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Oh, John Paul
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A dark hymn written and performed a few weeks before the controversial 1978 death of Catholic Pontiff John Paul I, inspired by a "voice" driven premonition. Full song story below.
alternative pop rock political world conspiracy theory history catholic premonition vatican
Artist picture
Primary Site for Frederick's Rock Fusion Music & Philosophy
Primary site for Frederick's rock fusion incorporating elements of rock, electronic, folk, symphonic, world, blues, jazz, latin, and country influences, with lyrics based upon personal experience, informed spiritual humanitarianism, and political/religious independence. F. J. Serafim - Vocals, Electric/Acoustic/Synth Guitars, Synthesizers, Pianos, Bass & Production Hi Frederick, I liked the lyrical concept, the musical arrangements, musicianship and vocals... ....you are on the right track with your songwriting. Wishing you success with your music, Mike (Moody Blues co-founder Mike Pinder, 2018 R&R Hall of Famers) Song order is based upon technical considerations and not any intended sonic or creative merit. Licensing only upon direct contact with artist.
Song Info
Genre
World • World General
Charts
Peak #82
Peak in subgenre #2
Author
Frederick Serafim
Rights
Frederick Serafim 1978
Uploaded
February 08, 2025
Track Files
MP3
MP3 6.0 MB • 320 kbps • 2:38
Lossless
WAV 26.5 MB
Character
Energy
relaxed, cool
high-energy
Positivity
dark, sad, angry
happy
Appeal
unique
radio-friendly
Story behind the song
Not necessarily my best song nor certainly my trendiest, but possibly my most interesting. I wrote and then performed this song at a Niagara Falls YWCA event, a few weeks before Pope John Paul the First died amid a swirl of controversy, 33 days after being unexpectedly elected. He was a pastoral Cardinal outside the Vatican inner circle. It is speculated that when he was elected in a surprise move, he caught the elite college of Cardinals in the middle of their corrupt intrigues involving the mafia, and he was either murdered to cover up the potential scandal, or else died of a heart attack due to the shock and stress. In 1981 the Vatican's top banker ("God's Banker" Roberto Calvi) was found hung from London's Blackfriars Bridge, thus corroborating the speculation of mafia involvement. The movie Godfather 3 presents a story whereby both John Paul and Calvi were murdered as a mafia coverup. Others think John Paul was murdered due to his very liberal views, especially regarding birth control. The Vatican doesn't allow autopsies on deceased Pope's, so we'll probably never know for sure. Earlier that same summer I was also busy annoying my friends with a premonition that Iran was soon to erupt into a violent tumult of far reaching consequences against the US, before there was any mention of such a possibility in the news. My roommate from that time remembers it well. :) My more recent warning is that the Biden administration and NATO are making a monumental mistake in their handling of the Ukraine crisis. It's a crime to "help" people by exploiting them as proxy war cannon fodder. We should be thankful that Russia didn't "help" the Afghans or Iraqis by supplying them with hi-tech weapons.
Lyrics
Oh, John Paul I mourn for you, If only this message could get through I fear for your endangered life, Your closest aids are plotting strife And at your back they hold the knife, Oh John Paul Oh, John Paul your innocence, is stripping you of your own defense My heart goes out to you John Paul, but now beware and stand up tall For the night is soon to fall, Oh John Paul
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