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.
Give Us A Ring
John Martyn Lyrics
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Have you slept well?
And do the bugs bite other people?
And did the banker give you money?
And I saw on the postcard that you wrote it
On a beach or on your pillow
Or on a book or something stiff
Try to bring me something back
With the customs there
Make sure you don't get caught
With the things that you bought
Jeffrey, he bought a cactus for the kitchen
And the rabbit's been complaining
And we sat out on the lawn
Well now, I have to go to catch the postman
Cos I'm going to thе pictures
Lots of love, I bet you'rе brown
Give us a ring when you get back
Try to bring me something back
With the customs there
Make sure you don't get caught
With the things that you bought
Give us a ring when you get back
Try to bring me something back
With the customs there
Make sure you don't get caught
With the things that you bought
Give us a ring when you get back
Give us a ring when you get back
Give us a ring when you get back
Give us a ring don't get caught
The lyrics of John Martyn's song "Give Us A Ring" seem to convey a sense of longing and anticipation for a loved one who is away on a trip or vacation. The singer is inquiring about the well-being and experiences of the person, asking about their accommodations, sleep quality, and potential inconveniences like bugs. The mention of the banker giving money suggests a concern for practical matters and ensuring the person has what they need while away. The reference to a postcard indicates that the person has been in touch, possibly sending updates from their location, whether it be a beach, pillow, or a book.
There is a tender request for the person to reach out when they return home, indicating a desire to reconnect and hear about their journey. The singer also expresses a desire for a souvenir or gift, urging caution about customs regulations to avoid any issues with items purchased abroad. The mention of Jeffrey buying a cactus for the kitchen and the rabbit's complaints adds a touch of domesticity and humor to the narrative, painting a cozy picture of life at home in the person's absence.
The repetition of the phrase "Give us a ring when you get back" emphasizes the importance of communication and staying in touch, underscoring the emotional connection between the singer and the person who is away. The refrain serves as a loving reminder to not only make contact upon return but also to remember to bring back a token of the trip. The mention of going to the pictures and anticipation of seeing the person again adds a sense of warmth and longing, suggesting that the singer is eagerly awaiting the reunion.
Overall, the lyrics of "Give Us A Ring" evoke a sense of domestic routine, affection, and longing for connection in the face of physical distance. The mundane details of everyday life and the yearning for communication and reunion create a poignant and relatable narrative about missing someone who is away and cherishing the moments of togetherness. The song captures the universal experience of separation and the comfort found in the simple act of reaching out and sharing experiences with loved ones.
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