Jon Jon the Sniper's Son

One of my keyboard players in the 80's /90's Steve Ingledew (a Geordie living in Middlesbrough) came around after our little group had split up. He had a brand new Yamaha keyboard on which he could play and record multiple tracks without the need for a portastudio. He played his latest multi-tracked tune and asked me to write some words. I was looking after my new born son at the time, reading nursery rhymes. In looking for a structure to start me off, I began by reciting the nursery rhymes to it. John John the Piper's son wirked best and I began to get my own words to it, half listen to the depressing-as-always-news. Something came but I wanted it be positive in some way and point towards a kind of New Age. I've got version with the vocals on but they were not as good as I would have liked - I may try again and put it on here.

JON JON THE SNIPERS SON

Jon Jon the snipers son

Learned to shoot when he was young

No one told him that to kill was wrong.

He saw a film when he was eight

With a plot that filled his mind with hate

For anyone, with whom, he could not relate.

He viewed the world through rifle sights

And fired at rats on lonely nights

Snared by the traps inside his mind.

Sometimes this world’s a dreadful place

Full of hate with a sallow face

A hangman with a swinging mace.

We could build a better world

A crystal ship with its flag unfurled

Sailing in the name of all mankind

Jon Jon the snipers son

Learned to shoot when he was young

No one told him that to kill was wrong.

BRIDGE – Instrumental

Jon, it’s been said before

Dreamboats founder in the ocean’s roar

Then lie forgotten on  silent shores.

But let us give it all we’ve got

Our children deserve another shot

A New age is crying in its cot.

Jon Jon the snipers son

Was like the trigger of his gun

Waiting for his barrel to explode.

Jon was a snipers son

He shot himself when he was young

No one told him that the world had changed.

Lyric by Trev Teasdel 1992  – Music (Keyboards by Steve Ingledew)