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.
Here I Am Now
John Martyn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
After years being unhappy
Never thought I could be
Put all that bad love and
Evil love way behind me
Hear me right now hear me right now
Hear me right now this is me you're seeing
Here I am now got his sweet love to guide me
With all that bad love and evil
Love put right behind me
Hear me right now hear me right now
Hear me right now this is me you're seeing
Here I am now got my son beside me
Here I am now got this pure soul to guide me
With all that bad love and
Evil love way behind me
He ain't gonna find me
So hear me right now hear me right now
Hear me right now this is me you're seeing
In the song "Here I Am Now" by John Martyn, the lyrics reflect a sense of newfound happiness and liberation after years of unhappiness in a toxic relationship. The singer expresses surprise and relief at having finally escaped the negative emotions and experiences associated with love gone wrong. The line "Here I am now, there you are beside me" implies that the singer has moved on from the past and is now in a better place emotionally.
The phrase "Never thought I could be" suggests that the singer had doubts about their ability to find happiness after enduring a long period of unhappiness. However, they have managed to overcome these doubts and put the pain and negativity of past relationships behind them. By leaving behind the "bad love" and "evil love," the singer is now able to embrace a fresh start and a more positive outlook.
The repetition of the line "Hear me right now, this is me you're seeing" emphasizes the importance of being heard and understood by others. It suggests a desire for recognition and acknowledgement of the personal growth and transformation that the singer has undergone. They want to be seen for who they truly are in the present moment, free from the burden of past mistakes or experiences.
The final paragraph introduces the presence of a son who is now by the singer's side. This signifies the singer's commitment to protecting their child from the same negative experiences they themselves endured, ensuring that the cycle of "bad love" and "evil love" is not repeated. With the son's "pure soul" to guide them, the singer feels a renewed sense of purpose and determination to create a better future.
Overall, "Here I Am Now" celebrates the singer's empowerment and resilience in overcoming past hardships. It communicates a message of personal growth, liberation, and the importance of finding genuine love and support in order to move forward in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I am now there you are beside me
I have finally found happiness and you are here by my side, supporting me.
After years being unhappy
I have spent a long time feeling dissatisfied and unfulfilled in life.
Never thought I could be
I never believed that I could reach a point of contentment and fulfillment.
Put all that bad love and
I have left behind all the toxic and harmful relationships.
Evil love way behind me
I have moved on from those destructive and negative experiences.
Hear me right now hear me right now
Listen to me attentively and understand my message clearly.
Hear me right now this is me you're seeing
Pay attention to the person I have become, as I am showing my true self.
Here I am now got my man beside me
I am in a loving relationship with a supportive partner.
Here I am now got his sweet love to guide me
I have the comforting and nurturing presence of my partner to lead me.
With all that bad love and evil
Despite the negative experiences I have had in the past with love,
Love put right behind me
I have moved forward and left that negativity in the past.
Here I am now got my son beside me
I have the love and support of my child by my side.
Here I am now got this pure soul to guide me
My child's innocence and purity provide me with guidance and inspiration.
He ain't gonna find me
I have escaped from the grasp of my past and will not be found by those toxic influences.
So hear me right now hear me right now
I urge you to listen attentively to what I am saying.
Hear me right now this is me you're seeing
Understand that the person you see before you is truly me.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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