His family was in the cinema business, but it was during his National Service that he began performing as a musician. After taking a correspondence course and arranging for some of the bands of the day, he formed The John Barry Seven. Barry then met Adam Faith, and composed songs and film scores on the singer's behalf.
It was this notoriety that caught the attention of the producers of Dr. No, who were dissatisfied with the score given to them by Monty Norman. Barry and the JB7 were hired and their recording of Norman's "James Bond Theme" would go on to be one of the most famous signature tunes in film history.
This would be the turning point for Barry, as he would go on to become one of the most celebrated film composers of modern times, winning five Academy Awards and four Grammys, with such memorable scores as The Lion in Winter, Midnight Cowboy, Out of Africa, and Dances with Wolves.
Barry is often cited as having had a distinct style which concentrated on lush strings and extensive use of brass. However, he was also an innovator, being one of the first to employ synthesizers in a film score (On Her Majesty's Secret Service), and to make wide use of pop artists and original songs in Midnight Cowboy.
Living in his native England until the mid 1970s, Barry spent some time in Spain (for tax purposes) before spending much of his life in the United States, mainly in Oyster Bay, outside of New York.
Barry died of a heart attack on 30 January 2011, at his Oyster Bay home, aged 77 years.
Mary Queen Of Scots
John Barry Lyrics
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This place that i was brought up in
Don′t seem to shine
The way that I want it to shine
So tell me
Why the hell I'm brought here
Bring me to be some fool
Afraid that I′m not a fool
I'm like the bird that won't stop singing
I′m like the child who′s insanely swinging
It's just enough to open up your mind
Why do I
Feel as though my lucks died
I don′t wanna have fun tonight
I just never was fun
So tell me
All about my history
You like a scumbag boy
Sure that I'm a scumbag boy
I′m like the bird that won't stop singing
I′m like the child who's insanely swinging
It's just enough to open up your mind
I′m like the man who said he has no shadow
And tells the people "fuck you sado"
It′s just enough to open up your mind
Mary, there's no need to worry
I′m only your grandson
And you'll be fine, fine, fine
Mary, there′s no need to worry
I'm only your grandson
And you′ll be fine, fine, fine
Fine, fine, fine
I'm like the bird that won't stop singing
I′m like the child who′s insanely swinging
It's just enough to open up your mind
I′m like the man who said he has no shadow
And tells the people "fuck you sado"
It's just enough to open up your mind
Mary, there′s no need to worry
I'm only your grandson
And you′ll be fine, fine, fine
Mary, there's no need to worry
I'm only your grandson
And you′ll be fine, fine, fine
Fine, fine, fine
Fine, fine, fine
How come this place, is not it.
How? I′ve felt in the old crowd
Don't wanna shine no more
So tell me why the hell I′m being brought here?
The lyrics to John Barry's song "Mary Queen Of Scots" seem to express the feelings of someone who is discontent with their surroundings and questioning their purpose. The first verse starts off with a feeling of disappointment, as the place that the singer was brought up in does not seem to shine the way they want it to. The singer then questions why they were brought to this place, fearing that they might become a fool. This is followed by the recurring theme of being "like the bird that won't stop singing" or "like the child who's insanely swinging," which could be interpreted as a metaphor for someone who is persistent and determined, but perhaps feels trapped or misunderstood.
The second verse continues the theme of being misunderstood, as the singer feels like their luck has died and they don't want to have fun tonight. They question their own history and are called a "scumbag boy," which seems to reflect a sense of alienation and disconnect from those around them. The chorus repeats the idea of being like the bird or the child or the man without a shadow, all of whom are unique and different from the norm. The song ends with a reassurance to Mary that she doesn't need to worry, as the singer is her grandson and everything will be fine.
In summary, the lyrics to "Mary Queen Of Scots" seem to reflect the feelings of someone who is searching for meaning and struggling to find their place in the world. The recurring image of the bird or the child or the man without a shadow could be seen as a symbol of individuality and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Writer(s): John Barry
Contributed by John S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.