In June, I watched a memorial for the soldiers that participated in Operation Overlord, which is commonly referred to as D-Day. I was inspired to write a song, not about the great victory or the turning point of WWII. Rather, this song explores the horrors that met each soldier storming the beaches. I read many survivor accounts of that day and the lyrics are taken from these accounts. 
One survivor called Omaha beach: "300 yards of killing ground", so I titled the song "300 Yards". That survivor's description is also in the song's chorus.
The song is meant to keep the immense sacrifice these soldiers made fresh in our minds. We owe them, Our Gratitude, Our Respect, AND OUR FREEDOM!

Title: 300 Yards 
℗ © 2021 John Pantone
Author: John Pantone 

Lyrics

June 6th, 1944.
Naval guns fire with a deafening roar.
Able Company herded into floating shells.
Destination: 300 yards of viscous hell.

Racing forward to Omaha beach.
Impending horror soon to be unleashed.
Bullets slam into the front gate.
All onboard already know their fate.

The sea runs red with the blood of the dead.
Wading inward with the rising tide.
Caught in the middle of machine gun crossfire
Must reach the shore. Must stay alive.

Wave after wave hits the sand
Merciless slaughter fills the land
300 yards of killing ground
4000 soldiers cut down

Second wave 26 minutes behind
Thick smoke keeps Baker Company blind
A line of the dead is all that’s seen
Captain shouts…
“By God, you’ll take this boat straight in.”

At 75 yards, the order is given
Drop the ramp, most perish in minutes.
A storm of bullet fire rains down
Many torn apart, many drown

Bodies wash up and then claimed by the sea
My GOD, why has THOU forsaken me?
Move ashore and hope to find cover
Grab a helmet and try to recover

Wave after wave hits the sand
Merciless slaughter fills the land
300 yards of killing ground
4000 soldiers cut down

Hold On

300 Yards

Here is my latest song titled: Rise of the Blood Moon. I got the inspiration for this song watching a blood moon rising over the ocean in 2021. Check it out and follow me for more song releases in the near future.

Title: Rise of the Blood Moon
℗ © 2022 John Pantone
Authors:    John Pantone

Lyrics
Beware, the treachery of men
Asking for a sign 
As the red night announces the sailor’s favor
The red morning speaks the warning

An evil generation can discern the season
But the sign of the times cannot be reasoned
As is written but can you receive 
The sign of Jonah has been conceived

CHORUS 2X
No sign shall be given
No hope for the unforgiven
Simple days mask hidden doom
See the rise of the blood moon


Behold, the sixth seal is opened
The earth shakes like a drunken man 
The sun is darkened, the moon turns to blood
Stars fall from the heavens.  Mighty winds blow

Solo

CHORUS 2X

Wrath pours out on HIS great day
Like an army laying waste
Burning all creation in its path
Retribution has come. Who can stand

CHORUS

Outro

Rise of the Blood Moon

This song describes my experience and emotions attending metal concerts in the 80's. The anticipation, excitement, and appreciation for some of the world's greatest bands mentioned in the lyrics. This one is a remix with a guest singer Gregg Malack. Gregg was a Columbia Records recording artist in the 80's with the band: Teeze Roughhouse. He sang one of my previous songs as we start to collaborate on some new material. 

Title: gods among us 
℗ © 2020, 2024 John Pantone
Author: John Pantone
Contributor: Gregg Malack

Lyrics
Darkness descends upon a screaming horde
Fists.. stand ready, voices roar
A secret vale, all is hidden from their gaze
Thunder rumbles…. ascending haze.

Lightning flashes, figures rise from the mist
The call to battle. Who among us can resist?
Pounding forces. Hearts start racing beating fast
Metal rages….  Power blasts

gods among us, Priest and Maiden lead the way
gods among us, Eddie taught us how to play
gods among us, follow them around the earth
gods among us, heads bang, show your worth 

Burning pillars, leaping from the heights above
Armor shining…. leather gloves
Pointing forward, commanding all your loyalty
Visions dancing….. altered reality

Axes growling, amazed in awe of the skill
Solos searing…. Brings a chill
Howling screams kept us all at fever pitch
Frenzy building…. Come unhitched

gods among us, Crue and Dio rocked the masses
gods among us, Randy’s greatness, passing sadness
gods among us, Ozzy’s diary Madman flying
gods among us, Metal nation unifying

Hours passing, arms extended take a bow
More is needed, and needed now
Curtain closes leaving all you wanting more
Memory savored.  Can’t ignore.

gods among us, The sandman came to visit
gods among us, Heading out to get my ticket
gods among us, Witness all the metal magic
gods among us, Creative forces, timeless classics

Gods Among Us

My latest in the 80's inspired metal series.

Title: We Stand Tall 
℗ © 2024 John Pantone
Author: John Pantone

Lyrics

In the depths of the night, where shadows dwell.
Fire ignites, in the hearts of men.
The pounding drums, the roar of guitars.
We rise as one, beneath the stars.

(Pre-Chorus)
Through the chaos and the rage.
We'll break free from this cage.
With fists held high.
Our voices rise.

Rise….. (Repeat)

(Chorus)
We are the warriors, forged in flame.
Unleashing sound and fury, we'll stake our claim.
With thunderous might, a never-ending fight, we'll conquer all.
In the realm of metal, we stand tall, WE STAND TALL!

(Verse 2)
Respect for of the chosen that came before
Our thirst for metal requires more
Fearless souls, with blazing eyes.
Our vow remains and never dies

(Pre-Chorus)
(Chorus)
(Solo)
(Chorus)
(Outro)

We Stand Tall

Title: The Stranger 
℗ © 2024 John Pantone
Author: John Pantone

Lyrics
(Verse 1)
Scanning the landscape of my mind.
Searching for answers, none I find.
Abandon hope all ye who enter here.
Is it my courage revealed, or my fear.
How did I get here? What are these whispers that I hear?

(Verse 2)
I walk alone down this long dusty path
Somehow the focus of someone’s unseen wrath
< pause>        no one by my side
Forsaken by all, has me wondering why.

(Chorus)
Every face is a mystery. Every corner hides a tale.
Lost in the twilight, try to understand.
Feel like a stranger in a strange land.
Actions filled with secrecy. Will the truth prevail?
Lost in the twilight, try to understand.
Feel like a stranger in a strange land.

I am the stranger (4x)

(Solo)

(Verse 3)
Laughter we shared, haunts like a ghost.
Sifting through thoughts, finding what matters most.
Separate ways now begin to show.
Standing in ruins of places I used to know.
Where there was warmth, only cold winds blow.

(Verse 4)
Dreams we wove are now all torn to shreds, 
Can’t believe it’s all come to an end.
Tracing steps in the sand.
Reaching out with an empty hand.

(Chorus)
(Outro)

The Stranger

This song is an "Icarus Story". I wrote this one in 1981 with band members Brad Wade, Chris McCarter, Lenny Carnes, and Lonnie Carnes. I re-recorded it in 2022. This one is a remix with a guest singer Gregg Malack. Gregg was a Columbia Records recording artist in the 80's with the band: Teeze Roughhouse.

Title: Fragile Wings
℗ © 2022 John Pantone
Authors: Authors: John Pantone, Brad Wade, Chris McCarter, Lenny Carnes, Lonnie Carnes

Golden earthbound creature wondering
How to fly, where to fly
Forever yearning for the sky
With a silent upward motion
Shining light above the ocean
You must try, always try.

Golden locks of brilliant colors
Circling high, ever high
Touching bases with the sun you'll
Feel your feathers singeing out
You plummet down and no man’s town
Hears you cry, Oh hears you cry.

Chorus
Fragile wings attempting glory
Reaching upward towards the light
Chart a course for self-fulfillment
The thrill is in your halo of light.
Little bird your fate awaits you
Dreams of power spur you on
Mortal things could never save you
Clouded minds can’t see the dawn

In your quest for instant splendor
Couldn’t wait, couldn’t wait
Tragic miles conceal these feelings
In your downfall, praying for
Seven keys to Heavens’ doorway
It’s too late, Oh far too late

Chorus
Solo

Golden earthbound creature wondering
How to fly, where to fly
Forever yearning for the sky
With a silent upward motion
Shining light above the ocean
You must try, must try.

Outro

Fragile Wings

This is a new remix of the first song I recorded with my brother Ant Pantone. Ant wrote the lyrics as well as recorded the vocals and drums. Here is a short introduction to the song written by Ant to provide some history.

I wrote this song in the 80's after an event in my life that had a lasting effect on me. It is a true story of what happened during some youthful indiscretion. A mistake I made and how it affected me, my wife, and my children. The title is: Pain In A Child's Eyes. John kept pushing me to tell my story through the song and we were finally able to finish it. It was a long time coming but still relevant in my life today. I hope you listen to the words and enjoy the song because I have seen the pain in a child's eyes.

Title: Pain in a Child's Eyes
℗ © 2022, 2024 John Pantone
Authors: John Pantone, Anthony Pantone

Lyrics
A stop at the well creates a vehicle of destruction.
A body invaded by glass and steel.
Now once a proud man stands alone in his anguish.
As the shadow of his cage becomes all too real.

His spirit flows from his broken mind and soul.
Like the blood he left in the street.
How can the pain of memories in his dreams.
Be hidden from 6 and 8 at his feet.

CHORUS
Have you ever seen the pain in a child’s eyes.
Emotions, they are too young to hide.
And a mother who desperately tries to explain.
Why he can’t be home at their side.

Wasting away at the hands of his actions.
Justice has left him alone.
The only reason his thoughts are together.
Is the love he feels from a place he calls home.

CHORUS

Thoughts of sinning against his own and another.
Is the cancer that eats from within?
They are left alone, he calls in the darkness
He longs to get back to where he has been

CHORUS

Yes I have
I’ve seen pain
Behind a child’s eye

I’ve seen the pain
Yes I have.

Pain In A Child's Eyes

This tracks displays my disdain for career politicians. The title and lyrics speak for themselves.

Title: Empty Promises
℗ © 2024 John Pantone
Authors: John Pantone

Lyrics
(Verse 1)
They stand at the podium, with smiles so wide,
Always spouting lofty visions with a gleam in their eyes.
They paint perfect pictures of a future bright and fair,
But behind that polished speech, you'll find a hidden snare.

(Verse 2)
They shake our hands with purpose, say they’re fighting for the cause,
But their actions tell a different story, of a different set of laws.
They trade our hopes for power, making deals behind closed doors,
While the things they said to get elected, they completely ignore.

(Chorus)
Empty promises and silver-tongued lies 
Sold to us like treasure, but it’s only a disguise.
They talk about the future, but a future that is false.
Empty promises will be our demise?
Can’t you hear them? Can’t you see them?
Empty promises… Devils in disguise.
Won’t you hear them? Won’t you see them?
Empty promises… A promise filled with lies.

(Bridge)
In the halls of power, the truth is out of sight.
They dance in the shadows, hidden from the light.
They tell us what we want to hear, but it’s all smoke and mirrors here.
We have to see through their deception and make our changes clear.

(Solo)
(Verse 3)
With every hidden motive, and every veiled plan.
Shapes the world we live in and think we understand.
They say they’ve got the answers, to all your doubts and fears.
But the votes they are counting, create rivers of tears.

(Chorus)
(Outro)

Empty Promises

This song is written to remember the WW2 Bataan Death March.  The Bataan Death March was a forced march of prisoners of war (POWs) during World War II that took place after the Battle of Bataan in the Philippines. The march began on April 9, 1942. U.S. and Philippine POWs were forced to march 65 miles (105 km) from Mariveles to San Fernando and to various camps from the Capas Train Station. The march was marked by physical abuse and killings, with POWs who fell or were caught on the ground being shot. Estimates of the number of POW deaths range from 5,500 to 18,650. 


℗ © 2024 John Pantone
Authors: John Pantone
Contributing Artist: Steve Narducci on Main Solo

Lyrics
(Verse 1)
Under a burning sun, they marched in line,  
Broken spirits, lost in Bataan.
The weight of chains, the weight of fear,  
Cries of the fallen, no one can hear.  
They never chose this path they tread,  
With every step, the walking dead.
The battle’s over, the war rages on,  
With every inch, a memory gone.

(Verse 2)
No mercy given, no hope in sight,  
Soldiers are broken by endless fight.
The enemy faced were not just the guns,  
But hunger, sickness, and endless sun.  
The air was thick, the ground was hot,  
Many have fallen, but still they fought.
Through every heart, through every scar,  
Memories of the brave, should not be far.

(Chorus 1)
Oh, the March of the Lost, hear their cries,  
Oh, the March of the Lost, where brave men died.
Oh, the March of the Lost, feel their pain,
Oh, the March of the Lost, in the sun and rain.

(Solo)
(Verse 3)
Now in the silence of the night,  
Their ghosts still march on that site.
Their names engraved on the stones of time,
The brave, the broken, the untold crimes.

(Chorus1)
(Chorus2)
Oh, the March of the Lost, March of Bataan,  
Oh, the March of the Lost, if you fall you die.
Oh, the March of the Lost, feel their pain,
Oh, the March of the Lost, we mourn the slain.

(Outro)

March of the Lost

I wrote this song in 1980 with my band Lesser Evil. I re-recorded it in 2025. The song is about two individuals that are complete opposites but love each other. The relationship seems to be doomed from the start and they are condemned to fail. However, as it turns out, they are perfect for each other.

Title: Suicide Love 
℗ © 2025 John Pantone
Authors: John Pantone, Brad Wade, Chris McCarter, Lenny Carnes, Lonnie Carnes

Lyrics
(Verse 1)
I’ll tell you this once so you know the score
He’s just fine, she’s four foot four.
They never get enough but can’t take anymore
She’s a fast talker, He’s a real bore.

(Chorus 1)
They got a Suicide Love and it just isn’t fair.
Got a Suicide Love, and neither one cares

(Verse 2)
He likes his whiskey. She enjoys gin.
They’re both in bad shape, for the shape they’re in.
When the sun comes up, he’s burning with fire.
In the late-night hours, she brings out the desire.

(Chorus 2)
They got a…. Suicide Love, and it just isn’t fair.
Got a Suicide Love, and neither one cares
They got a Suicide Love, til the day they die.
Suicide Love

(Solo)

(Verse 3)
Don’t think for one moment, this romance has a chance.
When he strums his rhythms, she likes to dance.
She thinks he’s destined for fortune and fame.
He knows he’ll always stay the same.

(Chorus 2)
They got a…. Suicide Love and it just isn’t fair.
Got a Suicide Love and neither one cares.
They got a Suicide Love never say goodbye.
Got a Suicide Love til the day they die.
Suicide Love


Suicide Love

Brad Wade wrote this song in 1980 with our band Lesser Evil. I re-recorded it in 2025.

Title: Hell Razor 
℗ © 2025 John Pantone
Authors: Brad Wade, John Pantone, Chris McCarter, Lenny Carnes, Lonnie Carnes

Lyrics

(Verse 1)
Charging down the highway, over 85.
Kamikaze pilot, going to take a dive.
Quickly around the corners, flashing metal, flames.
Take a sip of lightning, there’s just one to blame.

(Chorus)
Cause he’s a hell razor, hell razor.
Train wrecker, hell razor
Sin of a man, hell razor
He’ll cut you in half
He’ll cut you in half
Hell Razor

(Verse 2)
Emerges every night, full of power and might.
Always has a lady, always looking for a fight, looking for a fight.
Cutting through the town, place where crimes are made.
He whips out Delores, his trusty 10 inch blade.

(Chorus)
(Solo)

(Verse 3)
Call it dire anger, call it torrid greed.
Making fear his barricade keeps him in the lead
Tearing around the city, never slowing stride.
Giving grief and hatred to those who won’t hide.

(Chorus)
(Outro)

Hell Razor

Title: Chasing Time
℗ © 2025 John Pantone
Authors: John Pantone, John Lentz

This one highlights the fact that were are all running out of time so let's make the most of it.

Lyrics
(Verse 1)
We drift through the hours, casting shadows that never stay
Grasping at moments that slip through my fingers and fade away
Days turn to dust while the nights seem so rushed and then they’re gone
Time keeps on flowing like sand through our fingers, our youth withdrawn

(Verse 2)
A river of dreams for tomorrow, fill up oceans of memories
The silent thief in the mirror, life’s reflections, my enemy
Photos of frozen smiles, haunting visions upon a shelf
An image looking back at me, I no longer see myself

(Chorus)
Chasing Time, it’s a losing battle
Every tick reminds, like stories told
Chasing Time, we become unraveled
The future turns to past as our time unfolds

Chasing Time, like looking down a barrel
Every tick reminds, like stories told
Chasing Time, while our lives are shackled
The future turns to past as our time unfolds

(Bridge)
It can’t be made 
But can be kept
It can’t be held 
We all must accept that
It can’t be made
But can be kept
It can’t be held
We all must accept that we’re running out, we’re running out, we’re running out of time
We all must accept that we’re running out, we’re running out, we’re running out of time

(Solo)
(Verse 3)
So we keep holding on, like distant echoes calling out our names 
Making the most of each heartbeat, lifeblood flowing through our veins. 
I always thought it would last forever, looking forward like eternity
Time keeps on flowing like sand through our fingers for you and me

(Chorus)
(Outro)


Johnny Pants

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