Dear John

Dear John
Written by Tommy Shaw
Lead vocals by Tommy Shaw

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Dear John I knew you
About as well as anyone
We were the wild ones
So sure those days would never end
Now they're only memories my friend

Dear John I'll see you
Some day again

I swear I saw you
On a crowded street today
I almost called your name
Thinking of all those yesterdays
Heaven help me
How I miss my friend

Dear John I'll see you
Some day again

There'll be a celebration
When all will be revealed
We'll have a reunion
High on a hill

Dear John how are you
God know it's heaven where you are
Find some peace there
May it never end

Dear John my heart knows
We'll meet again
Dear John I'll see you....
Some day again

Interpretation

Dear John is a poignant tribute to Styx drummer John Panozzo, who died in 1996 of complications resulting from a long bout with alcoholism. In the lines "We were the wild ones/So sure those days would never end" we see that Tommy and John were once the party animals in the band. Tommy quit smoking and drinking in the mid-80's. John never gave up the alcohol which eventually killed him. Styx bassist Chuck Panozzo, John's twin brother, decided to publicly reveal the circumstances leading to John's death in the hope of educating others about the dangers of alcoholism.

The pain that that Tommy is feeling as he writes and sings the song is evident throughout, but especially in the lines "Heaven help me/How I miss my friend" which easily brings the listener to tears. Tommy's religious convictions are further revealed for all to see as he deals with the loss of his friend in many lines throughout the song, including the chorus, "Dear John I'll see you/Some day again." Let's hope John's Catholic faith held to the end so they can see each other. 

While primarily a personal song about the loss of John Panozzo as seen through Tommy's eyes (and heart), the song also brings together Styx, their families, friends, and fans to share in their loss and gain strength from each other. In addition, the song kindles a religious fire in many as the listener's own fragile mortality becomes more evident and the hope shining forth from Tommy's faith is held up as a beacon. Finally, the song touches even those who don't know Styx and never knew John by recalling memories of other friends that have been lost tragically to an early, avoidable death.