John Something

[Chorus 1] We had a visiting artist in the winter of '96 Who came to talk about his paintings and the shit that make him tick I think his name was John Something (John Something) If, at the assembly, you're allowed to cut the class I was sunk into the bucket, yellow puffy on my lap Bring on John Something (John Something) [Verse 1] Hot blooded art freaks take the auditorium Three quarters boorish, one quarter primordia Keen to absorb the stories of veteran picture-makers Even if an unfamiliar name and face or mystery flavor Say, John Something who was punctual to the podium Visibly uncomfortable, having trouble focusing Noticing we're noticing, he pardons the glitch Says, "I'm sorry but it's vital I depart from the script" To where? You had one job John Something, something's wrong with John Something Something's on his mind, he been searching for the words Even standing at the plate, I ain't anticipate the curve He go, "Last night I saw this new documentary And I can not understate the extent to which it's affected me" I'm on the edge of my seat He said it's called "When We Were Kings" [Chorus 2] This was 1996 He was there to show some photos that would demonstrate his gift I think his name was John Something (John Something) If, at the assembly, you were seeing something new I'm a new fan before even seeing what he do Bring on John Something (John Something) [Verse 2] When We Were Kings is a documentary feature On the '74 US heavyweight boxing championship That's commonly referred to as the Rumble in the Jungle Where you come to punch or die, as neither party's crying uncle The champ, George Foreman, vs. the kid, Muhammad Ali, in Zaire And other politics involved in the affair Including rare footage leading up to the event Plus, interviews with VIPs, remembering the effects So Mr. Something up there, present as it gets Talking Ali and his confidence, begetting his success But almost referenced as a magic or some extrasensory "X" That he had witnessed and was duty-bound to tell to someone else Us, and truly, I was hung on every sentence Though it probably lasted longer than intended, it felt genuine If a little strange Thirty minutes in, we have yet to see what you paint, look [Chorus 3] January '96 He was there to share his work, maybe guide us through the mist I think his name was, hmm (John Something) If, at the assembly, you were tripping off the tangent But also like, "I need to see this flick, it sounds fantastic" Or so says John Something (John Something) [Verse 3] Low on time John starts blowing through his slides They were ultimately fine But the takeaway is praise for this entirely other mind I'm at the movie theatre, this was Boston, 1996 Twenty years of age, I'm an '80's Mike Tyson kid We heard about that legendary clashing of the titans But could never have contextualized the metrics or environment Until, 90 minutes of history And images and music, I was riveted, infinity That walk out different than you slithered in Every atom in you shifting, christened in the river shit And I still revisit it, this week, winter came Cued it up, hit play, it felt like someone visited Any time I pay it forward I say, "This was recommended by one of my favorite artists", um [Chorus 4] This person who in 1996 Gave the only artist lecture I've remembered ever since I think his name was James, uh (John Something) If, at the assembly, and were headed for the theatre You should put your hands together for the greatest ever speaker Who may or may not be named John (John Something)