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 the highway
Doin’ my way
And I want you to feel
As I’m going down
‘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
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
And 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
‘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
Everything you know
You keep inside your soul
‘Cause tonight I’m gonna be John Wayne
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
Yeah, yeah
Channeling the Spirit of John Wayne
Billy Idol’s “John Wayne” captures the essence of rebellion, resilience, and the desire to break free from emotional constraints. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and restlessness, as the narrator navigates a tumultuous relationship and searches for personal liberation. Referencing the iconic American cowboy, John Wayne, Idol positions himself as fearless, unafraid to face adversity head-on. The repeated line “I am not afraid / And I won’t go down in flames” emphasizes unwavering courage and determination, while also hinting at the internal struggles that come with vulnerability and change.
Inner Strength and Reinvention
The song’s narrative explores the idea of keeping deep emotions hidden (“everything you know / you keep inside your soul”), yet finding strength to confront challenges directly. Idol’s energetic delivery and the driving rhythm mirror the song’s themes of independence and transformation, making “John Wayne” a powerful anthem for anyone seeking to reclaim their own narrative and ride into the unknown with confidence.
Song Credits
- Artist: Billy Idol
- Songwriters: Billy Idol, Brian Tichy
- Release Year: 2005
- Label: Sanctuary Records