Scottish folk singer John Martyn was originally hired to be his British wif… Read Full Bio ↴Scottish folk singer John Martyn was originally hired to be his British wife Beverley's back-up guitarist for recording sessions in America, the pair were signed up by Warner Brothers who sent them to Woodstock in 1969 to rehearse with producer Paul Harris. The actual recording at R&R Studios, New York, took only six days with two days mixing. The album was released in February 1970. Martyn was inspired by The Band's Music From Big Pink to experiment to find a distinctive guitar sound. Two tracks "Would You Believe Me" and "The Ocean" marked the tentative introduction to Martyn's pioneering guitar technique. Levon Helm guested on drums on the two tracks "Sweet Honesty" (Beverley Martin) and "John the Baptist" (John Martyn.)

Can't Get the One I Want
John & Beverley Martyn Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm feeling down, my senses abound
'Cause I can't get the one I want to
Can't get the one I want to
Don't ask me the time, my watch doesn't mind
I've neglected my taste and I'm drinking cheap wine
'Cause I can't get the one I want to love
So I'm just biding my time
Drunk as drunk, the wine's just fine

There's so many people trying to get to
Get to the one they want to
Get to the one they want to
Get to the one they want to love
So I'm just biding my time
Till I see you again, the wine'll do fine
I can't get the one I want to

I can't get the one I want to
I can't get the one I want to love

Overall Meaning

The essence of this song is captured in the chorus - "Can't get the one I want to love". It paints a picture of someone who is feeling down, whose senses are heightened and is drowning in their sorrows. The lyrics suggest a certain level of melancholy that comes with unrequited love or a lost love. The first line suggests that the singer is feeling low, and the second line indicates that it all has to do with a person or someone they're trying to get with.

As the song progresses, the lyrics point towards the struggle of the singer to move on from the situation. They are drinking cheap wine, trying to ignore the pain, and are trying to keep themselves busy to procrastinate, telling themselves they're "just biding their time." Although, they go on about how the wine's just fine, the reality is that it is nothing but a distraction.

The last verse sums up the song with the singer saying they'll see the person again, and while they wait, the wine will do just fine. However, the magnitude of frustration and regret comes out in the repeated line "I can't get the one I want to love." The song tells a simple story about the aftermath of a broken relationship, and how – even with the help of some alcohol – the pain can still linger.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm feeling down, my senses abound
I am sad and overwhelmed

'Cause I can't get the one I want to
Because I am unable to be with the one I desire

Can't get the one I want to
I am unable to attain my desired partner

Don't ask me the time, my watch doesn't mind
I am preoccupied and do not care about time

I've neglected my taste and I'm drinking cheap wine
I am not concerned with quality and have settled for cheap wine

'Cause I can't get the one I want to love
Because the one I desire is unattainable

So I'm just biding my time
I am waiting patiently

Drunk as drunk, the wine's just fine
I am drunk and content with cheap wine

There's so many people trying to get to
Many people are striving for

Get to the one they want to
Attain the person they desire

Get to the one they want to love
Attain the person they want to love