"Solid Air" is a song by British folk singer-songwriter John Martyn and the… Read Full Bio ↴"Solid Air" is a song by British folk singer-songwriter John Martyn and the title track of his 1973 album of the same name. The song was dedicated to a friend of Martyn's, Nick Drake, who would die of an antidepressant overdose 18 months after Martyn's album was released. Martyn said of the track "It was done for a friend of mine, and it was done right with very clear motives, and I'm very pleased with it, for varying reasons. It has got a very simple message, but you'll have to work that one out for yourself".

Solid Air
John Martyn Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You've been taking your time
And you've been living on solid air
You've been walking the line
And you've been living on solid air
Don't know what's going 'round inside
And I can tell you that it's hard to hide
When you're living on solid air

And you've been painting the blues
And you've been looking through solid air
You've been seeing it through
And you've been looking through solid air
Don't know what's going 'round in your mind
And I can tell you don't like what you find
When you're moving through solid air, solid air

I know you, I love you
And I can be your friend
I can follow you anywhere
Even through solid air

You've been stoning it cold
You've been living on solid air
You've been finding it cold
You've been living on solid air
I don't know what's going on inside
I can tell you that it's hard to hide
When you're living on solid air, solid air

You've been getting too deep
You've been living on solid air
You've been missing your sleep
you've been moving through solid air
I don't know what's going on in your mind
But I know you don't like what you find
When you're moving through solid air, solid air

I know you, I love you
I will be your friend
I will follow you anywhere
Even through solid air

You've been walking your line
You've been walking on solid air
You've been taking your time
'Cause you've been walking on solid air
Don't know what's going on inside
But I can tell you that it's hard to hide
When you're living on solid air, solid air

You've been painting the blues
You've been living on solid air
And you've been seeing it through
And you've been looking through solid air
I don't know what's going in your mind
But I can tell you don't like what you find
When you're living through solid air, solid air

I know you, I love you
And I can be your friend
I can follow you anywhere
Even through solid air

Icy blue solid air
Blue solid air

Overall Meaning

The song 'Solid Air' by John Martyn is a classic example of how beautifully metaphors can be used in lyrics. The song is about the feeling of being lost and disconnected from oneself, a sense of living in a world that is vague and intangible, like solid air. The first verse of the song implies that the person the song is about seems to be taking things easy, almost as if they are disconnected from life. The line "don't know what's going 'round inside" indicates that despite the outwardly calm demeanor, there is turmoil on the inside that is not easily visible. The line "when you're living on solid air" emphasizes the idea of a disconnected and isolated state.

In the second verse, the idea about the person being lost and disconnected is further strengthened. The line "you've been painting the blues, seeing it through" indicates that the person is entirely focused on something that is not real; almost as if they are seeing something that isn't there. The chorus reassures the listener that the singer understands the person's struggle, and despite feeling lost themselves, they will follow this person anywhere, even through solid air.

Overall, the lyrics of 'Solid Air' are incredibly insightful and empathetic. They are a reminder that we all go through periods of feeling lost and disconnected, and it is essential to have someone who understands and is willing to support us despite the challenges we face.

Line by Line Meaning

You've been taking your time
You've been living your life day by day and taking it slow

And you've been living on solid air
You've been living a life free from worry, stress and indecision

You've been walking the line
You've been trying to keep your life balanced and go in the right direction

Don't know what's going 'round inside
I don’t know what’s going on in your mind and what you are feeling

And I can tell you that it's hard to hide
I can sense that it’s difficult for you to conceal what you are going through

When you're living on solid air
When everything seems perfect and calm on the surface but there is internal turbulence

And you've been painting the blues
You have been highlighting the issues and sadness in your life

And you've been looking through solid air
Trying to understand and find clarity of your thoughts and circumstances

Don't know what's going 'round in your mind
I don’t know what’s going on in your head

And I can tell you don't like what you find
I sense that you aren’t happy with what you’re going through and can see you struggling

When you're moving through solid air, solid air
When the world around you seems impermeable to your struggles and issues

I know you, I love you
I know you closely, and admire you deeply

And I can be your friend
I will always be here for you, and support you unconditionally

Even through solid air
Even when you and everything around you is confusing, and uncertain

You've been stoning it cold
You've been handling situations with indifference and apathy

You've been finding it cold
You've been feeling the harsh reality of the world around you and everything seems bleak and unwelcoming

You've been getting too deep
You have been entrenching yourself in your thoughts and emotions, trying to analyze and dissect them to understand what’s going on

You've been missing your sleep
You've been losing your sleep over the thoughts that are troubling you all the time

But I know you don't like what you find
I know that you're not satisfied with the path you have taken and the situation you are currently in

You've been walking your line
You have been walking the path that you have chosen for yourself

Don't know what's going on inside
I don’t know what’s going on in your head and what you’re going through

But I can tell you that it's hard to hide
I can sense that you are trying to conceal what’s going on from the world, but it’s difficult to do so

You've been painting the blues
You have been painting your life in blue shades, highlighting the melancholy in it

And you've been looking through solid air
You have been trying to see through the veil of confusion in your mind to find the answers

Icy blue solid air
Everything around you seems transparent and surreal, with a touch of icy coldness to it

Blue solid air
The world around you has shades of blue, symbolizing sadness and melancholy

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHN MARTYN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Gary Turner

7y↑18

You've been taking your time
And you've been living on solid air
You've been walking the line
You've been living on solid air
Don't know what's going wrong inside
And I can tell you that it's hard to hide
When you're living on
Solid air

You've been painting it blue
And you've been looking through solid air
You've been seeing it through
And you've been looking through solid air
Don't know what's going wrong in your mind
And I can tell you don't like what you find
When you're moving through
Solid air

I know you, I love you
And I could be your friend
I could follow you anywhere
Even through solid air

You've been stoning it cold
You've been living on solid air
You've been finding that gold
You've been living on solid air
I don't know what's going on inside
I can tell you that it's hard to hide
When you're living on
Solid air, solid air

You've been getting too deep
You've been living on solid air
You've been missing your sleep
And you've been moving through solid air
I don't know what's going on in your mind
But I know you don't like what you find
When you're moving through
Solid air, solid air

I know you, I love you
I'll be your friend
I could follow you anywhere
Even through solid air

You've been walking your line
You've been walking on solid air
You've been taking your time
But you've been walking on solid air
Don't know what's going wrong inside
But I can tell you that it's hard to hide
When you're living on
Solid air, solid air

You've been painting it blue
You've been living on solid air
You've been seeing it through
And you've been living on solid air
I don't know what's going on in your mind
But I can tell you don't like what you find
When your living on
Solid air, solid air

I know you, I love you
And I'll be your friend
I could follow you anywhere
Even through solid air

Ice blue solid air
Nice blue solid air
Written by:
John Martyn

Tomas Horn

10y↑73

You’ve been taking your time
And you’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been walking the line
And You’ve been living on solid air
Don’t know what’s going wrong inside
And I can tell you that it’s hard to hide when you’re living on
Solid air.
You’ve been painting it blue
And you’ve been looking through solid air
You’ve been seeing it through
And you’ve been looking through solid air
Don’t know what’s going wrong in your mind,
And I can tell you don’t like what you find,
When you’re moving through
Solid air.
I know you, I love you
And I could be your friend
I could follow you, anywhere
Even through solid air.
You’ve been stoning it cold
You’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been finding that gold
You’ve been living on solid air
I don’t know what’s going on inside
I can tell you that it’s hard to hide
When you’re living on
Solid air, solid air.
You’ve been getting too deep
You’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been missing your sleep
And you’ve been moving through solid air
I don’t know what’s going on in your mind
But I know you don’t like what you find
When you’re moving through
Solid air, solid air.
I know you, I love you
I’ll be your friend
I could follow you, anywhere
Even through solid air.
You’ve been walking your line
You’ve been walking on solid air
You’ve been taking your time
But you’ve been walking on solid air
Don’t know what’s going wrong inside
But I can tell you that it’s hard to hide
When you’re living on
Solid air, solid air.
You’ve been painting it blue,
You’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been seeing it through
And you’ve been living on solid air
I don’t know what’s going on in your mind
But I can tell you don’t like what you find
When your living on
Solid air, solid air.
I know you, I love you
And I’ll be your friend
I could follow you, anywhere
Even through solid air.
Ice blue solid air
Nice blue solid air.

M E

6y↑2

Lyrics

You’ve been taking your time
And you’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been walking the line
And You’ve been living on solid air
Don’t know what’s going wrong inside
And I can tell you that it’s hard to hide when you’re living on
Solid air.

You’ve been painting it blue
And you’ve been looking through solid air
You’ve been seeing it through
And you’ve been looking through solid air
Don’t know what’s going wrong in your mind,
And I can tell you don’t like what you find,
When you’re moving through
Solid air.

I know you, I love you
And I could be your friend
I could follow you, anywhere
Even through solid air.

You’ve been stoning it cold
You’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been finding that gold
You’ve been living on solid air
I don’t know what’s going on inside
I can tell you that it’s hard to hide
When you’re living on
Solid air, solid air.

You’ve been getting too deep
You’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been missing your sleep
And you’ve been moving through solid air
I don’t know what’s going on in your mind
But I know you don’t like what you find
When you’re moving through
Solid air, solid air.

I know you, I love you
I’ll be your friend
I could follow you, anywhere
Even through solid air.

You’ve been walking your line
You’ve been walking on solid air
You’ve been taking your time
But you’ve been walking on solid air
Don’t know what’s going wrong inside
But I can tell you that it’s hard to hide
When you’re living on
Solid air, solid air.

You’ve been painting it blue,
You’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been seeing it through
And you’ve been living on solid air
I don’t know what’s going on in your mind
But I can tell you don’t like what you find
When your living on
Solid air, solid air.

I know you, I love you
And I’ll be your friend
I could follow you, anywhere
Even through solid air.

Ice blue solid air
Nice blue solid air.

Julian Vickery

3y↑1

"Solid Air” (1973) by John Martyn (1948-2009), a song dedicated to fellow English folk musician Nick Drake (1948-1974) https://youtu.be/UikPQOaJpfU
Lyrics:
You’ve been taking your time
And you’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been walking the line
And You’ve been living on solid air
Don’t know what’s going wrong inside
And I can tell you that it’s hard to hide when you’re living on
Solid air.
You’ve been painting it blue
And you’ve been looking through solid air
You’ve been seeing it through
And you’ve been looking through solid air
Don’t know what’s going wrong in your mind,
And I can tell you don’t like what you find,
When you’re moving through
Solid air.
I know you, I love you
And I could be your friend
I could follow you, anywhere
Even through solid air.
You’ve been stoning it cold
You’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been finding that gold
You’ve been living on solid air
I don’t know what’s going on inside
I can tell you that it’s hard to hide
When you’re living on
Solid air, solid air.
You’ve been getting too deep
You’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been missing your sleep
And you’ve been moving through solid air
I don’t know what’s going on in your mind
But I know you don’t like what you find
When you’re moving through
Solid air, solid air.
I know you, I love you
I’ll be your friend
I could follow you, anywhere
Even through solid air.
You’ve been walking your line
You’ve been walking on solid air
You’ve been taking your time
But you’ve been walking on solid air
Don’t know what’s going wrong inside
But I can tell you that it’s hard to hide
When you’re living on
Solid air, solid air.
You’ve been painting it blue,
You’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been seeing it through
And you’ve been living on solid air
I don’t know what’s going on in your mind
But I can tell you don’t like what you find
When your living on
Solid air, solid air.
I know you, I love you
And I’ll be your friend
I could follow you, anywhere
Even through solid air.
Ice blue solid air
Nice blue solid air.

All comments from YouTube:

Stephen Parker

3y↑58

Such a wonderful song; haunting, ethereal, beautiful, and timeless. John's slurred after hours vocals mellifluously wrapped around a sultry saxophone, as an additional instrument, and heavenly vibraphone drifting above. Danny Thompson's baselines are so intuitively sympathetic, in a song that is not quite folk/blues/jazz, but a hybrid combination of all, and the constant mantra 'solid air' referencing the late great Nick Drake -make this a special song. Always performed differently by John live in performance, than the studio version. Never tire of hearing this eternally transcendental song of love and loss. Got this down to play at my funeral when the day comes.!

White Widow

Zolid !

Emma Womersley

7y↑12

beautiful song, solid air. Anyone who's been through depression knows what solid air feels like

Adam B

2y↑30

One of those hidden gem songs that you know if you know. Every time I listen to it I literally get high off the complete combination of every player in the music. Just an incredible piece dedicated to an incredible person

Jack Thornes

5y↑47

The more I listen to this song, the more I realise it’s probably one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever recorded

fenixfunk

13y↑16

Can't get enough of his voice. I've never heard one quite like it before.

angela westland

3y↑103

Reminds me so sharply off my loss of my partner Mark to suicide. He loved this song and we saw John in concert in the early years of our relationship. Still sounds as fresh today as when we first listened to it together. I never used to want to know the origins of the lyrics but now I know its about Nick Drake it is more deep than I ever imagined and so pertinent to our lives together and now apart.

Stewart Govan

2y↑4

Sorry to hear of your loss. Glad that it reminds you of your soul mate. Such a bittersweet story. All the best from Scotland.

KBisley

2y↑1

So sorry for your loss. Sending love and good energy your way. Take care 💜

Rknrlgrl

2y↑3

My heart goes out to you 🙏

Michael Miner

51w↑1

Peace and may your memories of joy lift your sprits forever.

Simon Wilson

43w

Sadly depression and self destruction has been misunderstood for years? Thankfully we seem to be moving forward in this regard. Hope your doing well Angela from Simon64 X

Kevin Trebell

13y↑18

This is an absolute classic, as great as the artist it's written about. Wonderful.

jontyvictor

10y↑23

Sounds odd but John and Miles Davis create the soundtrack to my life. So privileged to have heard two great geniuses .

Jenjenilou

13y↑11

Masterpiece! A great musician paying tribute to another great musician in the most superlative way. Nothing else to say.

TheDuchessRN

13y↑46

I feel stoned without smoking anything when I listen to this...Genius. It is just the guitar, double bass and his amazing soft, sultry voice. The treble glochenshpiel and tap drum then sax makes me 'go of somewhere else...' I was 18 when I first heard this. It helped form my true appreciation of blending sounds across the range, blending blues/jazz and rock. True genius!

Pablo Sciuto

4y↑84

John Martyn is one of my biggest inspirations and influences, when I discovered this album from the Nick Drake story, there was a before and after. For me one of the greatest artists in the music history. Thanks John wherever you are.

Mr Pancake

3y↑2

Far out! I have just been introduced, someone lent me this album and thought he was giving me nick drake vibes!

Stiofán Ó Firghil

He sadly passed away in 2009.. In Ireland.. 😔

Stiofán Ó Firghil

3y↑1

@Mr Pancake Or was Nick giving off John Martyn vibes?!😂👍

Vinny del Negro

What is the nick drake story ?

losnos79

41w

@Vinny del Negro also curious

RDCTD

26w

I never get tired of this. John had such a wonderfully original vocal style. Played it truly like a wind instrument. Just absolutely beautiful tones.

themax316

10y↑48

Just sublime...who thought melancholy could be so smooth.

Martin Fidler

4y↑22

Never fails, gets me every time.

Burt472

Same here

Gary Turner

7y↑18

strictlynorton

6y↑21

I had no idea the song was for Nick Drake.... it makes one of my most treasured albums even more special. So many memories of dawns listening to this LP. Magical.... just like its composer and subject matter.

Zalpater

29w

Superb, timeless number that still sounds as fresh as the day it was recorded over 50 years ago! 💕👍😎

Flynn Terry

3y↑6

JUST a wonderful time listening to a piece of timeless music . RIP, John.

Allison McGee

2y↑6

My new favorite! Great song. I can't get enough of this song!

MsJulie49

9y↑12

This album is a wonderful example of the late great John martyn's amazing singer/song writting ability. I first heard his music about 25 years ago and it still makes my heart sing. RIP Mr Martyn

DARKKISS

6y↑53

I'm new to John's music. Listening to this I couldn't help but think; where tf have I been? One of the most haunting songs I've ever heard.

Rob Lang’s World

6y↑5

I've been listening to him since the late 60s and I still cant get enough!

