Why It Matters

Ever since Johnny came marching home during the Civil War he’s been popular with songwriters. Johnny’s been good, an angel, and handsome. He’s kicked a hole in the sky and struck up the band, been Frankie’s man and he’s hit and run Paulene. Johnny gets around.

In fact, there are so many Johnny songs that I considered an all ’80s playlist but thought better of it. Too bad: You could be listening to Robert Palmer’s “Johnny and Mary” right now. Or Josie Cotton. Or Men At Work. I think I could have knocked out a ’50s playlist, too.

Anyway, here are some Johnny deep cuts:

“Little Johnny Jewel,” Siouxsie and the Banshees.

“Surabaya Johnny,” Marianne Faithful.

“Johnny’s Gonna Die,” The Replacements.

“Angry Johnny,” Poe.

“Johnny Thunder,” The Kinks.

“Johnny Ryall,” Beastie Boys.

“Johnny Johnny Johnny,” Shonen Knife.

“Johnny Get Angry,” Joanie Summers.

There you have it, eight songs for when you want to do it for Johnny. What did I miss? I’m listening.