John Martyn OBE, born Iain David McGeachy (11 September 1948 – 29 January 2… Read Full Bio ↴John Martyn OBE, born Iain David McGeachy (11 September 1948 – 29 January 2009), was a British singer-songwriter and guitarist. Over a forty-year career he released twenty studio albums.

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.

Primrose Hill
John Martyn Lyrics

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Went to see the sun go down on Primrose Hill
The Sunday evening sun go
Down on Primrose Hill
Never could be anything else
Never should be anything else
'Cause I like that kind of life
I like that kind of life

Never thinking too far ahead
Hanging high, I fall to bed
That's the only kind of life I've led
Just the pictures in your room
Smell the rose's sweet perfume

While you're around
You've got to hear this tune
And all thosе groovy guys
And all those groovy guys

We went to see thе sun
Go down on Primrose Hill
The Sunday evening sun go
Down on Primrose Hill
Never could be anything else
Never should be anything else
'Cause I like that kind of life
I like that kind of life

Do you like that kind of life?

Do you like that kind of life?
Do you like that kind of life?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of John Martyn's song "Primrose Hill" depict a serene moment of enjoying the simple pleasures of life. The singer describes going to Primrose Hill to watch the sunset on a Sunday evening, which symbolizes a peaceful and relaxing time. The repetition of this event emphasizes the singer's fondness for this particular experience. It represents a break from the rush and demands of everyday life, emphasizing the need to cherish and appreciate moments of tranquility.

The lyrics also suggest that the singer prefers to live in the present moment, not worrying about the future. By stating, "Never thinking too far ahead, hanging high, I fall to bed," they indicate a carefree attitude and a tendency to live in the present moment. This can be seen as a rejection of the pressures of planning and constantly looking forward, opting instead for a more spontaneous and laid-back lifestyle.

The reference to "the pictures in your room, smell the rose's sweet perfume" evokes a sense of nostalgia and intimacy. It implies a personal connection to someone, symbolized by the photographs and the pleasant aroma of the roses. This suggests that the singer finds comfort and solace in these simple and familiar objects, enhancing their enjoyment of life's small pleasures.

The repetition of the phrase, "I like that kind of life," towards the end of each verse reinforces the singer's preference for a relaxed and uncomplicated existence. It suggests contentment and a satisfaction with embracing the present moment rather than constantly striving for more. By asking the listener, "Do you like that kind of life?" repeatedly, Martyn invites introspection, inviting the audience to reflect on their own preferences and values.

In summary, "Primrose Hill" is a song that celebrates the beauty of simplicity, the enjoyment of peaceful moments, and the gratification found in embracing the present. It encourages listeners to find joy in the small pleasures and to appreciate the tranquility that such moments can bring.

Line by Line Meaning

Went to see the sun go down on Primrose Hill
I went to witness the beauty of the sunset on Primrose Hill.

The Sunday evening sun go
The sun setting on a calm Sunday evening.

Down on Primrose Hill
Descending over the scenic Primrose Hill.

Never could be anything else
There is nothing else it could be or should be.

Never should be anything else
It is perfect just the way it is.

'Cause I like that kind of life
Because I enjoy this particular way of living.

I like that kind of life
I genuinely appreciate and enjoy this lifestyle.

Never thinking too far ahead
Not worrying too much about the future.

Hanging high, I fall to bed
Ending the day peacefully and contentedly.

That's the only kind of life I've led
This is the only way of life I have experienced.

Just the pictures in your room
Only the memories captured in your personal space.