Writing lyrics is my passion. Usually, a line comes to me first, and I build a story around it. Then I write the music — or, if I’m lucky, collaborate with exceptional musicians.
I enjoy reading great lyrics as much as hearing them sung. When I lived in Berkeley, friends called me “Knows Lots of Songs” because I could recite lyrics from just about anything after hearing it once or twice.
If a lyric speaks to you, if you’d like to hear the music, or if you’re interested in collaborating, write to me. write to me.
John J Heartfield Songs
I’ve written more than 200 songs — from acoustic ballads to balls-out rock to musical theatre. I’m currently working on numbers for the multimedia event One Hand!, which brings together music, film, visual art, and contributions from artists around the world.
Songwriting has been my obsession since I picked up an instrument at age 11. My songs have led me to extraordinary collaborations with musicians who make their instruments sing.
I’m excited whenever musicians and bands perform my songs. If anyone wants to perform any of my songs live, be my guest. All I ask is that you say it’s one of John J Heartfield songs. If anyone would like to record one of my songs, write to me.
For five years in the San Francisco Bay Area, I wrote songs and played guitar and piano in America’s Most Famous Unknown Band.
Horizon Computers — one of California’s earliest personal computer companies — hired me to write and perform the company’s theme song, You Can If You Want To, for the entire organization.
One Hand!
A Multimedia Event
One Hand! explores the cinematic life and times of my grandfather, the anti-fascist artist and pioneer of political photomontage, John Heartfield. The project combines songs, words, images, and multimedia elements in an effort to inspire reflection, awareness, and participation.
Outside the train
The lights all have rainbows
If you see them the right way
Through the glass
My own reflection
Became my protection
Against being overwhelmed
By the past
A touch of infinite patience
A dash of I can’t care
I’m waiting in a station
For some movement to somewhere
First lines of Moving Island by John J Heartfield