They say that behind every great man is a woman. That’s the theme of “Under All the Lights,” the new single from Newmarket roots musician John Dawson that finds deep emotional resonance in the age-old poetic trope of the enduring love between … a pro wrestler and his wife?
For real, though. Behind the song’s craftily ambiguous portrait of undying devotion is the specific story of WWE superstar Cody (son of Dusty) Rhodes and his loyal spouse, Brandi. They’re the pair Dawson is thinking of when he sings of a man—seen variously as a “warrior” and a “mage” by the world at large—who knows his true strength comes from his partner.
Under all the lights with only everyone,
He’s looking for one single face.
Without her, he’s just song without the sound.
He’s just words without a page.
The song was inspired by Rhodes’ participation in last year’s WrestleMania XL, and more particularly an interview he gave in the run up to the event.
“I was drawn to a seemingly offhand comment he made where he boasted of how well his wife would be positioned in the coming big show,” Dawson says. “It was this that struck me. The eyes of the world were on him, but his eyes were on her.”
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Dawson knows his wrestling, have no doubt: When he isn’t making music or spending quality time with his own family, he cohosts a weekly radio show called Ringside Heat, in which he interviews some of the most notable names in the sport. But you don’t have to share his passion for the pastime to be touched by “Under All the Lights,” which has a universal, tug-at-the-heartstrings appeal held aloft by Dawson’s haunting vocals and guitar. (He’s ably supported by Steve Peconi on rhythm guitar, Manny DeGrandis on bass, Anthony D’Andela on drums and Mike Walsom on organ, piano and keyboards). What’s most important, though, are the sentiments behind the words, which Dawson knows extend far beyond the ring.
“It’s a simple tale of love and its triumph over adversity that, regardless of the specific subject matter, I hope can find meaning for any listener,” he says.
Imparting meaning through melody is something Dawson knows how to do in a myriad of ways. A songwriter, guitarist and composer who’s based in the Greater Toronto area, he has worked in multiple areas of the music industry, ranging from education to performance. Over the years, he has played with JUNO- and Grammy-nominated artists and had the honour of backing up Jackie Lomax at a 2011 Beatles festival. He’s a graduate of the Humber College Music program and holds degrees in Music and Education from York University. His muses as a writer and player include George Harrison, Paul Simon, Bill Frisell, Eric Clapton, and Mark Knopfler.
Those influences and more were in full flower on Dawson’s 2024 debut album, Outlier, a nine-song rumination on the changes each of us will invariably face in life. Standout tracks included the singles “Things That I Meant To Say," "Life Just Came to Me" and "Where You Belong," plus the jazzy, rootsy instrumental "Merry and Pippin." To that sturdy repertoire, we can now add “Under All the Lights,” which starts Dawson’s 2025 on a note of pure class and elegant romance. Whatever else he has in store for us this year, it’s clearly going to be no holds barred.
