Go Out and Get It
John & Beverley Martyn Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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 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
Buckskin jacket, velvet stripes and all
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

Overall Meaning

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.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

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.



All comments from YouTube:

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!!! 👏👍✌️

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