Meaning of Johnny Come Lately by The Pogues

The Pogues' song "Johnny Come Lately" tells the story of an American soldier stationed in London during World War II. The lyrics explore themes of identity, love, war, and the longing for home. This blog article will delve into the various standout lyrics of the song and explore the imaginative themes they help develop.One of the first standout lyrics comes in the opening verse: "I'm an American, boys, I've come a long way, I was born and bred in the USA." This line immediately establishes the theme of identity. The protagonist is proud of his American heritage and carries it with him throughout his experiences abroad. It highlights the importance of one's roots and the sense of belonging that comes with it.Moving on to the second verse, the line "We're going to drink Camden Town dry tonight if I have to spend my last pound" introduces the theme of camaraderie and the bonds formed during wartime. Despite being in a foreign land, the soldier finds solace in the company of his fellow soldiers. It emphasizes the shared experiences and the sense of unity that arises in times of hardship.The third verse contains the intriguing line "Painted her name on the nose of my plane, six more missions, I'm gone." Here, the song explores the theme of love in the midst of war. The soldier meets a girl in London, and their brief encounter is immortalized by painting her name on his plane. It speaks to the fleeting nature of romance during war, where relationships are often compressed into short periods of time, leaving a lasting impact on those involved.In the fourth verse, the lyric "Death raining out of the London night, we made love 'til dawn" delves deeper into the theme of love and the fragility of life. The juxtaposition of death and love highlights the soldier's desire to find solace and happiness amidst the chaos and uncertainty of war. It captures the bittersweet nature of human existence, where moments of joy are cherished, even in the face of imminent danger.The chorus, particularly the line "When Johnny Come Lately comes marching home with a chest full of medals and a GI loan," reflects the theme of heroism and the price paid for it. The protagonist envisions his return home, adorned with medals and financial security earned through his service. It touches upon the sacrifices made by soldiers and the societal expectations placed upon them upon their homecoming.The fifth verse features the line "My P-47 is a pretty good ship, and she took a round coming cross the Channel last trip." While discussing the soldier's aircraft, this lyric represents resilience and the ability to withstand difficult situations. It symbolizes the soldier's determination to persevere, even in the face of adversity. This theme reinforces the idea that strength and bravery can be found in unexpected places.The final verse ties the song back to the overarching theme of longing for home. The soldier expresses his desire to bring back his "North End girl" and build a future together once the war is won. This line represents the hope and optimism that soldiers cling to during wartime, as they look forward to returning to their loved ones and rebuilding their lives.In conclusion, "Johnny Come Lately" explores a range of themes through its poignant and vivid lyrics. From identity and camaraderie to love, heroism, and longing for home, the song captures the complex emotions experienced by soldiers during times of war. Each standout lyric contributes to the overall narrative, weaving together a captivating and imaginative tale. It serves as a reminder of the human spirit's resilience and the powerful connections formed amidst the chaos of war.