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.
One World
John Martyn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some of us live like queens
Most of us live just like me
We don't know what it means
To take our place in one world
To make our peace in one world
To make our way in one world
If you ain't got two words to say
Then I can't talk to you
No use crying, there's been no crime
I say it's just the way the wind blows
Just the name of the game
The way of the world, way of the world
Just the way of the world
Just the way of the world
So cold and lonely
Cold and lonely
Cold and lonely world
Such a cold and lonely
Cold and lonely
Cold and lonely world
It's just a cold and lonely world
It's one world, like it or not
It's one world, believe it or not
It's one world
It's one world, believe it or not
One world, like it or not
It's one world
Some of us live like princes
Some of us live like queens
Most of us live just like me
And we don't know what it means
To take our place in one world
To take our place in one world
To make our loving in one world
Make our way in one world
It's one world, one world, one world
The song One World by John Martyn expresses the idea that all human beings are part of one world, despite the different ways in which each individual lives their life. The opening verse acknowledges that there are people who live extravagantly, like princes and queens, while most people, including the singer himself, live in a more ordinary way without truly understanding the significance of connecting with others who are born into different circumstances. The chorus declares the importance of making peace, finding one's place and voice in the world, and making a way for oneself, all while recognizing that everything is connected in one world.
The second verse warns that if someone cannot communicate, there is no point in trying to have a conversation. The lines "No use crying, there's been no crime / I say it's just the way the wind blows" suggest that sometimes things happen that are beyond our control, and we must accept them as they are. The repetition of the phrase "way of the world" reinforces the idea that some things simply are the way they are.
The song's bridge brings a melancholic tone, describing the world as a cold and lonely place. The repetition of "cold and lonely" reinforces this sentiment, contrasting with the previous message of a 'One World'. However, in the end, the song returns to the idea of unity and the importance of finding one's place not only in the world but also in relationships. The final repetition of "one world" emphasizes the song's overall message of interconnectedness.
Line by Line Meaning
Some of us live like princes
There are people who live in luxury and have everything they want
Some of us live like queens
There are women who live in luxury and have everything they want
Most of us live just like me
The majority of people live ordinary lives without much wealth or privilege
We don't know what it means
They don't understand the meaning of their existence
To take our place in one world
To understand that we are all part of the same world and have a place within it
To make our peace in one world
To find inner peace and harmony within ourselves and with others in the world
To make our way in one world
To find our path and purpose in life within the world we all share
To have our say in one world
To voice our opinions and concerns in a way that promotes positive change in the world
If you ain't got two words to say
If you can't communicate and express yourself properly
Then I can't talk to you
It's difficult to have a meaningful conversation if one person can't communicate effectively
No use crying, there's been no crime
There's no need to complain or whine about things that are not under our control
I say it's just the way the wind blows
The world is unpredictable and sometimes things happen for reasons beyond our control
Just the name of the game
It's just the way things are, and we have to accept it
The way of the world, way of the world
The world operates in a certain way and we have to adapt to it
So cold and lonely
The world can be harsh and isolating
Such a cold and lonely
The world is full of despair and loneliness
Cold and lonely world
The world can be a bleak and unwelcoming place
It's one world, like it or not
We are all part of the same world, whether we like it or not
It's one world, believe it or not
Many people find it hard to believe that we are all part of the same world
One world, like it or not
We are all part of the same world, whether we like it or not
To make our loving in one world
To give and receive love in a world where we are all connected
It's one world, one world, one world
The repetition emphasizes that we are all part of the same world and need to work together to make it a better place
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN MARTYN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AAJJCCSS
Some of us live like princes
Some of us live like queens
Most of us live just like me
We don't know what it means
To take our place in one world
To make our peace in one world
To make our way in one world
To have our say in one world
If you ain't got two words to say
Then I can't talk to you
No use crying, there's been no crime
I say it's just the way the wind blows
Just the name of the game
The way of the world, way of the world
Just the way of the world
Just the way of the world
So cold and lonely
Cold and lonely
Cold and lonely world
Such a cold and lonely
Cold and lonely
Cold and lonely world
It's just a cold and lonely world
It's one world, like it or not
It's one world, believe it or not
It's one world
It's one world, believe it or not
One world, like it or not
It's one world
Some of us live like princes
Some of us live like queens
Most of us live just like me
And we don't know what it means
To take our place in one world
To take our place in one world
To make our loving in one world
Make our way in one world
It's one world, one world, one world
@julianvickery8341
"One World" by Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist John Martyn OBE (11 September 1948 – 29 January 2009), the title track from his seventh studio album, released in November 1977 on the Island Records label. https://youtu.be/2dZh34N1-yw
Lyrics:
Some of us live like princes
Some of us live like queens
Most of us live just like me
We don't know what it means
To take our place in one world
To make our peace in one world
To make our way in one world
To have our say in one world
If you ain't got two words to say
Then I can't talk to you
No use crying, there's been no crime
I say it's just the way the wind blows
Just the name of the game
The way of the world, way of the world
Just the way of the world
Just the way of the world
So cold and lonely
Cold and lonely
Cold and lonely world
Such a cold and lonely
Cold and lonely
Cold and lonely world
It's just a cold and lonely world
It's one world, like it or not
It's one world, believe it or not
It's one world
It's one world, believe it or not
One world, like it or not
It's one world
Some of us live like princes
Some of us live like queens
Most of us live just like me
And we don't know what it means
To take our place in one world
To take our place in one world
To make our loving in one world
Make our way in one world
It's one world, one world, one world
A beautiful track, both lyrically and musically, from an immensely talented man who deserves to be remembered for giving us some truly remarkable tunes, including this one.
Fans of John's music can also watch him performing the song live on The Old Grey Whistle Test here:
https://youtu.be/lE6i_qnoAgo
@spellsshop
I was very fortunate to have met John Martyn in a pub in London, not only was I a huge fan but I have never met anyone so down to earth, easy to talk to and genuinely warm guy. Real one of a kind. Just recently found out he is no longer with us, very sadly missed..
@beckyhelvaci3492
a❤😊
@austinspace1
A beautiful track, lyrically and musically. Always loved this album and have carried with me for over 30 years and its still a very moving track for me.
@chas196210
Saw him in ‘86 he weren’t just a poet he was one of the finest guitarists I’ve ever had the pleasure to listen to. His music is and was spectacular,emotionally destructive. Nobody like him before or since. Wherever he lays his head I hope he is happy,I think there truly was more than one world for John Martyn 👍👍
@DBenX
I had this on a very old tape, back in the early 90ties. I was so happy to find the CD just a few years later.
RIP John, beautiful soul <3
@PaulUbanaJones
Mr.Martyn will always have a place in my heart.great to see the younger generation of musicians are discovering this man of 'fine music distinction'.Bless you John.!! your music guided me through many a 'dodgy' chapter in my life.
@steelyman08
Still is a bit dodgy for me! But there's still this to come to in the middle of the night (as I am right now). A lullaby for the distressed. It's a shame more don't know of his extraordinary music.
@AAJJCCSS
Some of us live like princes
Some of us live like queens
Most of us live just like me
We don't know what it means
To take our place in one world
To make our peace in one world
To make our way in one world
To have our say in one world
If you ain't got two words to say
Then I can't talk to you
No use crying, there's been no crime
I say it's just the way the wind blows
Just the name of the game
The way of the world, way of the world
Just the way of the world
Just the way of the world
So cold and lonely
Cold and lonely
Cold and lonely world
Such a cold and lonely
Cold and lonely
Cold and lonely world
It's just a cold and lonely world
It's one world, like it or not
It's one world, believe it or not
It's one world
It's one world, believe it or not
One world, like it or not
It's one world
Some of us live like princes
Some of us live like queens
Most of us live just like me
And we don't know what it means
To take our place in one world
To take our place in one world
To make our loving in one world
Make our way in one world
It's one world, one world, one world
@stevious7278
This song wraps me in a soft pillow and gently carries me away... and has done since 1976.
@diegoruso292
Este tipo me partió la cabeza. Increíble, leyenda.