John Dawson pins his hopes on love in his new wrestling-inspred single Under All The Lights — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
They say that behind every great man is a woman. That’s the theme ofthe latest relest from Newmarket roots musician Dawson, which finds deep emotional resonance in the age-old poetic trope of the enduring love between… a pro wrestler and his wife?
For real, though. Behind the song’s craftily ambiguous portrait of undying devotion is the specific story of wrestler Cody (son of Dusty) Rhodes and his spouse Brandi. They’re the pair Dawson is thinking of when he sings of a man — seen variously as a “warrior” and a “mage” by the world at large — who knows his true strength comes from his partner:
“Under all the lights with only everyone
He’s looking for one single face
Without her, he’s just song without the sound
He’s just words without a page.”
The song was inspired by an interview Rhodes gave in advance of a big match. “I was drawn to a seemingly offhand comment he made where he boasted of how well his wife would be positioned in the coming big show,” Dawson says. “It was this that struck me. The eyes of the world were on him, but his eyes were on her.”
Dawson knows his wrestling: When he isn’t making music or spending time with his own family, he cohosts a radio show called Ringside Heat, in which he interviews some of the most notable names in the sport. But you don’t have to share his passion to be touched by Under All The Lights, which has a universal, tug-at-the-heartstrings appeal held aloft by his haunting vocals and guitar. He’s ably supported by Steve Peconi on rhythm guitar, Manny DeGrandis on bass, Anthony D’Andela on drums and Mike Walsom on keyboards).
What’s most important, though, are the sentiments behind the words, which Dawson knows extend far beyond the ring. “It’s a simple tale of love and its triumph over adversity that, regardless of the specific subject matter, I hope can find meaning for any listener,” he says.
Imparting meaning through melody is something Dawson knows how to do in a myriad of ways. The songwriter, guitarist and composer has worked in multiple areas of the music industry. Over the years, he has played with Juno– and Grammy-nominated artists and had the honour of backing up Jackie Lomax at a 2011 Beatles festival. His muses include George Harrison, Paul Simon, Bill Frisell, Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler.
Those influences and more were in full flower on Dawson’s 2024 debut album Outlier, a nine-song rumination on the changes each of us will invariably face in life. Standout tracks included the singles Things That I Meant To Say, Life Just Came to Me and Where You Belong, plus the jazzy, rootsy instrumental Merry and Pippin.
Check out Under All The Lights above, hear more from John Dawson below, and get in the ring on his website and Twitter.
