Woodstock
John & Beverley Martyn Lyrics
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Oh there're many kind trees
Sparrows, marrows and all those things
Butterflies flutter by everybody's upper by
Even the man next door can sing
Kicking up the cones and
Rolling up the stones
Rolling up the cones
The band plays country, cool and sweet
Everywhere you go
The people tumble down the street
No one that you know
Sunshine, soon shine, let me in the moonshine
Give me the road and set me free
Own up, grown up, everything is sewn up
State police can't bother me
Kicking up the cones and
Rolling up the stones
Kicking up the stones and
Rolling up the cones
The band plays country, cool and sweet
Everywhere you go
The people tumble down the street
Everyone you know
Jed the woodchuck, lives in Woodstock
Maybe he's a groundhog and I don't know
Winter freeze up, seize up, knees up
Summers and it's time to go
Kicking up the cones and
Rolling up the stones
Kicking up the stones and
Rolling up the cones
The band plays country, cool and sweet
Everywhere you go
The people tumble down the street
Everyone you know
The lyrics to John & Beverley Martyn's song "Woodstock" paint a picture of a carefree and harmonious place called Woodstock. The song begins by referencing the variety of trees present in the area, emphasizing the peaceful and natural surroundings. The line "Even the man next door can sing" suggests that in Woodstock, everyone is joyful and free to express themselves through music. The lyrics continue to describe a playful scene, with people kicking up cones and rolling stones, perhaps symbolizing a sense of spontaneity and uninhibited enjoyment.
The band playing "country, cool and sweet" indicates that music is an essential part of the Woodstock experience, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere wherever you go. The line "No one that you know" implies that in Woodstock, people are open-minded and welcoming to strangers, creating a sense of community and unity.
The chorus repeats throughout the song, emphasizing the carefree nature of Woodstock and the joy that it brings to the people. The final verse introduces Jed the woodchuck as a character who lives in Woodstock. This imagery adds to the whimsical and natural ambiance of the song, with the mention of winter and summer representing the passing of time in this idyllic place.
Overall, "Woodstock" is a song that celebrates a utopian and harmonious environment, where people can escape the pressures of the outside world and find joy and peace in nature and music.
Line by Line Meaning
Perch trees, pine trees
There are various types of trees, including those that perch high and others that are made of pine.
Oh there're many kind trees
Indeed, there is a great variety of trees in this place.
Sparrows, marrows and all those things
Not only trees, but also sparrows, marrows, and other elements of nature can be found here.
Butterflies flutter by everybody's upper by
Butterflies gracefully fly past, delighting everyone who observes them.
Even the man next door can sing
Even the ordinary person nearby can join in the joyous atmosphere by singing.
Kicking up the cones and
Playfully lifting and scattering the pine cones that lie around
Rolling up the stones
Similarly, rolling the stones that lie on the ground
The band plays country, cool and sweet
A band is performing music in a style that is both country and soothingly pleasant.
Everywhere you go
No matter where you wander in this place
The people tumble down the street
People joyfully frolic and tumble in the streets.
No one that you know
Surprisingly, you may not recognize anyone here.
Sunshine, soon shine, let me in the moonshine
The sun radiates its warm light, inviting me to bask in its gentle glow.
Give me the road and set me free
Grant me the open road, liberating me from any restrictions.
Own up, grown up, everything is sewn up
Acknowledge the reality that everything is taken care of and well-prepared.
State police can't bother me
Even the state police cannot disturb my peace and freedom here.
Jed the woodchuck, lives in Woodstock
There is a woodchuck named Jed who resides in Woodstock.
Maybe he's a groundhog and I don't know
Perhaps Jed is actually a groundhog, and I remain uncertain.
Winter freeze up, seize up, knees up
During winter, everything freezes and stiffens, requiring us to lift our knees high while walking.
Summers and it's time to go
When summer arrives, it signals the moment to depart and move on.
Kicking up the cones and
Having fun once again by kicking and playing with pine cones.
Rolling up the stones
Engaging in the familiar act of rolling stones on the ground.
Everyone you know
Surprisingly, even people familiar to you are here in this place.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tlooderanh2
Cheered me up no end to find this again:)
@IamZiska
One of my favourites - the man was a genius. RIP John :)
@Broblem12
Thank you for posting this song. Timeless and lovely!
@paktlike
wonderful.