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Johnny Can't Read
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Wikipedia article
'"Johnny Can't Read"' is the first solo single released by Don Henley, included in his debut solo album 'I Can't Stand Still' (1982). His then partner, former actress Maren Jensen, performs backing vocals.
It reached #33 in Cash Box magazine and charted at #42 on 'Billboard's Hot 100 chart. The accompanying music video was very popular on MTV.
Meaning
The song focuses upon reading illiteracy. The song also reflects Henley's respect for reading and his reading background. As he stated in the book 'Heaven Is Under Our Feet',
"I began to read when I was five. My dad sometimes read me the 'Funny Papers' on Sundays and my mother, a college graduate and former schoolteacher, read to me almost every day from books. As I grew, she made sure that there was always reading material in the house that was suited to my age and ability."
As for his respect for reading, he stated, "American Literature, like the air we breathe, belongs--or should belong--to everybody."
Reception
'Cash Box' called it "a wry rockin romp about the woefully inadequate education most kids receive, [that] doesnt point the guitar at anyone in particular but considers the possible results of a frustrating situation."
Personnel
* Don Henley lead vocals
* Andrew Gold keyboards
* Danny Kortchmar baritone guitar
* Kenny Edwards electric guitar
* Bob Glaub bass
* Mark Towner Williams drums
* Louise Goffin harmony vocals
* Maren Jensen harmony vocals
Chart performance
References
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