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.)

Say What You Can
John & Beverley Martyn Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You make me shaky the way you play the game
And every time it works the same
You say what you can
But you can't understand
It's bigger than you, and it's true

And if I should wake up screaming
It's because of the way we're dealing

And I was so scared that we might fall
Say what you can, but you can't understand
It's bigger than you, and it's true
I think of children

Something to leave behind
They keep me worried all the time
Say what you can, but you can't understand
You just have to lie, to get by

And if I should wake up crying
It's becausе of the way we're dying
And I'm so scarеd that we might fall

And if I should wake up screaming
It's because of the way we're dealing
And I'm so scared that we might fall

You make me shaky the way you play the game
And every time it works the same

If I should wake up screaming
It's because of the way we're dealing
And I'm so scared that we might fall

That we might fall we might fall
We might fall we might fall

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to John & Beverley Martyn's song "Say What You Can" revolve around the themes of vulnerability, fear, and the complex dynamics of a relationship. The singer expresses how their partner's actions make them feel uneasy and uncertain. The partner engages in a game of manipulation, always saying what they can to maintain control, but never truly understanding the deeper emotional dimensions at play. The singer recognizes that the situation extends beyond their partner's comprehension, indicating that it is a larger issue that cannot be fully grasped or resolved by them alone.

The lyrics convey a sense of distress and a fear of potential consequences. The line "And if I should wake up screaming, it's because of the way we're dealing" suggests that the singer is plagued by nightmares or panic attacks as a result of the unhealthy way they navigate their relationship. The fear of falling, both metaphorically and literally, adds to the sense of impending disaster.

The mention of children in the lyrics adds an additional layer of worry and responsibility. The singer considers the impact of their relationship on future generations, implying that they are concerned about leaving a troubled legacy behind. The constant state of concern and the need to lie to get by further emphasize the emotional strain and instability within the relationship.

Overall, "Say What You Can" portrays a tumultuous relationship filled with manipulation, fear, and the yearning for a more authentic connection. It highlights the limitations and consequences of deceptive communication, as well as the internal turmoil experienced by the singer.

Line by Line Meaning

You make me shaky the way you play the game
Your actions and behavior in this relationship make me feel uncertain and unstable

And every time it works the same
Your tactics and strategies consistently yield the same outcome

You say what you can
You express yourself within your limits and capabilities

But you can't understand
But you lack the comprehension or insight to fully grasp the situation

It's bigger than you, and it's true
The complexity and significance of our relationship goes beyond your comprehension, and this is a fact

And if I should wake up screaming
If I experience sudden anxiety or distress upon awakening

It's because of the way we're dealing
It's a result of the manner in which we handle our issues or conflicts

And I was so scared that we might fall
I was filled with fear that our relationship might collapse

Say what you can, but you can't understand
Express your thoughts and opinions within your limitations, but acknowledge that you lack true comprehension

It's bigger than you, and it's true
The depth and magnitude of our relationship surpass your understanding, and this is a reality

I think of children
I contemplate the significance of having children

Something to leave behind
Something meaningful to pass on or be remembered for

They keep me worried all the time
They constantly cause me anxiety and concern

You just have to lie, to get by
You resort to dishonesty as a means of coping or surviving

And if I should wake up crying
If I experience sudden sadness or distress upon awakening

It's because of the way we're dying
It's a result of the gradual deterioration or decline of our relationship

And I'm so scared that we might fall
And I'm filled with fear that our relationship might collapse

That we might fall we might fall
That our relationship may crumble and fail

We might fall we might fall
We may experience a complete collapse and failure in our relationship

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BILLY HILL, John Martyn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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