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.
New Day
John Martyn Lyrics
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Circles around the town
Give us all some time to think
Please let us all come down
Not what you say and not what you hear
Not who you love and not who you fear
What you feel is real what you feel is real
Just behind the yawning morning
Look and there's a new day dawning
Just behind your shying crying
Look and there's a new year lying
Not what you say and not what you hear
Not who you love and not who you fear
What you feel is real what you feel is real
Save your days and save your time
You save yours and I'll save mine
Drink your water, drink your wine
You drink yours and I'll drink mine
Not what you say and not what you fear
Not who you love and not who you hear
What you feel is real what you feel is real
Revolution convolution
Circles around the town
Give us all some time to think
Please let us all come down
Not what you say and not what you hear
Not what you love and not what you fear
What you feel is real what you feel is real
Not what you say and not what you hear
Not who you love and not who you hear
What you feel is real what you feel is real
The lyrics to John Martyn's song "New Day" express a sense of longing for change and reflection. The repetition of the lines "Revolution convolution, circles around the town, give us all some time to think, please let us all come down" suggests a desire for a break from the chaos and confusion of the world. The song acknowledges that what we hear and say, as well as who we love and fear, are not necessarily the most important aspects of life. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of what we truly feel. Martyn encourages the listener to look beyond the surface and see a new day dawning, symbolizing the possibility for a fresh start and a new perspective. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of individuality and personal choice, highlighting the need to save one's own time and experiences, while respecting others' choices as well.
Overall, "New Day" offers a contemplative message, urging the listener to prioritize their own emotions and thoughts, while also recognizing the need for collective reflection and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Revolution convolution
The chaos and confusion caused by revolutionary ideas and actions
Circles around the town
The constant repetition and recurrence of these tumultuous events
Give us all some time to think
Allow us all a moment to reflect and ponder
Please let us all come down
Please let us all calm down and find peace
Not what you say and not what you hear
The truth is not found in mere words or hearsay
Not who you love and not who you fear
One's true essence is not defined by the people they love or fear
What you feel is real what you feel is real
Emotions and inner experiences are genuine and valid
Just behind the yawning morning
Just after the awakening of each new day
Look and there's a new day dawning
If you pay attention, you'll notice the arrival of a fresh start
Just behind your shying crying
Just after moments of hesitation and tears
Look and there's a new year lying
If you observe closely, you'll see the potential of a new beginning
Save your days and save your time
Make the most of your days and utilize your time wisely
You save yours and I'll save mine
Each individual is responsible for taking care of their own life
Drink your water, drink your wine
Indulge in the simple pleasures of life
You drink yours and I'll drink mine
Everyone should enjoy what brings them joy and satisfaction
Not what you say and not what you fear
The truth is not determined by one's words or fears
Not who you love and not who you hear
One's true identity is not defined by their relationships or what they hear from others
What you feel is real what you feel is real
Individual emotions and experiences hold authenticity
Revolution convolution
The confusion and turmoil of revolutionary changes
Circles around the town
The repetitive nature of these chaotic events within society
Give us all some time to think
Grant everyone the space to reflect and consider
Please let us all come down
Kindly allow us all to find inner peace and calm
Not what you say and not what you hear
Truth cannot be solely derived from spoken words or external information
Not what you love and not what you fear
One's true self is not determined by their loves or fears
What you feel is real what you feel is real
One's genuine emotions and sensations are valid and true
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: STEPHAN CONLEY SHARP, JEFF PARDO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind