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
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 grandsonAnd 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.
Line by Line Meaning
How come
What is the reason for this situation I find myself in?
This place that i was brought up in
The environment and community where I spent my formative years.
Don′t seem to shine
It lacks the vibrancy or brightness I had hoped for.
The way that I want it to shine
It does not reflect my desires or aspirations for it.
So tell me
Please provide clarity on this matter.
Why the hell I'm brought here
What is the purpose of my presence in this situation?
Bring me to be some fool
Am I meant to be naïve or deceived in this context?
Afraid that I′m not a fool
I fear that I possess insight rather than ignorance.
I'm like the bird that won't stop singing
I am persistent and unyielding in my expression, like a bird that continues to sing regardless of circumstances.
I′m like the child who′s insanely swinging
I have an exuberant spirit, reveling in freedom and joy without restraint.
It's just enough to open up your mind
This vibrant energy is sufficient to broaden your perspective and understanding.
Why do I
What could be the reason behind my current emotions?
Feel as though my lucks died
I sense that my fortune has diminished or vanished entirely.
I don′t wanna have fun tonight
I lack the desire or energy to engage in enjoyable activities at the moment.
I just never was fun
I have never been perceived as a source of amusement or joy.
So tell me
Provide me with insight regarding my past experiences.
All about my history
Share the details and narratives that have shaped my life.
You like a scumbag boy
You may perceive me as petty or morally questionable.
Sure that I'm a scumbag boy
You perhaps confidently label me as someone of low moral standing.
I′m like the bird that won't stop singing
Once again, I emphasize my relentless spirit and determination to express myself.
I′m like the child who's insanely swinging
I reiterate my youthful exuberance and the joy I find in unbridled freedom.
It's just enough to open up your mind
This joy and persistence serve as a catalyst for new ideas and perspectives.
I′m like the man who said he has no shadow
I identify with someone who feels they exist outside societal norms or expectations.
And tells the people 'fuck you sado'
I reject the imposed judgments and scorn of others, asserting my independence.
It′s just enough to open up your mind
Such attitudes encourage a broader understanding and acceptance of various realities.
Mary, there's no need to worry
I reassure you, Mary, that there is no cause for concern.
I′m only your grandson
I remind you of my familial bond, emphasizing my connection to you.
And you'll be fine, fine, fine
I assure you that your well-being is secure and you will overcome any troubles.
Mary, there′s no need to worry
Once again, I reinforce my message of reassurance to Mary.
I'm only your grandson
I reiterate my identity to comfort and strengthen our bond.
And you'll be fine, fine, fine
My insistence that you will be okay is crucial to alleviate your fears.
Fine, fine, fine
I emphasize confidence in your positive outcome.
How come this place, is not it.
Why does the environment no longer fulfill or satisfy my expectations?
How? I′ve felt in the old crowd
I've contemplated how I feel disconnected or out of place among familiar faces.
Don't wanna shine no more
I desire to withdraw from pursuit of recognition or glory.
So tell me why the hell I′m being brought here?
Please clarify the reasoning behind my current situation and existence.
Writer(s): John Barry
Contributed by John S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.