Carolyn Zaremba

3y↑1

I never heard of him until I read Rankin.

Gene Maurillo

1y↑6

just discovered him tonight and I think I'm in for a rich musical adventure - wow.

Gerwyn Evans

5y↑10

I bought this beautifully hypnotic genre blending album on the same day I bought a new stereo system. It was like nothing I'd heard before. All that needs to be said about the connection with Nick Drake has been said and now, of course, Martyn has gone too

Martin Moxham

4y↑4

One of my favourite albums ever. The late, great John Martyn; I only wish I had gone to more of his gigs.

julia ingram

I went to three. He was brilliant first one, drunk and rambling the second and paralytic the third - which was when I left. Albums are superb though.

Christian Adams

5y↑2

A song that completely comprehends the importance of space in music. The silence and overall atmosphere evokes something beyond the material veil, and allows us a peak into deeper meaning and glimpses of the astral. As John himself said ' love, nuff said'.

Orv Pibbs

11y↑8

One of my favourite John Martyn tunes. R.I.P. John and Nick ; (

Nigel Hoodless

6y↑10

Love this album. I got it when it came out back when I was in college. Can't believe it was that long ago.

jo chapple

See my man 5 times,loved him since London conversation. Legacy manxxxx

Blake Axtell

5y↑1

Been listening to this since this album was issued, still have the LP, I was 20. This song is part of my life. God rest his soul.

Sam Harrison

Thats worth a lot of money that LP - although I know without asking that youd never sell it :) Theres something about this record more special than money!

Jane Delaney

2y↑6

I just adore this album . Amazing

Carol Rowe

10y↑38

Hauntingly beautiful and timeless

TheMindOrchestra

Carol Rowe ☝️✊🙏

kaini

11y↑11

nick was too beautiful a soul to live in this world for long. john communicates it so wonderfully in this.

Gwen Williams

2y↑1

Played this at my children's fathers funeral ,it seemed to sum us up so well Going to play it at mine too,I love love love this song.

tommy bredock

10y↑2

Nie przetrwalbym bez muzyki!;]

r_a_z_z_m_a_t_a_z_z

5y↑5

The first time I heard this was on BBC radio 1 with Giles Peterson, I was 20. I lived alone in a pokey attic bedsit in Exeter. I heard this on an old handheld FM battery operated radio with a tape deck. I'm so glad I recorded it. I'm back here 20 years later still absolutely in love with this.

Anthony Marks

13y↑38

"Not many people appreciated Johns greatness while he was alive.." I really dispute this. JM sold many, many records and sold out tours through the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. He had a huge fanbase in the UK and throughout Europe. He was adored and appreciated and loved. And he is hugely, hugely missed. He didn't NEED to sell out to popularity and fame. He was an immense talent and we knew it at the time and we still know it.

Amanda Bottell

Anthony Marks I had the joy to see him in Birmingham and fell off chair. 😇

David S Cameron

Shout, never much room at his gigs

Stu Donaldson

3y↑2

Sorry Anthony but must disagree. I was lucky enough to discover him around the time of Grace and Danger and from there I explored my way back thru his albums. Met him only once after watching his gig in Oxford. I was a bit of a tongue tied awestruck ‘teeny bopper’ but he was charm itself and even offered my girlfriend a lift home in his car. I was tempted to accept but only lived down the road so ...... Hope he’s reunited with Nick Drake ‘up above’. Thanks, Stu X

Stu Donaldson

3y↑1

Sorry Anthony. Mistake. In case of misunderstanding John Martyn offered both my girlfriend AND MYSELF a lift home. No abduction was attempted! Best wishes, Stu X

WHU Forever

3y↑68

I'm an atheist but I do love the thought of John Martyn getting to heaven and giving his mate Nick Drake the biggest bear hug when they reunite.

jasmine jones

3y↑5

thank u for this mental image and thought in general, wholesome man

Mr Mensa

3y↑4

Great comment. Doesn't the Maths in the universe prove intelligent design - ie Fibonacci sequence, Golden Ratio etc. Peace.

Ray Smith

To be clear. If you are an Atheist, it follows that Heaven does not exist. Am I wrong?

WHU Forever

3y↑5

Yup heaven doesn't exist, that's why it's just a thought

14 More Replies...

Vishal Shah

14y↑1

This is a big tune... powerful vibes. Truly moving

bibbinsbird

14y↑1

I'd forgotten just how amazing this song is...a great loss, sadly missed. xx

998 Cooper

8y↑5

What a sensation he would be if he were still alive & in his prime now. Timeless.

polly smith

8y↑1

which one ?

bradshawvincent

1y↑1

Danny Thompson's Double Bass is superlative on this track and he played on Nick's Five Leaves Left.
Pentangle are another folk supergroup Danny played in. What a discography!

zolpidem

12y↑2

thank god I'm alive and heard this... he's divine

jupiter moongauge

4y↑3

Beautiful tortured genius, I'm so lucky to have seen him play a number of times.

mcorso75

8y↑28

I'm 40 years old and embarrassed to think I have never heard of John till now. How could this happen .

Rylan H

mcorso75 it's rare

Carol McEvoy

7y↑7

Don't be embarrassed,..He was never main-stream. Rejoice in your find..happy listening

Dan Goguen

7y↑2

I'm your age (actually I'm proud to say I'm still 39 for a few more months. ha ha) and I'd never heard of him either. I friend posted this on FB and I decided to check it out. I'm glad I did!

PaperCup

6y↑2

mcorso75 - I don't know but just be glad it's happened now....welcome to Solid Air! :-)
I happened to be living in Hastings (an unfashionable former fishing town on the south coast of England) around the same (early '70s) time J & BM were living there, and was one of those who got to hear John trying out the album for the first time for live performance... testing the thing out on the locals...
Picture a not particularly large, dimly lit room above a tatty pub, packed with scruffy hippies and the unmistakable wafting aroma of burning cannabis sativa products, utterly entranced as he sat at the front and mumbled and sang like a shaman of things and places we knew, of returning home 'Over the Hill', of 'Bad Dreams by the Sea' and of bar-room brawls in local pubs... an unforgettable evening... Good to hear it's still finding new audiences and giving joy to others after all these years..

jupiter moongauge

Welcome to reality

5 More Replies...

Lee

13y

a truly beautiful album

Olivier Martin

Wonderful master piece ! play it several times !

Tomas Horn

10y↑73

james rinsampessy

7y↑1

thanx...............folkclubs?

DARKKISS

6y↑1

Tomas Horn Thank you

Samo Ljubesic

Tomas Horn # beautifull

Erwan Bléas

merci

MF Roma

Grazie!

Alec

Used to listen to John when I used to work on the oil rigs after a 12 hour solid shift , love his music

bradshawvincent

32w

Wow that must have been a real lonely spooky place to listen to it!

M E

6y↑2

Pofaced Jo

10y↑30

The soundtrack to my adult life.Thanks JM.
Saw you 3 times and you were drunk each time......and i was .....so it was amazing.

Jean De Souza

Very, very special. Timeless.

Shaggy Rogers

5y↑67

This song is so utterly incredible. I don't think many people have the same emotional connection that I have with Nick Drake's music so for me this is breathe taking. If you don't know the general jist or meaning of this song, allow me to elaborate. Nick Drake was and still is one of the most talented musicians who ever lived. Unfortunately, depression forced him to take his own life, and his music is almost a voyage through his mind. This song is dedicated to the friendship that John and Nick shared over his very short 26 years. The metaphor "Solid Air" can be interpreted that we are all living in air, it surround us. Now imagine once the air solidifies, unable to move, speak or breathe. These feelings can be felt mentally by suffers of depression, such as myself. Now go and read the lyrics with all this in mind. You're welcome. Your mind has been blown. Peace all round, there is always someone who cares, like me.

Rick Landers

5y↑7

There's some disagreement regarding whether Nick simply overdosed by mistake or purposely. His sister thought it was an accident as he was excited about the prospects of a new album project....not to say he didn't suffer from depression....he was quite unknown, even in the county he lived....I lived there within ten miles of him, I worked at Virgin Records and don't recall hearing his name, although I saw John Martyn twice and hung with Roy Harper at Abbey Road Studio and Pink Floyd (kind of...ate at the galley and they were behind us)...Nick was a genius......dropped out of Cambridge....very sad.

