Spencer is the story of the prodigal son: the wanderer returned from the wild beyond. The song starts strangely in that the singer, who is not Spencer, claims that 'this tune was compos-ed by Spencer the Rover', yet the song proceeds in the third-person.
Martin uses his guitar sparingly, as an accompanying drone, much in the style of classic English folk accompaniment, such as that of Martin Carthy, which is unusual given Martin's normal predilection for acoustic pyrotechnics.
Nick Cave covered the song . The song has also been covered by Bob, John and Jill Copper and Jon Dudley on their Coppersongs3 CD.
Spencer the Rover
John Martyn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As valiant a man as ever left home
And he had been much reduced
Which caused great confusion
And that was the reason he started to roam
In Yorkshire near Rotherham, he had been on the ramble
Weary of traveling, he sat down to rest
Lays a clear flowing fountain
With bread and cold water he himself did refresh
With the night fast approaching, to the woods he resorted
With woodbine and ivy his bed for to make
But he dreamt about sighing
Lamenting and crying
Go home to your family and rambling forsake
'Twas the fifth day of November, I've reason to remember
When first he arrived home to his family and friends
And they did stand so astounded
Surprised and dumbfounded
To see such a stranger once more in their sight
And his children come around him with their prittle prattling stories
With their prittle prattling stories to drive care away
And he's as happy as those
As have thousands of riches
Contented he'll remain and not ramble away
This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover
As valiant a man as ever left home
And he had been much reduced
And caused great confusion
And that was the reason he started to roam
The song "Spencer The Rover" by John Martyn is a ballad that tells the story of a man named Spencer, who was once a valiant and prosperous man. However, he fell on hard times and was "much reduced," causing great confusion in his life. As a result, he started to roam around the countryside.
The lyrics describe Spencer's travels through Yorkshire, where he wandered until he came across a clear flowing fountain. There, he refreshed himself with bread and cold water before settling down to rest in the woods, where he had a dream that he should return home to his family and forsake his rambling. Finally, on November 5th, he decided to return home and was greeted warmly by his family and friends, who were surprised and astounded to see him after such a long absence.
The lyrics convey a sense of longing, restlessness, and ultimate contentment as Spencer traverses the rugged terrain of Yorkshire, reflecting on his life's choices and ultimately choosing the joy that comes with being with family, despite his reduced circumstances. The song's gentle melody and narrative style perfectly capture the essence of a traditional folk ballad.
Line by Line Meaning
This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover
The author of this song is named Spencer the Rover.
As valiant a man as ever left home
Spencer was a brave man who left his home on his own accord.
And he had been much reduced
Spencer had faced hardships that caused him to lose his wealth and status.
Which caused great confusion
The loss of his wealth had left Spencer feeling uncertain and lost.
And that was the reason he started to roam
As a result of his confusion, Spencer decided to go on a wander.
In Yorkshire near Rotherham, he had been on the ramble
Spencer had been wandering in the area of Yorkshire near Rotherham.
Weary of traveling, he sat down to rest
Spencer grew tired of his travels and took a break.
By the foot of yon' mountain
Lays a clear flowing fountain
With bread and cold water he himself did refresh
Spencer found a refreshing source of food and water in the form of a clear flowing fountain at the base of a mountain and used it to recharge and replenish his energy.
With the night fast approaching, to the woods he resorted
With woodbine and ivy his bed for to make
As night approached, Spencer took shelter in the woods and used woodbine and ivy to make himself a makeshift bed.
But he dreamt about sighing
Lamenting and crying
Go home to your family and rambling forsake
Spencer had a dream in which he was sad and crying, and was told to go back to his family and give up his wandering lifestyle.
'Twas the fifth day of November, I've reason to remember
When first he arrived home to his family and friends
Spencer remembers the day of November when he returned home to his loved ones.
And they did stand so astounded
Surprised and dumbfounded
To see such a stranger once more in their sight
Spencer's family was shocked and surprised to see him back home after his long journey.
And his children come around him with their prittle prattling stories
With their prittle prattling stories to drive care away
Spencer's children shared their stories with him to help erase any worries he may have had.
