John Parr: The Mission
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John Parr: The Mission
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John Parr: The Mission
MP3, CD Album
REVIEW
“The Mission” by British pop star John Parr, is a collection of songs that are like postcards from home to our U.S. military men, and women, and also from our soldiers to their families. Some might ask why an album dedicated to the U.S. military from a British pop singer. Here are the reasons in the words of John Parr:
“When I was here in the 80’s, the military were getting a terrible rap. I don’t know how old you are. It was a time, now everybody is loving the troops and supporting the troops, but in the 80’s people spit on them and say they were wackies or whatever. It angered me greatly and I began to write music about it and the ultimate sacrifice they made and the affect it has on their families.”
These songs are profound lyrically, and brilliantly crafted. The guitar-work and band are reminiscent of the best American rock bands, simple, yet clever, played with the skill of the studio legends, with the live band feel, while playing with precision and complexity of Toto, Springsteen, Bryan Adams, Journey, and more.
These songs speak with double-meaning to all, not just to military men and women, but, for anyone fighting a battle to reach for hope beyond the despair of everyday struggles in small-town America. This is one of the two best albums I have heard in the last 20 years.
Corey Whitehead, D.M.A.
Associate Professor of Music
California State University, Fresno
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BACK CATELOGUE
The Mission
Label: John Parr Music Ltd
Release Date: July 4th, 2012
"The Mission is inspired by our fighting men and women who put themselves in harms way for our freedom. It is 14 songs covering almost every aspect of the Military but it is not a marching bands record. It’s rock, it's intimate, power and passion, life, love and sacrifice. Much of the proceeds of this album are being donated to 3 incredible Military charities:The USO, Military Families and USA Cares. It is about raising awareness and funds for Military men and women as they make the difficult transition back into ordinary life."
John Parr (2012)
For his 18th Birthday a young man wishes for a big bad Chevy Silverado, his childhood dream. Everything changed that day. It was 9-11-2001, on September 12th; he enlisted and put all thoughts of that Silverado to the back of his mind. He told his mother “if I don’t come back don’t cry, I’ll be driving that big bad Silverado in the sky”.
Play Sample
Big Bad Silverado
(Parr)
I've had a dream
Since I was just a boy
Eighteen today
And I need a new toy
I can taste it
I can feel it
I can see that Silverado in my mind
My baby's ridin' with me
By my side
Feelin' like the coolest guy alive
With that big bad Silverado
In my drive
Well I read all my cards
Stared out at the empty drive
Then I saw somethin' on TV
From the corner of my eye
September eleventh
I'll never forget that day
By September the twelfth
I signed up to make 'em pay
I can taste it
I can feel it
I can see that Silverado in my mind
My baby's ridin' with me
By my side
Feelin’ like the coolest guy alive
Drivin' home
Comin' home in style
In that big bad Silverado
Silverado, Silverado, Silverado
Big Bad Chevy
I can taste it
I can feel it
I can see that Silverado in my mind
My baby's ridin' with me
By my side
Feelin’ like the coolest guy alive
Drivin' home
Comin' home in style
Silverado, Silverado
If I don,t make it home
Mama don't you cry
I'll drive my big bad Silverado
Across the sky
JPM Ltd-Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Every soldier enlists for a reason, often private and deeply personal. To right a wrong or to make a difference, so committed are they to help their fellow man, they enlist. They are enlisted in love.
Play Sample
Enlisted Man
(Parr)
Once there was a man
Who believed in something
He could see the truth through lies
Signed the dotted line
In blood for country
Tired of hearin' children cry
And you know it's true
I know he's out there
He'll see it through
To the end
Didn't sign for twenty
Didn't sign for ten
Joined the line with a few good men
He signed their name
To God above
We are enlisted men
Enlisted in love
Once there was a man
Who believed in something
Something that the eyes can't see
And you know it's true
I know he's out there
He'll see it through
To the end
Didn't sign for twenty
Didn't sign for ten
Joined the line with a few good men
He signed his name to God above
Some called him brother
Some called him friend
He knew they'd be there
Right there at the end
They signed their name to God above
We are enlisted men
Enlisted in love
And the fire keeps burnin'
In this crazy world
And you know it's true
I know he's out there
He'll see it through to the end
To the end
Didn't sign for twenty
Didn't sign for ten
Joined the line with a few good men
They signed their name to God above
We are enlisted men
Enlisted in love
Some called him brother
Some called him friend
He knew theyd be there
Right there at the end
They signed their name
To God above
We are enlisted men
Enlisted in love
JPM Ltd-Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Inspired by the teenagers of America in the mid 1960's whose lives changed the day their Vietnam call-up “draft” papers arrived. A generation who left their youth behind the day they boarded that Military transporter and the friends they left behind when they returned.
Play Sample
The Boy I Left Behind
(Parr)
Sixty four
Every pretty girl was knockin' at your door
Do you remember
Do you remember
My baby on the open road
Elvis on the radio
Do you remember
Do you remember
I remember the day my papers came
Son you're goin' to Vietnam
Time to chase the boy away
Time to be a man
For you
The boy I left behind
For you
A thousand tears these eyes have cried
Sometimes it's like a memory
Sometimes it's just a dream
I'm staring' in the mirror
I don't recognize who I see
For you
The boy I left behind
For you
For you
Drive-in movie picture shows
Skinny dipping' rock n' roll
Do you remember
Do you remember
Parked down at Inspiration Point
We shared our dreams
And shared a joint
Do you remember
Do you remember
I dream of me and Mary
Makin' sweet love on the sand
Then a voice comes on the radio
Said good mornin' Vietnam
For you
The boy I left behind
For you
A thousand tears these eyes have cried
Ashamed to wear this uniform
They spat in our face
What's the use in comin' home
With no comin' home parade
For you
The boy we left behind
We're finally comin' home
Soldiers done our time
Nobody there to shake our hand
No autograph to sign
For you
The boys we left behind
For you
A thousand tears these eyes have cried
Age shall never weary them
Nor the years condemn
At sunset and at daybreak
We will remember them
For you
The boys we left behind
For you
A thousand tears these eyes have cried
For you
The boys we left behind
JPM Ltd-Sony/ATV Music Publishing
A kicking tune about indomitable spirit.
Play Sample
Come Out Fightin'
(Parr/Mathes)
I was on the road to nowhere
Just these six strings to my name
On the run from one more one night stand
Seeking pleasure in the pain
Shining like a diamond in the sand
Girl you took my hand
And I heard you sayin'
Over and over
Sayin' over and over
You know what you want
You gotta come out fightin'
Like a ragin' bull
Like a bolt of lightening
Like the fire brigade when the flames igniting
Life's tough but it's sure excitin'
You know what you want
You gotta come out fightin'
I built walls to hide my feelings
Just another good time boy
Never caring what I said or done
Breakin' hearts like they were toys
Never goin' back to where I was
Baby that's because
I hear you sayin'
Over and over
Over and over
You know what you want
You gotta come out fightin'...
Like a fire brigade
Burnin' down the highway to you
Like a fire brigade
You know it's true
You know what you want
You know what you need
You know what you want
You gotta come out fightin'
Peters Pride Publishing-JPM Ltd- Sony/ATV Music Publishing
She lies pretending to be asleep as her husband packs his kit bag to leave for action. Too hard to say goodbye she waits for the door to close before she finally gives in to her tears. Often forgotten, the Military family goes into battle too, every time a loved one leaves.
Play Sample
Soldier's Wife
(Parr)
Pack your bags
Pack your boots
Throw my heart in
With the rest of you
Lying here
Pretending I'm asleep
You're so quiet
Tryin' not to wake me
Close the door
So I can finally weep
Long after you've gone
My love's still strong
You'll always be there
Time slowly drifts by
Lonely am I
Just a soldier's wife
I read your letters
To the kids
I left out
Our secret bits
Lying here in the dark
In your old shirt
While we're apart
The smell of you
Calms this aching heart
Long after you've gone
My love's still strong
You'll always be there
Time slowly drifts by
Lonely am I
Just a soldier's wife
JPM Ltd-Sony/ATV Music Publishing
A funky training song: Boot Camp meets Jimi Hendrix. Tuff as old boots, Army boots!
Play Sample
Boots On The Ground
(Parr)
When these boots hit the ground
When these boots hit the ground
82nd loud n proud
82nd loud n proud
If you ask us yes we can
If you ask us yes we can
In the air and on the land
In the air and on the land
Double A
Double A
Double A
Double A
All American
We caught General Patton’s eye
We caught General Patton’s eye
Guard of honor marching by
Guard of honor marching by
When these boots hit the ground
When these boots hit the ground
82nd loud and proud
82nd loud and proud
Double A
Double A
Double A
Double A
All the way
All the way
All the way
All American
In World War 2
The 82nd served at the Battle of the Bulge
When Hitler tried to attack through the Arden
It was his last gamble in the west
PFC Martin said to a Sergeant
in a retreating tank destroyer
Put your vehicle behind me sir
I am the 82nd Airborne
and this is as far as those jerks are going
Defeat the enemy
Preserve the peace
And freedom for our nation
Yeah
And get back home
Just get back home
To our loved ones
When these boots hit the ground
When these boots hit the ground
82nd loud and proud
82nd loud and proud
If you ask us yes we can
If you ask us yes we can
In the air and on the land
In the air and on the land
Yeah
Double A
Yeah
Double A
Yeah
Double A
Yeah
Double A
Yeah
Double A
Yeah
All the way
Yeah
Double A
Yeah
All the way
Don’t mess with The 82nd
JPM Ltd-Sony/ATV Music Publishing
A fiery acoustic track about a man in bar trying to relax, trying to be a regular Joe. In his Wrangler jeans and T-shirt his profession is not obvious but this is a crusty Sergeant who has just returned from a long spell in combat. A bunch of trouble-makers walk in the bar and start looking for a fight. They eventually turn their aggression on him, he tries to diffuse the situation but they ain’t listening. Then the training kicks in and in a heartbeat there is only one man left standing. “Don’t mess with a Military Man”.
Play Sample
Military Man
(Parr)
From the day I enlisted
To the day that I check out
Got somethin’ deep inside me
That life just can’t kick out
I got somethin’ I believe in
A country that I love
I swear I will defend her
With the strength of God above
Over and over I do what I can
Shoulder to shoulder I’ll stand
I’m a Military man
Yes I am
I was standin’ in the bar room
When trouble walked in the door
Mindin’ my own business
But I’d seen their kind before
Well the biggest one came over
Started chewin’ on my ear
Talkin’ down my country
Then he spat in my beer
I felt the power surge through this right hand
He and his devil’s were damned
By a Military man
Don’t mess with a Military man
Don’t mess with a Military man
I ain’t nothin’ special
I am just a man
There’s a line you can’t cross
I drew it in the sand
If you stand against me
I will not back down
I will fight for freedom
I am duty bound
Duty bound
Duty bound
I’m a Military man
Yes I am
JPM Ltd-Sony/ATV Music Publishing
An anthem not only for The Marines but for all men and women who are touched by the plight of others and the violence and injustice that they suffer and who choose to make a difference.
Play Sample
A Few Good Men
(Parr)
The blood of a country’s on the street tonight
There’s madness all around
Their children are hungry while their mothers weep
I can’t forget the sound
We are lost and alone
Doesn’t anybody care
Keep us safe
Free from harm
They say this silent prayer
All we need is just a few good men
To set our country free
All we need is just a few good men
Then once again, our children will live free
The heart of a country’s beating strong and brave
In every young man’s breast
He’ll fight like a lion for what he believes
No one shall live opprest
All for one, one for all
I still hear their battle call
They stood proud
They stood tall
They won’t let our nation fall
All we need is just a few good men
To set our country free
All we need is just a few good men
Then once again, our children will be free
Soldier on, through adversity
We must all be brave
Truth and honor
Defeat uncertainty
We need someone to lead the way
All we need is just a few good men
To set our country free
All we need is just a few good men
And soon the blind will see
All we need is just a few good men
In who we can believe
All we need is just a few good men
And once again our children will live free
JPM Ltd-Sony/ATV Music Publishing
A rocking tune about a young teenage girl who sees terrible scenes of bloodshed and cruelty and the dignified return of our fallen. She cuts off her ribbons and her curls to become a fighting girl.
Play Sample
Fightin' Girl
(Parr)
Pretty girl on your daddy's knee
Candy kisses taste so sweet
Can't believe how my little girl has grown
Standin' here in your prom-queen dress
A few more years and she'll fly the nest
I still believe my baby's eight years old
When she saw those towers fall
It changed my little girl
She cut of all her ribbons and her curls
She's a fightin' girl
A woman who believes
She's a fightin' girl
Stands on her two feet
She's my kinda girl
And I wanna tell the world
That she's mine
Mine all mine
Mine all mine
Pretty lady down my street
Kinda girl I never thought I'd meet
Kinda girl I'd never call mine
Pretty girl I love you
I'll drink champagne from your shoe
I’m countin' down the days 'til we say I do
When she heard our nation's call
It changed my baby's world
She cut of all her ribbons
She cut off all her curls
She's a fighting' girl
A woman who believes
She's a fightin' girl
She stands on her own two feet
She's my kinda girl
And I wanna tell the world
She's mine
Mine all mine
Mine all mine
She don't make no compromise
She's the pride of her daddy's eyes
She's a fightin' girl
A woman who believes
She’s a fighting girl
And I wanna tell the world
Stands on her two feet
She’s a fighting girl
And I wanna tell the world
She’s a fighting girl
A woman who believes
She’s a fighting girl
She won't accept defeat
She's that kinda girl
And I wanna tell the world
That she's mine
Mine all mine
Mine all mine
JPM Ltd-Sony/ATV Music Publishing
This heartfelt song was inspired by the day that Prince William and Harry stood together in the Cathedral and listened as the names of the fallen were read : just as they had been for a thousand years and a thousand years before.
Play Sample
At The Cathedral
(Parr)
Today at the Cathedral
They read out their names
Just like they've done
For a thousand years
And a thousand years before
I'm not William Wallace
I'm not Robert the Bruce
I am just an English boy
Embarrassed by the truth
Today at the Cathedral
They read out their names
And a bitter wind blew through me
Some things never change
They took away their country
Laid the clans to waste
Left a land of heroes
Turning in their graves
Today at the Cathedral
They read out their names
Sarah, John, Richard and Paul
God bless them all
God bless William Wallace
God bless Robert the Bruce
God bless the voice of freedom
God bless the voice of truth
Today at the Cathedral
They read out their names
Just like they've done for a thousand years
And a thousand years before
God bless them all
God bless them all
JPM Ltd-Sony/ATV Music Publishing
A thundering tribute to American Airmen and Women. The story of their creed, integrity and service without self, America’s sword and shield.
Play Sample
Fly Boys Fly (Open Sky)
(Parr)
I am an American Airman
My nation’s sword and shield
It's sentry and avenger
I live the Airman's creed
First we got integrity
Service before self
Excellence in all we do
We're gonna give 'em hell
‘Cross the open sky
The boys are comin' for you now
‘Cross the open sky
They’ll see those birds in flight
I can see those storm clouds buildin'
I can taste the rain
I can hear those engines roarin'
I can see the plane
Across the open sky
Fly boys fly
I am an American Airman
I am a warrior
I'll never leave a man behind
I will never fail
First we got integrity
Service before self
Excellence in all we do
We're gonna give 'em hell
'Cross the open sky
The boys are comin' for you now
'Cross the open sky
No they won't let you down
They take off from their carriers
Thunder 'cross the ground
The shout goes out for air support
When they hear you cry man down
‘Cross the open sky
The boys are comin’ for you now
Cross the open sky
No they wont let you down
Engines screaming through the air
I remember
The boys are cheering' on the ground
Guns a blazin' lightin' up the sky
People prayin'
Fly, fly boys fly
‘Cross the open sky....
JPM Ltd-Sony/ATV Music Publishing
A funny tune about how to learn to love and master the M4 assault rifle.
Play Sample
M4 Practice
(Parr)
There comes a time
In every young boys life
When he takes it in his hand for the first time
And holds it like a wife
Up there on his bunk
Full of dreams and fantasies
I guess a boy can't help himself
Doin' what comes naturally
Practice everyday
That what Master Sarge would say
S-P-O-R-T is good enough for me
If you’ve got what it takes
You know what practice makes
P-E-R-F-E-C-T
Is good enough for me
Easin' it squeezin' it
For all he was worth
Clear with it zero it
Just wanna be first
Practice every day
That's what Master Sarge would say
S-P-O-R-T only enough for me
If you’ve got what it takes
P-E-R-F-E-C-T
Is good enough for me
Sick of puttin' bullets in my gun
Tired of blisters on my thumb
It ain't a clip it's a magazine
It's a rifle not a gun son
Practice everyday
That what Master Sarge would say
S-P-O-R-T good enough for me
If you’ve got what it takes
You know what practice makes
P-E-R-F-E-C-T
Only good enough for me
Practice.....
JPM Ltd-Sony/ATV Music Publishing
The Flag
The United States of America Military and the flag have been bound together since the birth of the nation. What the Stars and Stripes represents in the hearts and minds of our fighting men and women goes deeper than most of us can understand, so deep they are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to keep her flying. The song’s aim is to reinforce the faith that has faded and frayed through times of doubt and uncertainty in the civilian world, in the sincere hope that it will make us all consider we are all bound by the thread of the flag.
Play Sample
Bound By The Thread Of The Flag
(Parr)
My heart is beating like a drum
This lifetime moment has come
It’s in me
It’s in you
The sacred thread
Red, white and blue
We are bound by the thread of the flag
Sing it loud
Sing it proud
Let the heavenly choir sound
We are bound by the thread of the flag
And now the battle is won
Our country’s glory lives on
It’s in me
It’s in you
The sacred thread
Red, white and blue
We are bound by the thread of the flag
Sing it loud
Sing it proud
Let the heavenly choir sound
We are bound by the thread of the flag
Old Glory’s sewn
With threads of hope
And each star and stripe
Is you and I
And at the setting of the sun
A single trumpet and a drum
Lay me down
Lay me down
In the warm forgiving ground
I am bound by the thread of the flag
Sing it loud
Sing it proud
Let the heavenly choir sound
We are bound by the thread of the flag
Sing it loud
Sing it proud
Let the heavenly choir sound
I am bound, you are bound
We are bound, we are bound
Bound by the thread of the flag
JPM Ltd-Sony/ATV Music Publishing
The thoughts of a service man or woman in a distant land and their dream of coming home strikes a chord in the heart of each of us and the true feeling of what home means.
Play Sample
Comin' Home
(Parr)
Headin' down this iron road
These six strings on my back
Must be twenty years or more
Since this train roared down the track
Sometimes I hear that whistle blowin'
Conductor shoutin' all aboard
But I'm rustin' in the stockyard
Said that's all I was good for
I dream I'm headin' down this iron road
I dream I'm headin' back
I'm building up a head of steam
Burnin' down the track
I see her waivin' from her window
I'm smiling waivin' back
And I don't feel so alone
I'm comin' home
And it feels like the first time
I'm comin' home
See the world in a new light...
Stuck here in this tunnel
No light at the other end
No one knows I'm down here
Yearnin' for a friend
And I hear that whistle blowin'
In the shadows of my mind
And I know it's her who's callin’
Waiting on the other side
Now I don't feel so alone
I'm comin' home
And it feels like the first time
I'm comin' home
This old world in a new light
I'm comin' home
Comin’ home for the last time
I'm Comin' home
And it feels like the first time
Stokin’ up the embers
I can see the fire rise
Yeah the flames are burnin’
Lighting memories in your eyes
All I'm asking from you
Is a second chance
I'm comin' home
And it feels like the first time
I’m comin' home
Comin’ back for the last time
Comin’ home
This whole world in a new light
I’m comin’ home
Comin’ home for the last time...
JPM Ltd-Sony/ATV Music Publishing
© 2015 John Parr. All rights reserved.