Ann Murray

3y↑1

Thank you

Sharon Mueller

2y↑2

Thx for taking the time for background on Nick Drake, his music and emotionalstate.just rediscovered John Martyn after decades and have a lot of catching up to do. Didn’t know Nick Drake, so will spend some time acquainting myself while bathing in Johns music once again. Thank you, all the best for staying far from the dreaded D

Jacqueline Crichton

I'm so happy to hear of that relationship. I don't have the correct words to tell you about your comprehensive appreciation of our John... Yes you've guessed it I'm just a wee Scottish lass. However he supported our local musicians in Ayrshire. Very sadly missed.

Helen

2y↑3

" I don't think many people have the same emotional connection that I have with Nick Drake's music ' That's a bit patronising tbh.
Most people will be listening to this track precisely because of the deep connection they feel.

2 More Replies...

Давит Карапетян

7y↑11

Why bother with the thumbs up/down thing?
Even if it has 10 000 thumbs down, the song is still there and beautiful, with a clear message for everyone who thinks that depression is caused by something outside their self-centeredness and delusions.

Greg Curran

5y↑4

Been a fan of Nick for years, but just discovered Martyn this morning; wow.

8a41jt

10y↑7

I've just today (no kidding) discovered John Martyn, only to find out he departed this earth four years ago. I kind of feel cheated, living in the US, not to have been exposed to him in his prime, which appears to be 1967-1978. At least he left his music behind; it's beautiful ... deep, soulful. I'm reading a lot of comments ragging on him for everything from his voice to the person he was ... I only hope I can leave behind something as beautiful and deep as this before I pass on.

Mark Lawrence

10y↑2

really glad for you and the world is so much poorer for his early leaving keep listening it gets better with age ;)

upsidedahead

Dude watch the documentary on him. It's NUTS!!!!🔥

upsidedahead

It's called Johnny Too Bad, I think you'll find it on YouTube. Enjoy

Robert Thomas

Twice seen live! awsome performance. My inspiration on the guitar.

Johnny Shamrock

12y

John Martyn and Nick Drake are two of my favourite artists ever Their works are stunning But for me its always gonna be George Ivan. It's all brilliant.Pleased to be living in these times

Emir E.Mardan

5y↑2

I never hear in my life something better then this <3

MrMalthus80

15y

Wasnt aware that john martyn had died. A great loss. A unique artist. R.I.P

mike hall

1y↑3

Sadly, the tenor saxophone player, Tony Coe, died just recently. (16/3/23). Tony was a genius in his own right, but that's another story!

Kevin Trebell

9y↑110

The most beautiful tribute to Nick Drake that could have been made I think.

Gilles Serrigny

3y↑8

Not a tribute. When John Martyn wrote the song, Nick Drake was still alive. Just a poignant message to a friend.

Kevin Trebell

3y↑2

@Gilles Serrigny That's a very fair point.

Gilles Serrigny

3y↑3

@Kevin Trebell Thanks. Fair play answer.

fabian rio

Sin dudas, un gran homenaje

Stiofán Ó Firghil

3y↑1

@Gilles Serrigny Said it live in Germany, that's written for a friend who suffered a nervous breakdown.. 👍

Ilyria Moon

13y

A REAL musician.

mechina mundi

brilliant John , performance and sound sublime

Treasureman

11y↑1

genius ! sadly missed! he played like he had 4 hands on that guitar

byrefilms

10y

Never got the chance to work with John Martyn, but guess that is Danny on Bass. One of the loveliest guys you could ever meet. RIP John! and thanks for the music.

Jim Curry

This is amazing.. a true fusion between folk & jazz .. in fact, I'd call it a folking jazz classic? 👍❤

Mustlord - Guitar-based Ambient

4y↑1

1:52 Those harmonics are blissful

toz71

The recorded tone of John's acoustic (Yamaha FG-180??) is the best I've ever heard. Would love to know how it was recorded in the studio.

WaterBoy xD

11y↑4

There's a live version of this song somewhere on YouTube, with that amazing double bassist with him - Live in Dublin, it is called, it is even better than this. Martyn is practically crooning into that microphone!

Vegan Vocalist

Oh my I loooooove this guys music ♥️

Think for Yourself

10y↑6

This song takes me back to the 1970s with such a wonderful aura this man really has soul feeling and was a pure genius i love john Martyn . so sorry i never got to meet you maybe on the other side brother Martyn

Rusty Y

5y↑3

I'm going through some ups and downs for the last few years, I sit down, put this on and then its like..well you all know don't you?...that's we we are listening to this amazing man.... just saying!!

Roel Lassche

10y↑17

Nick and John, PWEHHHHHH,doesn't get any better then this two,Rest in peace both of you and thanks for GREAT GREAT music.Listen to River man from Nick Drake;haunts people in there sleep.

Patricia Robertson

12y

Yes talent doesn't need publicity, it just is, and others spot it and carry the word, which is how it happened with John.

bjcollis

4y↑2

Ralph McTell introduced me to John Martyn, with his cover of John's song , May You Never. Back around 1976, I bought both LP's. Still have and still play. Thank you Ralph, thank you John (RIP)

Natashahoneypot

I searched for this. My recommended is being hijacked by x factor auditions and the chaos is making me feel physically sick. Thank you for this up load. The song came into my head today, I love the lyrics as well. I wish he was still with us in flesh. Met him once he was looking drunk and said some tender things.

Comprehensiveboy Comprehensiveboy

This is as good as it gets.

Car nut

Been a fan for ever John ......God bless you big man. Not sure we ever see the likes of you again.

Christian Adams

If anyone is still unsure that life is nothing but one fat illusion, the fact that this album sold diddly squat back in the day should surely erase any latent doubt!!

Bill Sellers

11y↑1

It this doesn't make you want to kick back, relax, and smoke a doobie I don't know what will. What a beautiful, mesmerizing song!

the mighty joe

a work of rare genius

Gilles Serrigny

3y↑1

This song is definitely the friendship anthem.

Midnightt Wolf

8y↑10

Listening to this song high is truly an amazing experience

Jenny Brachtvogel

omgggggggggggg righteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Galloway Pete

Sublime 😎

Steve Stockmal

Sounds great !!
It’s like he...
Learned to sing from Jazz trumpet/singer/scat master Clark Terry (look up “Mumbles”) 😊

...then taught Sia about annunciation !!

All of whom are GREAT and are personal heroes !

Roel Lassche

9y↑15

From a loving and worried friend for Nick so delicate and true,brings water to my eyes.what a loss.

Nigel Lewis

John Martyn a Brilliant Musician to me very underrated Musician God bless John RIP Thank's frt the Music!

bluesborn

15y

interesting approach-so murky and inarticulate,yet somehow serves the musical vision.I dig it.

Gibby

Such a perfect song and tribute to the late Nick Drake...

moncisco

12y

loved the album when i first heard it...and still do. r.i.p.

William Marshall

5y↑2

Seen John live in the dial Inn Glasgow one night. He popped in for a beer & ended up singing with #Scheme. Great night. RIP John.!

Colin Glass

36w

⭐⭐⭐ I'm so glad I got this album JOHN MARTYNS SOLID AIR LP my Favourite track of john Martyn wonderfull chill out sound had the album years ago what a perfect album treasure.

Dave-O

12y

Wow, great song.

David McGinley

8y↑2

I had the wonderful pleasure of playing this at the John Martyn festival about 4 years back (in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland) with the more-or-less original JM band with my friend Leslie Dowdall, super singer from In Tua Nua on vocals. Life hasn't been the same since...

Rylan H

David McGinley all slopes I imagine

Matthew Dolan

Master musician....

GelGsound

13y↑3

Thank you Uncle Tony for introducing me to this man's music.

Burt472

10y↑7

Had the privilege to see him perform in Italy many years ago..Unforgettable. Ciao John. Thanks.

Phil Penman

14y

The 'Solid Air' album is being reissued on 180g vinyl by Simply Vinyl ! Classic

SJ Haveland

11y

Still beautiful after all this time....great happiness, x

Julian Vickery

3y↑1

Zenny Green

12y

still sounds good

Jonathan Pochin

Great song

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