legendary Western hero with a modern twist. It was first released in 2008 as the lead single of Idol's compilation album, "The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself."

About John Wayne

The song, which was recorded between 1981 and 2008, is a homage to the iconic American actor John Wayne, who epitomized the Western hero archetype. The lyrics are largely metaphorical, with Idol comparing the mythical image and values of John Wayne's characters to his own experiences as a rock star.

“John Wayne” features a driving, guitar-heavy riff that sets the tone for the entire song. Billy Idol's signature snarl and sneer are on full display here, as he belts out lyrics like, “I’m gonna be a movie star/I’m gonna drive a big car/I’m gonna get outta here/I’m gonna be a big star”. The song's chorus, featuring Idol chanting the name of the eponymous hero, is instantly memorable and catchy.

Despite its title, “John Wayne” is not a country song. It's a straightforward, guitar-driven rock anthem that would sound right at home in any concert hall. The production is crisp and polished, with every instrument and element of the song clearly audible and well-defined.

The song's lyrics are filled with allusions to John Wayne's films and the mythos surrounding him. For example, the line “In the desert sun every one/Has an engine and a gun” is a reference to the 1960 Western "The Alamo," in which Wayne played the role of Colonel Davy Crockett. Other references include "Red River," "The Searchers," and "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance."

One of the most notable aspects of “John Wayne” is its fast tempo and high energy. The song is a perfect example of Billy Idol's ability to infuse rock anthems with a punk sensibility. The guitar solo is particularly impressive, with Steve Stevens (Idol's longtime collaborator) delivering a fiery, virtuosic performance that perfectly complements the rest of the song.

In terms of its reception, “John Wayne” was generally well-received by critics and fans alike. It reached #33 on the UK Singles Chart and #44 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart. The music video, directed by Michael Pope, was also well-regarded. It features Idol as a cowboy on the run, chased by a group of lawmen through the desert.

Concluding thoughts

In sum, “John Wayne” is a powerful, energetic rock anthem that pays homage to one of the most iconic figures in American culture. Billy Idol's songwriting and performance are both at their best here, delivering a memorable and highly enjoyable listening experience that has stood the test of time.