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.
Singin' In The Rain
John Martyn Lyrics
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What a glorious feeling I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds so dark above
The sun's in my heart and I'm ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase everyone from the place
Come on with the rain, I've a smile on my face
I'll walk down the lane with a happy refrain
And singin' just singin' in the rain
Why am I smilin' and why do I sing?
Why does December seem sunny as Spring?
Why do I get up each morning to start happy
And get up with joy in my heart?
Why is each new task a trifle to do?
Because I am living a life full of you
I'm singin' in the rain, just singin' in the rain
What a glorious feeling I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds so dark above
The sun's in my heart and I'm ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase everyone from the place
Come on with the rain, I've a smile on my face
I'll walk down the lane with a happy refrain
And singin' just singin' in the rain
The song “Singin’ in the Rain” is an ode to happiness and optimism in the face of adversity. John Martyn sings about the joy he experiences while walking in the rain, as he is happy and ready for love. He laughs at the dark clouds, undeterred by their presence, as he is full of hope and positivity. Martyn questions why he is always smiling and singing, why every new task seems easy, and why he wakes up each day with joy in his heart. The answer lies in the fact that he is living a life full of love.
The lyrics of the song are symbolic of Martyn’s personal life, as he struggled with alcoholism and a difficult marriage. His joyful and carefree approach to life, in spite of these challenges, is reflected in the song’s message. Singing in the rain, for Martyn, represents an escape from his problems and a return to a simpler and happier time. The song encourages listeners to embrace optimism and to find joy even in the darkest of times, reminding us that happiness is always within our reach if we choose to seize it.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm singin' in the rain, just singin' in the rain
I am expressing my happiness and joy by singing in the rain
What a glorious feeling I'm happy again
It is an amazing feeling to be happy again
I'm laughing at clouds so dark above
I am not afraid of the dark clouds hovering above because I am happy
The sun's in my heart and I'm ready for love
I am filled with positivity and love and I am ready to embrace it
Let the stormy clouds chase everyone from the place
I am not affected by the stormy weather and I welcome it, unlike others who run from it
Come on with the rain, I've a smile on my face
I am happy and excited for the rain to come and wash away my worries
I'll walk down the lane with a happy refrain
I will walk down the road happily and with a positive attitude
And singin' just singin' in the rain
I will continue to sing and express my happiness while enjoying the rain
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Arthur Freed, Nacio Herb Brown
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind