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.
Parcels
John Martyn Lyrics
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And leave the madness in your mind
Well you know, we have gifts to exchange
Turn around, I'll show you mine
The space between us growing small
Some time you know, we'll use it all
Now you see we have things to receive
And all the things you give me now
I'll try to pay you back somehow
Well you know, we have things to exchange
Turn around, I'll show you mine
I took your sadness, made it mine
And you felt my madness in your mind
Well you know, we have gifts to exchange
Turn around, I'll show you mine
The lyrics to John Martyn's song "Parcels" convey a sense of emotional connection and reciprocity between two individuals. The singer expresses their willingness to take on the sadness of the other person and help alleviate their burden, while leaving behind any chaotic or troubled thoughts that may be plaguing their mind. By offering this support, they acknowledge the existence of a mutual exchange of gifts, suggesting that both parties have something valuable to give and receive in the relationship.
The lyrics also allude to the idea of distance between the two individuals, both physically and emotionally. Despite this distance, the singer suggests that it will eventually diminish and they will make the most out of the time they have together. The phrase "the space between us growing small" can be interpreted as both a literal diminishing of physical distance and a symbolic representation of their emotional connection strengthening.
Throughout the song, there is a theme of reciprocity and gratitude. The singer promises to try and repay the kindness and generosity they receive from the other person in some way. This highlights the importance of give and take in relationships, emphasizing the idea that both individuals should contribute and appreciate each other's efforts.
Overall, "Parcels" portrays a relationship characterized by empathy, support, and the mutual exchange of emotional gifts.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll take your sadness, make it mine
I am willing to shoulder your sadness and make it my own
And leave the madness in your mind
I will help you let go of the chaos that resides in your thoughts
Well you know, we have gifts to exchange
We mutually possess qualities and experiences that we can share with each other
Turn around, I'll show you mine
Look towards me, and I will reveal my own unique attributes to you
The space between us growing small
The distance separating us is diminishing
Some time you know, we'll use it all
Eventually, we will make the most of every moment we have together
Now you see we have things to receive
You understand that we are open to receiving from each other
Turn around, I'll show you mine
Look towards me, and I will demonstrate what I have to offer
And all the things you give me now
Every item or emotion you bestow upon me currently
I'll try to pay you back somehow
I will make an effort to reciprocate your kindness in some way
Well you know, we have things to exchange
We both possess valuable qualities or items that we can share
Turn around, I'll show you mine
Look towards me, and I will display what I have to offer
I took your sadness, made it mine
I assumed your sadness and made it my own burden
And you felt my madness in your mind
You experienced the chaotic thoughts and emotions that reside within me
Well you know, we have gifts to exchange
We possess unique qualities and experiences to give to each other
Turn around, I'll show you mine
Look towards me, and I will reveal what I have to offer
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: John Martyn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind