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.
Dreams By The Sea
John Martyn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
N-no, n-no, it isn't you
N-no, n-no, it's not the way you are
N-no, n-no, it isn't you
N-no, n-no, it can't be true
N-no, n-no, it's not the way you are
Bad dreams by the sea
Dreamin', you've got a lover
Dreamin', I got another
Dreamin' that there's a killer in your eyes
Dreamin', that you're a user
Dreamin', that I'm a loser
Dreamin' that there's a killer in my eyes
Bad dreams for me
Bad dreams by the sea
Dreamin' about a place of shades
Dreamin' about the ace of spades
Dreamin' that it's takin' things too far
N-no, n-no, it can't be you
N-no, n-no, it isn't true
N-no, n-no, it's not the way you are
Bad dreams for me
Bad dreams by the sea
The lyrics of John Martyn's "Dreams By The Sea" describe a person struggling with distressing dreams about a lover. The first stanza consists of repeated denial that the subject of the dream is actually the person they know. The person is denying that the dream is a reflection of reality and insisting that it's not an accurate representation of the person they know. The next stanza reveals the nature of the dreams, which are full of fear and anxiety. The subject of the dreams is portrayed as a lover who is unfaithful and potentially dangerous. The singer of the song feels helpless as they have no control over these dreams, which continue to haunt them.
The final verse of the song suggests that the dreams are related to a desire to escape from reality. The contrast between the idealized place of shades and the image of the ace of spades (a card synonymous with death) provides a warning that the escapism the singer seeks is misguided. The final lines repeat the denial from the opening stanza, but the repetition implies that there is still uncertainty about the reality of the situation.
In summary, "Dreams By The Sea" is a song about the tumultuous feelings that can arise from one's subconscious mind during sleep. The lyrics explore the impact of these dreams on the singer's sense of self and their relationship with their lover.
Line by Line Meaning
N-no, n-no, it can't be true
Expressing disbelief that something is real or true.
N-no, n-no, it isn't you
Denying that a certain person is responsible for a particular situation.
N-no, n-no, it's not the way you are
Asserting that someone’s behavior or actions are not in line with their character.
N-no, n-no, it isn't you
Denying that a certain person is responsible for a particular situation.
N-no, n-no, it can't be true
Expressing disbelief that something is real or true.
N-no, n-no, it's not the way you are
Asserting that someone’s behavior or actions are not in line with their character.
Bad dreams for me
Having unsettling, negative dreams.
Bad dreams by the sea
Having unsettling, negative dreams that take place by the ocean.
Dreamin', you've got a lover
Imagining that someone else is in a relationship with the person you desire.
Dreamin', I got another
Imagining being in a relationship with another person.
Dreamin' that there's a killer in your eyes
Imagining that the person you desire is dangerous or harmful.
Dreamin', that you're a user
Imagining that the person you desire only uses you for their own gain.
Dreamin', that I'm a loser
Imagining that you are not good enough for the person you desire.
Dreamin' that there's a killer in my eyes
Imagining that you are capable of causing harm to others.
Dreamin' about a place of shades
Imagining a dark and mysterious place.
Dreamin' about the ace of spades
Imagining the playing card that represents death.
Dreamin' that it's takin' things too far
Imagining that things are becoming dangerous or unhealthy.
N-no, n-no, it can't be you
Expressing disbelief that a certain person is responsible for a particular situation.
N-no, n-no, it isn't true
Denying that something is real or true.
N-no, n-no, it's not the way you are
Asserting that someone’s behavior or actions are not in line with their character.
Bad dreams for me
Having unsettling, negative dreams.
Bad dreams by the sea
Having unsettling, negative dreams that take place by the ocean.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: John Martyn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind