Longing for Freedom: A Desperate Cry in the Dark | John Wayne | Cigarettes After Sex

Cigarettes After Sex, an American ambient pop band, has made a considerable name for themselves in the genre of soft-core pop since their debut in 2012. They are renowned for their captivating, emotional songs, and 'John Wayne,' from their second album, 'Cry,' is no different. Although its title may lead one to think about western films, the song 'John Wayne' delves deep into the essence of unrequited love, secretive desires, and painful heartache.

Unfolding like a personal diary entry, 'John Wayne,' gives the listener an intimate window into a night of unfulfilled desires. Drawing from the classic Hollywood icon John Wayne's raw masculinity and charm, the song speaks to the yearning for love and connection.

From the opening lyrics, one can sense the mystery, desire, and passion that encapsulates every moment of unrequited love. Frontman Greg Gonzalez croons, “It’s been a long night together, and you’re longing to be free”. The lyrics, combined with the band's typical atmospheric ethereal music, evoke a sense of longing and heartache. The heart wants what it doesn’t have, and in 'John Wayne,' it's the freedom to love without restraint or reservation.

In the chorus, Gonzalez yearns, “I just want to be the one you love”. The refrain is a quote that appeals to anyone who has ever been in love, unrequited or not. It perfectly captures the desperation and desire to be the sole object of someone’s affection. The song increasingly emphasizes the poignant feeling of never being able to attain such love despite continuous efforts.

The narrative also brings to the fore the feeling of uncertainty, tumultuous emotions, and the burning desire to confess feelings to the point of obsession. “Could you imagine a world with me not in it at all", these lyrics highlight the common yet disruptive fear of imagining our love interest's world without our presence. Upon first hearing, this line could come across as overly self-centered or possessive. But in context, it's a sentiment that's all too familiar to anyone who has experienced unrequited love, emphasizing our inherent need to be loved and desired.

In conclusion, 'John Wayne' is a haunting ballad of unrequited love that resonates deeply with listeners. It's an exploration of pain, longing, and eventually coping with the fact that the one we desire might not desire us in return. With its evocative lyrics, cinematic references and their signature moody, atmospheric sound, Cigarettes After Sex conducts a passionate symphony of the human condition that is enchanting, melancholic, and honest.