John Martyn OBE, born Iain David McGeachy (11 September 1948 – 29 January 2… Read Full Bio ↴John Martyn OBE, born Iain David McGeachy (11 September 1948 – 29 January 2009), was a British singer-songwriter and guitarist. Over a forty-year career he released twenty studio albums.

He grew up in Glasgow and attended Shawlands Academy. John Martyn moved to London from Glasgow in the mid 1960s. He made his initial recorded impact in 1967, at the age of 19, with his debut album London Conversation. He then quickly became an integral part of the British music scene, incorporating Folk, Blues, and Jazz into his unique sound.

In the late 60s to early 70s he was close friends with Nick Drake, for whom he wrote the song Solid Air. The album of the same name remains an extremely moving album, as does the later Grace and Danger which documents his divorce from his wife Beverley with whom he recorded several albums (as John & Beverley Martyn).

During the 70s John lived in Hastings on the South Coast of England. Whilst in Hastings he released, amongst others, the Live At Leeds album which he sold from his own house. Also during his time in Hastings John tried to help Paul Kossoff put his life back together.

A long held alcohol problem didn't prevent Martyn from releasing twenty-two albums. In 2003 he contracted an infection that resulted in the amputation of part of a leg, an episode documented in the 2004 BBC documentary "Johnny Too Bad". He recovered, however, and continued to play, record and tour. In 2008, he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Folk Awards. He has influenced many songwriters and guitarists and is an artist whose stature only grows with time. He worked with artists such as Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, David Gilmour and Levon Helm.

Sadly, he passed away on 29th January 2009.

A tribute album entitled Johnny Boy Would Love this…a Tribute to John Martyn was released on 15 August 2011, comprising cover versions of his songs by various artists who he had worked with or influenced.

Anna
John Martyn Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

She came to me so young and free
And put her arms around me
She said that she would always stay
With me until my dying day
We grew up in a dirty town
Where they like to kick you when you're down
If you show an easy side
They twist the knife and open you wide

Oh Anna, oh Anna

Remember how you cried when I bought a gun
I've never been one to turn and run
Everybody's got to have a dream to help
Them make it down the stream
If they cannot chain or buy you you
Know they'll try to crucify you
Now I'm out here on the road
Thinking about my way back home
Oh Anna, oh Anna

We had a dream that didn't last
Like a fly in amber I'm trapped in the past
Stay on your feet in this human race
You think about a lover or a special place
Lost you somewhere down the road now I
Hear you singing when I'm all alone
You're the only one
Makes me feel this way keep on
Searching for you every day

Oh, Anna, oh Anna oh, Anna, oh Anna

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to John Martyn's song "Anna" tell the story of a young woman who enters the singer's life and promises to stay with him forever. They both come from a troubled and harsh environment, where they are constantly attacked and brought down. The singer recalls a moment when he bought a gun, and Anna was deeply affected by it, but he emphasizes that he is not someone who would run away from their problems. He believes that everyone needs a dream to guide them in life, as people will always try to control or destroy you if they can't possess you. As the singer travels on the road, he can't help but think of his way back home and the memories of Anna. He acknowledges that their dream didn't last, comparing it to a fly trapped in amber, but he longs to find her again and continues to search for her every day.

This song delves into themes of love, resilience, and the longing for a connection with someone from the past. It explores the challenges of retaining one's identity and dreams while navigating a harsh world. The lyrics also touch upon the vulnerability of the singer, who reminisces about the impact Anna had on his life and still yearns to find her.

AnnaJohn Martyn Lyrics

Anna
John Martyn Lyrics