Where's Johnny by James McMurtry tells the story of a brilliant and talented young man named Johnny. As a child, he was a model student, doing his homework on the school bus and always getting good grades. He was popular with the girls and a star athlete, winning trophies for his achievements in various sports. However, as he grew older and went away to college, Johnny began to feel lost and disconnected from his former self. He wrestled with his identity and substance abuse, and ultimately dropped out of college and moved back home. Now in his thirties, Johnny spends his days reading poetry and staying quiet in the backyard. The song reflects on the idea that sometimes, despite our best efforts, life doesn't turn out the way we planned. Johnny had all the potential in the world, but something inside him broke along the way. The lyrics also touch on the idea of parental grief and longing for a child who has seemingly lost their way. Overall, Where's Johnny is a poignant and melancholy song that speaks to the struggles of growing up and finding one's place in the world.
