Go Out and Get It
John & Beverley Martyn Lyrics
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When he must take notice of the clock and all its hands
If he sees the road lead straight ahead
Gotta run on down and never never be afraid
It's yours, go out and get it
Don't get wet, please keep dry
Think about the people who made you cry
I know a man, six feet tall
From Boston town, educated well
And he keeps his mind within a padded shell
Behind the curtain, upon the shelf
Lives a man living with himself
Behind his eyes, behind his smile
What is going on, nobody in the world can tell
The opening lines of John & Beverley Martyn's song "Go Out and Get It" introduce an important theme that is relevant to every individual. The first line reads, "I believe in a minute for every man, when he must take notice of the clock and all its hands." This line suggests that everyone must become aware of time and its value at some point in their life. The second line proposes that when an individual sees an opportunity or a path leading to their success, they should follow it without any hesitation. The chorus of the song is straightforward and encourages people to go out and seize what is rightfully theirs. "It's yours, go out and get it, don't get wet, please keep dry, think about the people who made you cry," suggests that we should confront our fears, focus on our destination, and avoid the negative voices that try to hold us back.
The second verse describes a man who is educated and well-dressed, but he lives in isolation. "Behind his eyes, behind his smile, what is going on, nobody in the world can tell," identifies that the man may look successful and content; however, he is actually struggling with something that no one else knows. This verse warns that external appearances can be deceiving and that everyone has their own personal battles to face. The song emphasizes that individuals should make the most of their time, be confident, and strive for their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
I believe in a minute for every man
I have faith in the fact that every person has a moment of realization
When he must take notice of the clock and all its hands
When he must pay attention to time and its passage
If he sees the road lead straight ahead
If he sees the path ahead clearly
Gotta run on down and never never be afraid
He must run towards the goal with fearless determination
It's yours, go out and get it
The goal belongs to him and he must chase it down
Don't get wet, please keep dry
Undertake the task without putting oneself in danger or harm's way
Think about the people who made you cry
Remember the ones who caused pain and use it as motivation
I know a man, six feet tall
The artist is aware of a tall man
Buckskin jacket, velvet stripes and all
The said man is wearing a particular kind of jacket
From Boston town, educated well
The man is from the city of Boston and is well-educated
And he keeps his mind within a padded shell
The man keeps his true feelings and emotions hidden
Behind the curtain, upon the shelf
He keeps his hidden side out of sight, away from prying eyes
Lives a man living with himself
There is a man who is content with his own company
Behind his eyes, behind his smile
Behind his outward appearance and expressions
What is going on, nobody in the world can tell
Nobody in the world knows what he is truly thinking or feeling
Contributed by Elena R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
heartical s
I believe in a minute for every man
When he must take notice of the clock and all its hands
If he sees the road leads straight ahead
Got to run on down, never never be afraid
And it’s yours, go out and get it
Don’t get wet, please keep dry
Think about the people that made you cry.I know a man, six feet tall
Buckskin jacket, velvet strides and all
From Boston town, educated well
And he keeps his mind within a padded shell
It’s yours, go out and get it
Don’t get wet, please keep dry
Think about the people that made you cry.Behind the curtain, upon the shelf
Lives a man, living with himself
Behind his eyes, behind his smile
What’s going on, nobody in the world can tell
It’s yours, go out and get it
Don’t get wet, please keep dry
Think about the people that made you cry.It’s yours, go out and get it
Don’t get wet, please keep dry
Think about the people that made you cry.
VenLon
This and the title track from the album are just about the finest examples of folk rock that have ever been written and performed in my opinion.
heartical s
I believe in a minute for every man
When he must take notice of the clock and all its hands
If he sees the road leads straight ahead
Got to run on down, never never be afraid
And it’s yours, go out and get it
Don’t get wet, please keep dry
Think about the people that made you cry.I know a man, six feet tall
Buckskin jacket, velvet strides and all
From Boston town, educated well
And he keeps his mind within a padded shell
It’s yours, go out and get it
Don’t get wet, please keep dry
Think about the people that made you cry.Behind the curtain, upon the shelf
Lives a man, living with himself
Behind his eyes, behind his smile
What’s going on, nobody in the world can tell
It’s yours, go out and get it
Don’t get wet, please keep dry
Think about the people that made you cry.It’s yours, go out and get it
Don’t get wet, please keep dry
Think about the people that made you cry.
Walsingham
One small correction. Velvet strides, not stripes. “Strides” is British slant for trousers.
Kassie Lubig
My two favorite artists. One of the first albums I purchased. Absolutely marvellous.
D'Ascoyne
There's so much The Band over John & Beverley's two albums. Very organic. Love it!
richard peter
One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard, stunning in every way RIP john and love your universe Beverley
Forsi Mack
Heard the first line and sound of this song and straight away I thought holy crap what a tune ! The old tunes are by far the best by far so much substance compared to most tunes today
John Mc Cann
Oh John what you gave us.💚
SittingBull4448
such a nice track
Tom Tom
Not familiar with this one. Love it especially with Beverly. Thx for the post!!! 👏👍✌️