He was born Wesley Stace in Hastings, East Sussex, England. His given name, Wesley, comes from John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who preached one of his last sermons in the town where Harding was born.
His stage name may be seen as an almost inevitable nickname for a folk-pop musician, in that his first name overlaps with the Bob Dylan album (and song) "John Wesley Harding". The American gunfighting historical figure John Wesley Hardin was largely forgotten before 1965, when Johnny Cash wrote and recorded the song "Hardin Wouldn't Run".
His education included the boarding schools St. Andrews School (Pangbourne, Berkshire); Milbourne Lodge (Claygate, Surrey); The King's School (Canterbury, Kent); and university at Jesus College, Cambridge. He left Cambridge with a First in English Literature, but left before completing his Ph.d. in Social and Political Science.
Musical influences include Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Ray Davies, and Phil Ochs. He has been frequently compared to Elvis Costello probably fueled, in part, by the fact that two members of his early band The Good Liars (Pete and Bruce Thomas) had been members of The Attractions. Harding was chosen by Bruce Springsteen as his first opening act in 20 years for his solo shows at the Berkeley Community Theatre in 1995. Harding
Good Bye
John Wesley Harding Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I just woke up
From a bad dream
From a bad dream
From a bad dream
From a bad dream
From a bad dream
I just woke up
I just woke up
I just woke up
I just woke up
I just woke up
I just woke up
I just woke up
I just woke up
You know, I just woke up
I just woke up
I just woke up
The lyrics to John Wesley Harding's song "Good Bye" are short and repetitive, possibly reflecting a sense of disorientation and confusion. The repetition of the phrase "I just woke up" is significant as it suggests a sudden realization or awakening from a state of unconsciousness or ignorance. The phrase can be interpreted metaphorically, symbolizing a moment of enlightenment or a newfound understanding. It could also represent a literal awakening from a bad dream, signifying a release from the burdens of the past.
The repetition of the line "From a bad dream" further accentuates the sense of relief and liberation. It implies that the singer has been trapped in a negative or oppressive experience and has finally emerged from it. The repetition of these lines creates a mantra-like effect, reinforcing the transformative nature of the awakening.
Overall, the lyrics of "Good Bye" convey a sense of starting anew, breaking free from negative cycles, and embracing a brighter future. It signifies a moment of clarity and a departure from past troubles, suggesting that the singer is ready to move on and leave behind everything that weighed them down.
Line by Line Meaning
I just woke up
I have recently become aware or conscious
From a bad dream
From a distressing or unpleasant imagined experience
You know, I just woke up
I want to emphasize the fact that I have just become aware or conscious
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: WESLEY STACE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind