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.
Cooltide
John Martyn Lyrics
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It's so cool, what a cool time
That's what you're having, I'm having one too
It's a cool cool time, running up the river
It's a cool cool time, for running down the stream
It's a cool cool time, for cutting up the profits
It's a cool cool time, for a cool cool dream
Some say the world is full of fools
Other people agree
Some say the world is full of fools
Fools will always agree
Such a cool cool time, running up the river
It's a cool cool time, to be running down to the sea
A cool cool time, running up the river
It's a cool cool time, for a cool dream
That's what you're having
It's a cool cool dream
It's a cool time, out in Arabia
It's a cool time, when all the boys come home
It's a cool cool time, out in South America
A cool cool time, when all the money rolls in
Cool time for running up the harbor
It's a cool cool time, for running to the sea
It's a cool cool time, running down the river
It's a cool cool time, for a cool dream
Meddling fools, give them a medal
Don't let them meddle with me
Meddling fools, meddling fools
Don't you meddle with me, I don't like them
It's a cool cool time, way out there in Africa
It's a cool cool time, such a cultural edge
A cool cool time, out with the brothers there
A cool cool time, driving in the wedge
Give them a medal
Give them another precious medal and put a price on it
Give that boy a medal
Ask him to put a price on it, precious medal
It's a cool time, out in Arabia
This cool time
It's a cool cool time, out in the Gulf of Arabia
It's a cool cool time, when all your sons come home?
It's such a cool time, turn your television on
It's a cool time, it's a cool time, it's just a cool cool time
Such a cool cool time, such a cool cool time
It's just a cool cool time, just a cool cool time
It's a chilling time, quite cool for killing
Just a killing time, such a cool killing time
It's a cool cool time, it's a cool cool time
It's a cool cool time, such a cool cool time
Cool time, such a cool cool time
Turn your television on
Cool time, such a cool cool time
Turn your television on
Such a cool cool time, it's a cool time
Turn your television on
It's a cool cool time, it's a cool cool time
Such a cool cool time, it's a cool cool time
The song "Cooltide" by John Martyn is a musing on the idea of what constitutes a cool time. It presents a list of scenarios and situations that the singer views as being cool, whether it's running up a river or out in Arabia. The refrain of "It's a cool cool time, for a cool cool dream" suggests a wistful longing for a more idyllic existence, a life that's free of the meddling of fools or the harsh realities of the world. The second half of the song takes a darker turn, with the refrain changing to "It's a killing time, such a cool killing time." This shift suggests a growing disillusionment with the cool time that was once sought after, perhaps because it's unattainable, or perhaps because the reality of the world has uprooted the dream of a cool existence.
The lyrics are impressionistic and open to interpretation, but one reading of the song is that it's a commentary on the pursuit of happiness and the futility of trying to create a perfect life. The world is full of fools who will always agree, and cool times can quickly turn into killing times. The refrain of "turn your television on" reinforces the idea that the cool times we seek may be nothing more than a superficial illusion.
Line by Line Meaning
So cool, what a cool time
The current moment is very trendy and fascinating.
It's so cool, what a cool time
The present is an incredibly hip and groovy occasion.
That's what you're having, I'm having one too
Both speakers are experiencing the same amazing time.
It's a cool cool time, running up the river
Traveling along the river during the present era is particularly fascinating and delightful.
It's a cool cool time, for running down the stream
The act of traveling downstream is particularly enjoyable during the current time period.
It's a cool cool time, for cutting up the profits
Generating financial gains is particularly easy and enjoyable during the current period.
It's a cool cool time, for a cool cool dream
It's an optimal time for a fanciful and relaxing vision to occur.
Some say the world is full of fools
Certain individuals believe that the planet is teeming with foolish people.
Other people agree
Others also share this sentiment.
Fools will always agree
Foolish people tend to be in agreement with one another.
Such a cool cool time, running up the river
Journeying along the river during the present period is especially extraordinary and wonderful.
It's a cool cool time, to be running down to the sea
Traveling towards the ocean is particularly enjoyable and hip at the moment.
A cool cool time, running up the river
Traveling along the river at present is particularly wonderful and exciting.
It's a cool cool time, for a cool dream
The present moment is an ideal time for a soothing and imaginative vision to occur.
That's what you're having
The listener is presently experiencing a fantastic moment in time.
It's a cool cool dream
The artist is experiencing a tranquil and fantastic imaginative state.
It's a cool time, out in Arabia
The present is a particularly exciting and enjoyable moment in the Arabian region.
It's a cool time, when all the boys come home
The moment is particularly enjoyable when young men return to their familial homes.
It's a cool cool time, out in South America
The current time period is particularly enjoyable and exciting in South America.
A cool cool time, when all the money rolls in
The current moment is particularly lucrative and enjoyable due to large amounts of money coming in.
Cool time for running up the harbor
The present time is particularly ideal for traveling along the harbor.
It's a cool cool time, for running to the sea
Traveling towards the ocean is particularly enjoyable and trendy at the moment.
It's a cool cool time, running down the river
Journeying downstream on the river is particularly thrilling and extraordinary at present.
Meddling fools, give them a medal
Individuals who interfere with others should receive praise.
Don't let them meddle with me
The singer would prefer to be left alone and not manipulated by foolish individuals.
Meddling fools, meddling fools
Foolish individuals who interfere with others.
I don't like them
The singer dislikes such meddling individuals.
It's a cool cool time, way out there in Africa
At present, Africa is particularly cool and thrilling.
It's a cool cool time, such a cultural edge
The current time period is especially interesting and innovative in terms of culture.
A cool cool time, out with the brothers there
The present is an ideal moment for spending time with friends.
A cool cool time, driving in the wedge
The current moment is an ideal one for driving a wedge or creating divisions.
Give them a medal
Reward or praise meddling individuals.
Give them another precious medal and put a price on it
Reward them with a valuable medal and assign a high value to it.
Give that boy a medal
Offer recognition to that individual.
Ask him to put a price on it, precious medal
Find out how much the valuable medal is worth and compensate the recipient accordingly.
This cool time
The present moment is incredibly hip and trendy.
It's a cool cool time, out in the Gulf of Arabia
The current time period is particularly enjoyable and happening in the Gulf of Arabia.
It's a cool cool time, when all your sons come home?
At the current moment, it is especially thrilling and enjoyable for sons to return home.
It's such a cool time, turn your television on
At present, television is highly entertaining and hip.
It's a chilling time, quite cool for killing
The present moment is highly disturbing and optimal for homicidal behavior.
Just a killing time, such a cool killing time
This is an ideal moment to commit murder or other brutal acts.
Such a cool cool time, such a cool cool time
The present cannot be emphasized enough as a highly hip and trendy moment.
Turn your television on
Viewing television is a highly recommended activity at the moment.
Cool time, such a cool cool time
This moment is highly fashionable and enjoyable.
It's a cool cool time, it's a cool cool time
The current moment is incredibly hip and enjoyable.
Cool time, such a cool cool time
The present era is highly trendy and enjoyable.
Turn your television on
Indulging in television shows is highly recommended at present.
Such a cool cool time, it's a cool time
The present cannot be emphasized enough as a highly enjoyable and trendy period.
It's a cool cool time, it's a cool cool time
The present is incredibly hip and fascinating.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN MARTYN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind