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.

So Sweet
John Martyn Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

In, In, In, In
Well it gets so strange when standing head to head
It gets so sweet side by side
Feels so strange end to end
So much sweeter side by side.

So sweet this painful freedom
So sweet the search for perfect love

So sweet this painful freedom
So sweet.

C'mon take the edge off, like some kind of topiary
Take the edge off darling, just lie down with me
Oh so sweet, oh so sweet.

So sweet this painful freedom
So sweet the search for perfect love
So sweet this painful freedom
So sweet.

Unchained and unrestrained
So loud so quiet, yet so proud
Unchained unrestrained
Side by side in a crowd.

So sweet this painful freedom
So sweet the search for perfect love
So sweet this painful freedom
So sweet.

Well it gets so strange when standing head to head
It gets so sweet side by side
Feels so strange end to end
So much sweeter side by side.

So sweet the upward surge of freedom
So sweet the search for perfect love
So sweet the upward surge of freedom
So sweet the search for perfect love.

So sweet the upward surge of freedom
So sweet the search for perfect love

So sweet the upward surge of freedom
So sweet the search for perfect love.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "So Sweet" by John Martyn show a deep understanding of the complexities of relationships. Martyn describes the strange and sometimes painful nature of relationships, particularly when people stand "head to head" or "end to end." However, Martyn also recognizes that relationships can be incredibly "sweet" when two people stand "side by side," free and unrestrained. He contrasts this "sweet" feeling with the "painful freedom" of being alone and searching for something that may seem unattainable - "perfect love."

Martyn's use of vivid imagery adds to the depth of the lyrics. He uses the metaphor of "topiary," or trimming the edges of hedges and trees, to describe the need to take the edge off in a relationship. This shows that relationships require work and maintenance, but that it can be enjoyable and fulfilling. Martyn contrasts the idea of being "loud" and "proud" with being "quiet," emphasizing that relationships can be both passionate and peaceful at the same time.

Overall, "So Sweet" is a powerful commentary on the ups and downs of relationships, highlighting both the challenges and the rewards that come with love and companionship.

Line by Line Meaning

In, In, In, In
Repetition of the word 'In' to signify going further down a specific path or a deeper level of understanding.

Well it gets so strange when standing head to head
When two people confront each other directly, it can escalate into a strange and uncomfortable situation.

It gets so sweet side by side
When two people stand together in a supportive way, it can be a very pleasant experience.

Feels so strange end to end
When two people are positioned opposite to each other, it can be an unpleasant feeling.

So much sweeter side by side.
Being together with someone, with a shared purpose or goal, is much more delightful than being alone.

So sweet this painful freedom
The freedom that comes with breaking free from pain or difficulty can be both sweet and liberating.

So sweet the search for perfect love
The desire to find perfect love can be bittersweet, but the journey is often worth it.

C'mon take the edge off, like some kind of topiary
Asking someone to ease their anxiety or tension, drawing a playful comparison to topiary trimming.

Take the edge off darling, just lie down with me
Inviting someone who is stressed or anxious to relax and reconnect with a loved one in a comfortable space.

Oh so sweet, oh so sweet.
Expressing the simple pleasure of relaxation and comfort with a loved one.

Unchained and unrestrained
Embracing the freedom of being unburdened and unrestricted by social norms or obligations.

So loud so quiet, yet so proud
A contradictory mixture of confidence ('proud'), calmness ('quiet'), and intensity ('loud').

Side by side in a crowd.
Being together with a loved one, even in a large crowd, can be comforting and joyful.

Well it gets so strange when standing head to head
Repetition of the first stanza to reinforce the strange feeling that comes with head-to-head confrontation.

It gets so sweet side by side
Repeating the second stanza to emphasize the sweetness of being together.

Feels so strange end to end
Repeating the third stanza to remind listeners of the awkwardness that comes with standing end-to-end.

So sweet the upward surge of freedom
Rephrasing the first stanza to describe the victorious sensation of freedom over difficulty.

So sweet the search for perfect love
Rephrasing the second stanza to reinforce the sweetness of the pursuit of perfect love.

So sweet the upward surge of freedom
Repeating the fourth stanza to emphasize the uplifting feeling of triumph over hardship.

So sweet the search for perfect love.
Repeating the fifth stanza to drive home the importance and sweetness of the search for the perfect mate.

Writer(s): John Martyn

Contributed by Luke E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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