For many decades now, Sweeney had been wanting to write a song for the queen of alt-indie Australian synth pop of the 80s, Johanna Pigott. And finally it's here!
Throughout the 1980s, Johanna Pigott created synth pop gems with Scribble and devised one of the first shows to depict the realities of starting and then breaking up a band with the classic tv series ‘Sweet & Sour’ for ABC TV in 1984.
Johanna also co-wrote massive hits with Dragon’s ‘Rain’ and was the first Australian female to have written a number one hit with John Farnham’s ‘Age of Reason’ in 1988.
Beyond the 80s, Johanna co-wrote the theme tune for the original series of ‘Heartbreak High’, as well as countless other songs for this show.
This song, written in collaboration with writer Nick Pelomis, is dedicated to this fierce legend of Australian pop culture and her incredible chart-topping work in Australian music and tv in the 1980s.
lyrics
I have a friend I’ve never met
Johanna, Johanna
Her life is sweet in sourness
Johanna, Johanna
What’s in my heart? What’s in my head?
Johanna, Johanna
Always running from the rain
Don’t stop
Don’t stop dreaming
Johanna in the 80s
She rides a new wave every day
Johanna, Johanna
But all this fame it will never stay
Johanna, Johanna
And maybe don’t give your heart away
Johanna, Johanna
Always running from the rain
Don’t stop
Don’t stop dreaming
Johanna in the 80s
Stupid dreams in a silly world
Johanna, Johanna
To be that girl and to build a wall
Johanna, Johanna
Stories you know and the ones you don’t
Johanna, Johanna
Always running from the rain
Don’t stop
Don’t stop dreaming
Johanna in the 80s
credits
released December 2, 2024
Written by Late 88 (Jason Sweeney & Nick Pelomis)
Recorded on Ngarrindjeri Country, 2024
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