Fremont John plays Taylor acoustic guitars. Check out his CDs Timeline, Acoustic Thunder and Lightning Strikes the Bull. For fans of ,
A strong, versatile voice (think Jonny Lang or, Rob Thomas) and very clean, melodic guitar style (think acoustic Santana meets Craig Chaquico ) are Fremont's magic . Whether an original work or a cover song, John makes it his own. His style and killer sound make him a standout in a crowded field.
Story behind the song
THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG
ONE MAN WHO HOPES
By Fremont John Ashton
One Man Who Hopes is a song reflecting my frequent meditations on spiritual and social issues. Richard Crooks refers to it as the “John Lennon tune”. I guess he thinks of “Imagine” when he hears this. My song is a little more vague and more ethereal in content. If it were a painting it would be more pastel and impressionistic.
This song was written at the time the Iraq invasion was in progress in April 2003. I had it about 60% completed and just left it. I didn’t think it would have much use on a CD. But, as we got into the project I needed more tunes. I started going through my data banks and found this. I played it for Larry and he loved it and told me I should finish it. So, about the middle of Dec., 2003, I began to work on it. The song was finished in early Feb., 2004. The bridge was totally new idea once I started to re-work the song. I just felt that it needed that change. To me the shift into the bridge is truly a magical moment in the song.
If you want to know more read on.
The first verse talks about people that believe in God but really don’t want to take responsibility for their spiritual growth. He’s out there somewhere and they will give him his Sundays but that’s it. They really don’t want to think about such things too much. They live on the surface and don’t go too deep.
The second verse was written while I was watching our invasion of Iraq and that Defense Minister kept giving media interviews where he continually denied what was obvious to everyone he spoke to. This is precisely what most of us do where the Higher Power is concerned. It’s all around us talking to us and giving us messages in every way, shape and form and we just don’t get it or more likely, are afraid to give into it.
The third verse is quite clear. Our wars are typically about the struggle of the “Haves” vs the “Have-nots”. And each side feels they are doing God’s work and he is on their side. We really haven’t advanced much as the Human race if we really believe that God chooses sides. We insult Him/Her and set human limits on Him/Her by assuming that God is a petty, egotistic, dictator. “Good thing there’s only one God, we kill so many in his name.” If we had several gods would we have to kill for each one? Then, where would we be? We wouldn’t be. We’d have to be replaced by something smarter and far more sensitive about how to use the intelligence.
The last verse is crazy people and crazy religions. They don’t teach spiritual advancement. They teach you to worship the religion, the dogma, their rules. They are about control of the masses. They are all about how to keep you thinking that they have the only answer. Answers are plentiful just like everything else. God loves diversity. Look around you and don’t try to deny the obvious. Find your own way.
People truly concerned about their own soul growth will take it upon themselves to research and THINK and draw their own conclusions. That’s exactly what FREE WILL is. It is not turning over the care of your soul to the Priest or Pastor or Imam or Rabbi or Medicine Man or whatever. It is the responsibility of each individual to find his or her own path. So, I guess this puts me at sharp odds with most people. So, sue me.
Lyrics
ONE MAN WHO HOPES lyrics
Words & Music by Fremont John Ashton @ 2003
CD: “Timeline”
One Man believes in God.
But, that’s just as far as it goes.
He doesn’t want to think too deeply.
What he sees is what he knows.
Next man says “Hey, what’s the difference?”
I think he thinks God is dead.
But there’s One Man Who Hopes
That God is just sleeping instead.
The T.V. shows you photos of glory.
And, claims they’re pictures of the Truth.
Iraqi man sticks to his story.
He doesn’t care for they call proof.
Then, some man says “Hey, what’s the difference?”
Standing there wringing his hands
Then, there’s One Man Who Hopes
We’ll stop ignoring God’s commands.
BRIDGE
See the future through a telescope
The wheel of life in a kaleidoscope.
Oo, oo, oo. Oo, oo, oo
I’m gonna hang to my hope
Get up and push out that envelope.
Oo, oo, oo. Oo, oo, oo
Good thing there’s only one God
We kill so many in his name.
Two God’s three or twenty.
Would drive man completely insane.
Then God says “Hey, what’s the difference?
I’m pretty sure you’re already there.”
Then, there’s One Man Who Hopes
But afraid to ask if God really cares.
Crazy people, crazy religions
Tryin’ to turn your brain into goo.
It’s time for us to stop, look and listen.
And find out for ourselves what’s true.
Preacher Man says “What’s the difference?”
Let us do your thinking for you.
There is One Man Who Hopes
You’ll find the truth that’s inside of you.
Then, there’s One Man Who Hopes
And prays to God to just let it be.
There is One Man Who Hopes
There is One Man Who Hopes
There is One Man Who prays “Just let me be okay with me.”
