Johnny Come Home

Fine Young Cannibals

About Johnny Come Home

"Johnny Come Home" was the debut single release by British band Fine Young Cannibals, taken from their debut album Fine Young Cannibals. It is similar to the style of many other of the band's hits, a mixture of rock and ska with Roland Gift's distinctive vocals, as well as a jazz-type trumpet solo. It was released in 1985 and was one of the group's most popular hits. The song tells the gritty realistic story of a runaway youth, and alternates from the first-person narrative, explaining how his arrival in the big city has not turned out as he expected, to the view of the parents in the chorus, expressing their wish that he would come home. Although it failed to reach the top 40 in the United States, stalling at No. 76, it was a good start for the group in their native United Kingdom, peaking at No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart in July 1985. Along with the track "Blue", "Johnny Come Home" did reach No. 9 on the dance chart in the US. In later years the song's title would serve as the title for a Jake Arnott novel published in 2006 whose plot line is reminiscent of the themes discussed in the song. 


Year:
2003
3:37
24 
#1

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Nobody knows
The trouble you feel
Nobody cares
The feelin' is real

Johnny,
We're sorry, 
Won't you come on home
We worry, 
Won't you come on
What is wrong in my life
I must get drunk every night
Johnny, 
We're sorry 

Use the phone, 
Call your mom
She's missing you badly, 
Missing her son

Who do you know, 
Where will you stay
Big city life 
Is not what they say

Johnny, 
We're sorry, 
Won't you come on home
We worry, 
Won't you come on
What is wrong in my life
That I must get drunk every night
Johnny, 
We're sorry 

You'd better go, 
Everything's closed
Can't find a room, 
Money's all blown
Nowhere to sleep, 
Out in the cold
Nothing to eat, 
Nowhere to go

Johnny, 
We're sorry, 
Won't you come on home
We worry, 
Won't you come on
What is wrong in my life
That I must get drunk every night
Johnny, 
We're sorry 
Won't you come on home
We worry, 
Won't you come on home
Johnny
Won't you come on home

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Fine Young Cannibals

Fine Young Cannibals were a British band formed in Birmingham, England in 1984, by bassist David Steele, guitarist Andy Cox (both formerly of The Beat), and singer Roland Gift (formerly of the Akrylykz). Their 1988 album, The Raw and the Cooked, topped the UK and US Album charts, and contained their two Billboard Hot 100 number ones: "She Drives Me Crazy" and "Good Thing". more »

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Written by: DAVID STEELE, ROLAND LEE GIFT

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Album
"Johnny Come Home" was the first single released from Fine Young Cannibals' self-titled debut album in 1985.
Chart
The song became a big hit in the United Kingdom where it reached Number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.
Genre Fusion
Combining rock music with soul undertones, the song is seen as a prime example of the "blue-eyed soul" genre - essentially soul music performed by non-African American artists.
Musical Style
The song is known for featuring a prominent high-pitched trumpet that gives it a jazzy edge, as well as a funk-styled bass hip line.
Video
The music video for "Johnny Come Home" has distinct, cinematic story-telling which matched the song's themes and helped boost its audience reach.
Theme
The song explores themes of disillusionment, rebellion and the challenges faced by young men who leave home seeking independence and end up feeling lost or in trouble.
American Chart
Although it didn't top the Billboard charts, it reached a respectable spot at Number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
Awards
In 1986, it helped win Fine Young Cannibals the "Best New Artist" award at the BRIT Awards.
Covers
Despite being a unique song, it has been covered by several artists, including fellow British band Orange Juice.
Relevance Today
Even today, "Johnny Come Home" remains a favourite among lovers of 80s music, and has found new audiences through instances of radio play and its inclusion on various "Best of the 80s" compilations.
Group Members
Fine Young Cannibals, the band who performed "Johnny Come Home", were a three-piece from Birmingham, England, consisting of Roland Gift, David Steele, and Andy Cox.
Name Origin Inspiration
The name 'Fine Young Cannibals' was taken from the 1960 film 'All the Fine Young Cannibals', starring Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood.

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    Johnny Come Home

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1986

    Billboard #76


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