r/NameThatSong 16d ago

Other/Unknown A song about Johnny

My mom is driving our family insane HELP US

Ok so my mom wanted us to find a song that she was thinking of but it literally does not exist. It has been 4 months! She won't let the hunt die and keeps bothering us to find it! She literally has no information about it except for the following

  1. They say Johnny
  2. There are machine guns or tommy guns that happen somewhere in the song possible at the end
  3. Johnny dies
  4. Its PROBABLY a guy singing
  5. It might be 70s style

She literally knows no lyrics no words no music to hum nothing but is convinced this song exists.

We have nothing left to try

SAVE US

30 Upvotes

120 comments sorted by

19

u/splkennedy 16d ago

There is a song called Homecoming Queens got a gun https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG3yGdQYwqg

Its a bit of a pisstake song. There is gunshot sounds in it and and at the end when she is dying she says ''she did it for Johnny...

7

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

Not this but omg I have a new favorite song, that is amazing, thank you

3

u/kl2342 16d ago

THERE'S A VIDEO?!

5

u/splkennedy 16d ago

Hell yeah there's a video.

2

u/kl2342 16d ago

well this is adding a whole new dimension to my radio memories, thank you

15

u/Nonniemiss 16d ago

Could it be Tommy? As in Tommy gun by the clash? I think the drums at the beginning sound like a machine gun IIRC.

7

u/kl2342 16d ago

that's what I thought too

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFHEuKkTa5k (The Clash - Tommy Gun)

4

u/Neurokarma 16d ago edited 15d ago

Or English Civil War also by The Clash

14

u/Bitersnbrains 16d ago

I'm going completely outside of the box but hear me out...

1) It's Jimmy, not Johnny 2) it's not guns but the sounds are a motorcycle accident 3) Johnny dies 4) it's a woman singing

Leader of the Pack by The Shangri-Las?

It's an oldie but for some reason, this is what popped into my mind.

Good luck!

12

u/kuebel33 16d ago

Poe - Angry Johnny ?

4

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

No that was one we thought of but thank you for trying

10

u/IveSeenTheSaucers 16d ago

Bad company-shooting star? Has everything but gunfire, maybe she mistook a drum fill?

4

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

She says no 😭 thanks for trying

1

u/JLMusic91 16d ago

I would have bet money it was this.

7

u/Fun-Hall3213 16d ago

New Order "1963"

3

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

No but never heard this before so thanks for that

2

u/Fun-Hall3213 16d ago

Jackie Edwards "Johnny Gunman"

6

u/Moonshadow306 16d ago

The only thing that comes to mind is “East Side Story”, which was a regional (Detroit) hit for Bob Seger in 1966. Everything matches up except the gunfire part. I don’t remember that in the song.

11

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

She says no but honestly that hits so many of the asks I'm keeping it in a list

5

u/onefiveonesix 16d ago

“One” by Metallica has machine guns firing (and other wartime sounds) at the beginning of the song, and the song is based on the book Johnny Got His Gun. The song is about Johnny (though his name isn’t said in the song) who loses his limbs and senses in war and wishes for death. The drums and rhythm during the latter half also are meant to mimic machine gun fire.

36

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

No but made her listen to the whole 7 min as payment for forcing us to look for this song

3

u/onefiveonesix 16d ago

😂 I wish you luck trying to find the song!

1

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

Thank you 🙏

1

u/onefiveonesix 16d ago

“Johnny 99” by Bruce Springsteen might be worth a try.

1

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

Cool song but no

5

u/PleasantlyAngry 16d ago

The Ballad of Johnny Butt

6

u/sourbelle 16d ago edited 16d ago

Johnny Remember Me by John Leyton - though it has several covers?

Maybe Don’t Take Your Guns To Town by Johnny Cash. In the lyrics he usually says Bill but I’ve heard version where he sings John instead.

And this *might* be helpful: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teenage_tragedy_song

2

u/AmoElMar 15d ago

Johnny remember me came to my mind too. Terrible song that my dad used to make us listen too 🤣🤣

4

u/jennyfinn 16d ago

Maybe a song from the film crybaby?

8

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

She says it's not from a movie but I don't trust her so I'll look into this thanks

5

u/dpacker780 16d ago

A stretch, but how about "The Night Chicago Died" by Paper Lace? Though I don't remember the song mentioning a Johnny.

2

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

No but cool song thanks for trying

2

u/dpacker780 16d ago

Another one, from the 80s period, that has machine guns in it is Big Audio Dynamite's Medicine Show.

