I think this is about his stepfather beating him. In "Dance Music" (also from The Sunset Tree), he says how the one thing that he can get away with is his stereo and listening to dance music. In that song, his stepfather throws a glass at his mother's head. It's not unlikely that this behavior might also occur with John too.
His stepfather is angry (hence the spittle on his lips?) a lot, and waking him up is something John fears to do.
I think this is about his stepfather beating him. In "Dance Music" (also from The Sunset Tree), he says how the one thing that he can get away with is his stereo and listening to dance music. In that song, his stepfather throws a glass at his mother's head. It's not unlikely that this behavior might also occur with John too.
His stepfather is angry (hence the spittle on his lips?) a lot, and waking him up is something John fears to do.