DECEMBER 8th 1980

by Jonzip

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about

December 9th 1980, and the world woke to the news that John Lennon had been murdered outside his Manhattan home.
John McNeill and fellow Beatlemaniacs were in shock, but as a means of catharsis, he wrote a song, DECEMBER 8th 1980, about the assumed mugging on the mean streets of New York. There was only one problem, that wasn’t what actually happened. Oh, and the song, in the style of Lennon’s, Imagine, needed to feature piano, an instrument he couldn’t play!
Fast forward to 2020, and with the 40th anniversary looming, and John (nka Jonzip) in lockdown, he dusted off the tattered piece of paper and rewrote the lyrics. Then, after contacting piano player, Gavin Paterson, the song was finally recorded, as intended, all those years ago.

lyrics

DECEMBER 8th 1980
Manhattan skyline against the dark
Only shadows play in Central Park
Outside the Dakota a lone figure waits
For an imaginary friend, this jealous guy now hates
There is no reason (whoa – oh - oh)
No use asking why
December 8th 1980
Another senseless crime
December 8th New York City
I lost a friend of mine

Those mean streets this time are blameless
An obsessed assassin shall remain nameless
The world stops as the news spreads
You know where you were when you heard he was dead
I still can’t believe it (whoa – oh - oh)
It all seems such a waste
December 8th 1980
A cold chill in the air
December 8th New York City
The Sixties blown away

There’ll be no reunion (Oh - no)
No last one-night stand
December 8th 1980
We lost the rhythm man
December 8th New York City
December 8th 1980
December 8th New York City
Peace didn’t stand a chance

credits

released November 27, 2020
Lyrics: Jonzip McNeill
Music: Jonzip McNeill/Gavin Paterson
Vocals/Guitar: Jonzip McNeill
Piano: Gavin Paterson
Bodhran: Shaun Moore
Moog/Strings: Soapy Cameron
Recorded: Standing Stone Studio, Barrhead, Scotland (1/11/20)
Mastered: Rik
Copyright: Tenement Toons (TEN46)

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about

Jonzip Glasgow, UK

Jonzip released his debut ep, A Hard Rain At Sunshine Corner in 2014, & album, Blue Print, in Feb 2020.
In Dec 2020, a digital single & video, December 8th 1980 marked the 40th anniversary of the death of John Lennon. As the centenary of the death of John Maclean, approaches on 30th Nov 2023, a digital single release, and video, mark the occasion. ... more

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