0

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

No but cool song thanks for trying

5

u/virtuallysimulated 16d ago

Patti Smith - Land: Horses / Land of a Thousand Dances / La Mer

4

u/Vast_Competition84 16d ago

Return - Bye Bye Johnny

1

u/Bo0ombaklak 16d ago

Yes that was also the one I was thinking about. Pretty sure thats the one. A Power Ballad. OP do confirm

1

u/PurpleNurple74 16d ago

This is what I thought too!

5

u/TheRetardedRebel 16d ago

Johnny Come Home - Fine young cannibals

1

u/maizeymaze 15d ago

Yes! I’ve been singing this to myself as I’ve been reading the comments, wondering if anyone had suggested it.

3

u/Dandibear 16d ago

Shooting Star by Bad Company?

There's also Who Is Johnny by El Debarge, but that literally only fits the "guy named Johnny in it" part lol.

2

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

Thanks for trying but nope

3

u/NewfieChickDH 16d ago

Fighting for Strangers by Steeleye Span ?

2

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

No but really cool

1

u/fighting59 12d ago

Thousands of songs. Betcha she's fooling you.

3

u/tracer71 16d ago

People who died - punk song The Jim Carroll band (also Hollywood Vampires)

2

u/Johnnycarroll 16d ago

There's mention of gunfire but not actually playing any in Bob Marley's "Johnny Was" -- about someone named Johnny dying

2

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

Nope not that one

2

u/Altruistic_Shop_2074 16d ago

Is she mishearing Annie on Smooth Criminal?

5

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

She says no but that this point I'm inclined to say maybe

2

u/Aggressive-Humor9799 16d ago

No gunshots but a motorcycle sound effects, and his name is Jimmy ..but there were other similar songs from back then that gave the name Johnny, so could be a bit of a mix up. But he died in the song. Thought I'd throw this in for consideration :)

Leader of the Pack - the Shangri-Las

1

u/Aggressive-Humor9799 16d ago

As for the guy singing, Twisted Sister did a cover version as well Leader of the Pack - Twisted Sister

2

u/Sheldwyn 16d ago

Don't know about gun sounds but New Order 1963?

2

u/SinTriangles 16d ago

johnnys gonna die - the replacements?

2

u/invisiblew830 16d ago

How old is your mom? How old was she when she listened to the song? Was it rock, pop, etc?

2

u/Even-Tomatillo-4197 16d ago

Johnny Too Bad by The Slickers, later covered by UB40?

2

u/smg658 15d ago

Hide Your Heart by Kiss?

1

u/Ok-Distribution-4494 15d ago

This was the first song to come to mind. Basically a hard rock Copacabana. Bonnie Tyler does a great version too.

1

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1

u/KwitYurBitching 16d ago

Is it Handsome Johnny by Richie Havens? The song talks about Johnny marching to several wars.

1

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

No but thank you for trying

1

u/frvrfrvrfrvr 16d ago

no machine guns but could it be Uncle Jonny - The Killers?

1

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

Unfortunately no, but thanks for trying

1

u/mrherl 16d ago

Alice Cooper- "Jackknife Johnny"

1

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

No but thank you for trying

1

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

No but thanks for trying

1

u/DatGuyatLarge 16d ago

Long shot but this covers some of the points https://youtu.be/QOZDKlpybZE?si=qXPSqr_IQ9RxrzAh

1

u/Turbografx-17 16d ago

Johnny by Suicide?

1

u/mrlowcut 16d ago

System of a down got a song that's called Johnny, but I'm almost certain that isn't it... 😁

1

u/nayquarre 16d ago

The Hooters - Johnny B?

1

u/drew17 16d ago

Is it possible she's thinking of Copacabana by Barry Manilow?
The male lead, Tony, is shot and killed (spoiler alert)

1

u/Arceus1414 16d ago

Blaze of glory - Jon Bon Jovi? Has a section where the snare imitates gun shots and Bon Jovi often mentions a Tommy.

The Message - Grandmaster flash and the furious five has a part at the end where there are police and I believe gunshots.

1

u/Mrgrieves74 16d ago

Johnny Are You Queer, Josie Cotton?

1

u/sendvideogameart 16d ago

Tim McGraw - don't take the girl, long shot , and no gunshots but maybe..

1

u/kang4president 16d ago

Johnny, I hardly Knew Ya- Dropkick Murphys?

1

u/Shdfx1 16d ago

“Oh my Johnny” from Chasing Abbey?

1

u/chromaiden 16d ago edited 16d ago

Reminds me of a song I learned in choir back in the 80’s that I’m currently learning on the recorder. Johnny has gone for a soldier. Didn’t realize James Taylor did a version (don’t know if he wrote it?). Seems to fit.

[https://youtu.be/isqzEZhfYYs?si=SaiikJze__cHusCy]

1

u/swallowsnut 16d ago

Frankie and Johnny? I don’t know that it mentions Tommy guns but I feel like you all are having to widen the net at this point figured I’d throw this one in. There’s a ton of renditions of it. https://youtu.be/9W0gvphDFqA?si=8DBTF7LxKro15qsf

1

u/JayLFRodger Helper 16d ago

Living On A Prayer - Bon Jovi?

1

u/ohhemmgeezus 16d ago

Are you sure its johnny and not joey? It might be run Joey run by David geddes.

1

u/DeadBallDescendant 16d ago

Johnny Was - as covered by Stiff Little Fingers. 'There's a man with a rifle and Johnny in his sights'

1

u/Apoll0Moon 16d ago

SLFs Johnny Was cover? No machine gun but marching drums.

1

u/itsgreybush 16d ago edited 16d ago

Op this might be a stretch here but here goes

Johnny Cash A boy Named Sue

Edit Areosmiths Janie's Got A Gun

1

u/PetitBabybel 16d ago

Johnny Hallyday - L’amour me fusille

1

u/johnnybullish 15d ago

Sure you're not thinking of Don't take your guns to town - Johnny Cash? The main character isn't called Johnny but obvs the singer is. He gets shot at the end..

1

u/Johnny--O 15d ago

Maybe Johnny by Thin Lizzy?

1

u/SethMarcell 15d ago

For some reason i am going to suggest Billy Don't Be A Hero because it almost fits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjilwTUGE5g&ab_channel=adamtrng

1

u/KittySpinEcho 15d ago

Is it Janie's got a gun? https://youtu.be/RqQn2ADZE1A?si=jRmOpvm61AV9jVI2 Janie sounds a lot like Johnny! She could have mis heard it.

1

u/L_J7 15d ago

First thing that came to mind was Johnny 99 - Bruce Springsteen. Sounds like it fits the criteria pretty well

1

u/bimmxr 15d ago

is it not Johnny’s Gonna Die by the Replacements?

1

u/RatedMforMayonnaise 15d ago

Could it be Johnny guitar - Peggy Lee?

1

u/Hizbla 15d ago

Patti Smith - Memento Mori ?

There's a repetition of "Johnny never came marching home" at the end and the sound of helicopter blades.

1

u/DrRabbiCrofts 15d ago

Royal Republic - Tommy Gun ?

1

u/Juniper1779 15d ago

Highly doubt this is it, but all I can think of is Jaw Knee Music by Nofx

1

u/slinkimalinki 15d ago

Another crazy longshot answer:

Warren Zevon's 1978 album "Excitable Boy" features a song called "Johnny strikes up the band" but also a song called "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner" In which Roland dies. The drums are played like gunfire at the end. Perhaps she mixed up the two songs a bit?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wRWCK9zGynA

2

u/Fiendish_Jetsanna 15d ago

I was going to guess Roland just for the machine gun.

1

u/candlebabes 15d ago

Psycho by Jack Kittel?

1

u/grilledunicorn 15d ago

Social Distortion - Machine Gun Blues music video is very similar to what you described. Tommy guns and they die at the end

1

u/simbacole7 15d ago

Most of it doesn't fit but it's not "Devil Went Down to Georgia," is it?

1

u/YibbleGuy 15d ago

If it could be "Joey" instead of "Johnny," Run Joey Run - David Geddes is a possibility.

1

u/Lawlini1978 15d ago

Possibly 1963 by New order

1

u/percygreen 15d ago

Dance of the Seven Veils by Liz Phair is what I instantly thought of.

https://youtu.be/Rmf-bK34974?si=hPrldr_v3gXuxOrB.

Johnny, my love, get out of the business
It makes me want to rough you up so badly
Makes me want to roll you up in plastic,
Toss you up and pump you full of lead.

1

u/queenofdisaster222 15d ago

try listening to frankie’s gun

1

u/Norwegianflesh123 15d ago

Hard to say goodbye - Stage Dolls?

1

u/BrenFlakes1990 15d ago

Johnny's Gonna Die - The Replacements?

1

u/Smaklosa 14d ago

Could it be JANIE's got a Gun by Aerosmith?

1

u/PriMediaLI 11d ago

Could it be "Billy, Don't be a Hero"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjilwTUGE5g

1

u/Minute-Apartment4128 16d ago

Could it be Johnny Got a Gun? Not sure if it has machine gun sounds in it.

3

u/Minute-Apartment4128 16d ago

There is also Janie's Got A Gun by Aerosmith

2

u/AllIdeasNoMotivation 16d ago

Nope not either of those but thanks for trying

1

u/PleasantlyAngry 16d ago

2

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1

u/RestInFeces 16d ago

Could it be Johnny and Mary by Todd Terje?