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 thisโฆa 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.
Auntie Aviator
John Martyn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sooner than much later, we'll be there
Flying high above the clouds
Take a look and I'll be everywhere
Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom
I'll never let you down
Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom
And if we don't want to we won't come down
Said I was a dreamer
That all I ever did was sit and stare
Take me out to no man's land
If you want to, I can take you there
Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom
I'll never let you down
Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom
We'll never touch the ground
Shะต's a good ship she will fly
Now you're flying with me
Wะต can take it easy for a while
Cruising far above the clouds
All I want to do is see you smile
Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom
I'll never let you down
Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom
We'll never touch the ground
And if we don't want to we won't come down
And if we don't want to we won't come down
And if we don't want to we won't come down
And if we don't want to we won't come down
The lyrics of John Martyn's song "Auntie Aviator" paint a picture of a fantastical journey through the sky with a beloved companion. It begins with the anticipation of the journey, with the notion that they will be flying high above the clouds and the singer will be everywhere, suggesting a sense of freedom and expansiveness. The repetition of "zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom" in the chorus emphasizes the excitement and exhilaration of the flight. The lyrics convey a message of reliability and a promise to never let the other person down, as well as a commitment to never touch the ground, symbolizing a desire to escape the constraints of reality.
The second verse suggests that the singer has often been labeled a dreamer, someone who sits and stares. However, they invite their companion to join them in a place called "no man's land," which can be interpreted as a metaphorical space where they can escape from the mundane and experience something extraordinary together. The line "She's a good ship, she will fly" can be seen as a reference to the strength and reliability of their bond, as they navigate through the unknown territory.
The bridge of the song brings a sense of intimacy and tranquility to the journey, with the idea of taking it easy and cruising above the clouds. The singer expresses their primary desire to see their companion smile, suggesting that their happiness and joy are of utmost importance. The song ends with a final repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the choice to stay above and not come down, further emphasizing the notion of seeking escape and finding solace in the magical journey.
Overall, "Auntie Aviator" is a song that captures the longing for escapism and the desire to break free from the confines of reality. It represents a yearning for adventure, companionship, and the ability to transcend everyday life, making it a metaphorical exploration of personal freedom and emotional connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Auntie Aviator
Introducing the title and subject of the song, referring to someone known as 'Auntie Aviator.'
Sooner than much later, we'll be there
We will arrive at our destination sooner rather than later, indicating a sense of anticipation and eagerness.
Flying high above the clouds
Traveling at a high altitude, above the clouds, suggesting a feeling of freedom and escape from reality.
Take a look and I'll be everywhere
Observe and you'll find my presence everywhere, emphasizing the omnipresence and support offered.
Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom
Expressing the sounds of flying or soaring through the air with enthusiasm.
I'll never let you down
I will always be reliable and dependable, assuring the listener of trust and support.
We'll never touch the ground
We will remain in an elevated state, never returning to reality or facing challenges.
And if we don't want to we won't come down
If we desire to avoid descending from our elevated state, we have the choice to stay aloft.
Said I was a dreamer
Acknowledging that others have referred to the artist as a dreamer, suggesting a tendency towards imaginative and visionary thinking.
That all I ever did was sit and stare
Misconception about the artist's passive behavior, implying they are merely observing without taking action.
Take me out to no man's land
Bring me to an isolated and uninhabited area, away from the constraints of society.
If you want to, I can take you there
Offering to guide others to the same isolated and unrestricted place, sharing a sense of liberation.
She's a good ship she will fly
Referring to the aircraft as a reliable and capable vehicle, suggesting trust in its capabilities.
Now you're flying with me
The listener is now accompanying the singer in this airborne journey, emphasizing a shared experience.
We can take it easy for a while
We can relax and enjoy the tranquil moments while flying, indicating a break from the stress and pace of everyday life.
Cruising far above the clouds
Traveling smoothly and leisurely at a significant height, emphasizing a feeling of serenity and detachment.
All I want to do is see you smile
The artist desires to bring happiness and joy to the listener, highlighting their care and affection.
And if we don't want to we won't come down
Reiterating the earlier sentiment that it is entirely up to us whether or not we descend from our elevated state.
And if we don't want to we won't come down
Reaffirming that the decision to stay in the elevated state is solely ours, emphasizing personal agency and choice.
And if we don't want to we won't come down
Continuing to stress that the option to remain aloft is entirely within our discretion and preference.
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management
Written by: Beverley Martyn, John Martyn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sporranheid
Have loved John Martyn for decades. Saw him live twice. Magic.
I did not know this. Wonderful. Thank you.
@carlskelton5230
I consider this song to be one of the greatest records of all time.
@louiscypher6919
Same here, mate! We should be friends. ๐
@sweetsara8444
JUST DISCOVERING THIS IN 2021! I can;t believe that I ever lived w/o this in my life..SOOOO GOOD
@StatisticsJason
Same!
@patrickbateman7444
After getting hooked on this song on Spotify, i was pretty shocked that this is from 1970! Excellent song and recording.
@StatisticsJason
I heard it for the first time today and thought it was new!
@xerxescorr3137
we sawed drones
@elizabethhann4028
[10 August 2022] As of right this minute (roughly, 11:40 P.M on the night of 10 August 2022) , I think this must surely count as one of the most beautiful and haunting folk songs in all the world. And this is the first time I've ever listened to it. I just clicked on it randomly a minute ago.
@TheHermit72
Man I'm in another dimension... What a gem !