And he's as happy as those
As have thousands of riches
Contented he'll remain and not ramble away
Spencer is now happy despite having lost his riches, and has no desire to wander anymore.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ASHLEY HUTCHINGS, TRADITIONAL, SIMON CARE, PHILIP BEER, TREVOR FOSTERS, JOHN SHEPHERD, POLLY BOLTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ToddBoyle
This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover
As valiant a man as ever left home
And he had been much reduced
Which caused great confusion
And that was the reason he started to roam
In Yorkshire near Rotherham, he had been on the ramble
Weary of traveling, he sat down to rest
By the foot of yon' mountain
Lays a clear flowing fountain
With bread and cold water he himself did refresh
With the night fast approaching, to the woods he resorted
With woodbine and ivy his bed for to make
But he dreamt about sighing
Lamenting and crying
Go home to your family and rambling forsake
'Twas the fifth day of November, I've reason to remember
When first he arrived home to his family and friends
And they did stand so astounded
Surprised and dumbfounded
To see such a stranger once more in their sight
And his children come around him with their prittle prattling stories
With their prittle prattling stories to drive care away
And he's as happy as those
As have thousands of riches
Contented he'll remain and not ramble away
This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover
As valiant a man as ever left home
And he had been much reduced
And caused great confusion
And that was the reason he started to roam
@GladwynS
This song seems to be so much about me I might have to change my name to Spencer the Rover.
This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover
As valiant a man as ever left home
And he had been much reduced
Which caused great confusion
And that was the reason he started to roam
In Yorkshire near Rotherham, he had been on the ramble
Weary of traveling, he sat down to rest
By the foot of yon' mountain
Lays a clear flowing fountain
With bread and cold water he himself did refresh
With the night fast approaching, to the woods he resorted
With woodbine and ivy his bed for to make
But he dreamt about sighing
Lamenting and crying
Go home to your family and rambling forsake
'Twas the fifth day of November, I've reason to remember
When first he arrived home to his family and friends
And they did stand so astounded
Surprised and dumbfounded
To see such a stranger once more in their sight
And his children come around him with their prittle prattling stories
With their prittle prattling stories to drive care away
And he's as happy as those
As have thousands of riches
Contented he'll remain and not ramble away
This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover
As valiant a man as ever left home
And he had been much reduced
And caused great confusion
And that was the reason he started to roam
@julianvickery8341
British singer songwriter and guitarist John Martyn (1948-2009) Live at Sight and Sound in Concert performing "Spencer the Rover" (from the 1975 album "Sunday's Child"). https://youtu.be/v3JM5K99Jos
Lyrics:
This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover
As valiant a man as ever left home
And he had been much reduced
Which caused great confusion
And that was the reason he started to roam
In Yorkshire near Rotherham, he had been on the ramble
Weary of traveling, he sat down to rest
By the foot of yon' mountain
Lays a clear flowing fountain
With bread and cold water he himself did refresh
With the night fast approaching, to the woods he resorted
With woodbine and ivy his bed for to make
But he dreamt about sighing
Lamenting and crying
Go home to your family and rambling forsake
'Twas the fifth day of November, I've reason to remember
When first he arrived home to his family and friends
And they did stand so astounded
Surprised and dumbfounded
To see such a stranger once more in their sight
And his children come around him with their prittle prattling stories
With their prittle prattling stories to drive care away
And he's as happy as those
As have thousands of riches
Contented he'll remain and not ramble away
This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover
As valiant a man as ever left home
And he had been much reduced
And caused great confusion
And that was the reason he started to roam
@MrClampy1
There's something exceptional about John Martyn, it's difficult for me to articulate without sounding completely pretentious, but he seems to sing/perform from somewhere deep inside his soul and if you connect with that then you can't get enough of him and you're blessed. You see him as exceptional, certainly see him as a genius, and possibly as the greatest if there is such a thing. I don't do hero worship. Dangerous. But JM comes fecking close to my musical hero.
@34hedgehog
Well put. A unique, gifted artist, who lived life on his own terms. He wasn't for everyone, and he left a lot of 'smoking craters' in his wake, but he wouldn't have been the artist he was if he hadn't. I saw him live several times, will always treasure his music, and will always be grateful we shared the same space and time for a while.
@HrishiRao717
I understand this feeling, I really do. John Martyn is new to me but I am in love with this song, and watching the performance has given me insight into his motivations for doing music. It's clear that he finds joy in music above anything else and of course, it's the greatest thing to watch.
@jesseperrett3692
I met him twice after his shows..Originally turned off to his "mumbling" & then turned back as learned of the "droning" effect. It's lulling as a lullabye.. The man was as sweet as he was passionate. Ever hear about him projectile vomiting into a bucket while never missing a beat onstage? Lot's of those stories!~😁@@34hedgehog
@EvilSean62
i played with him a couple times ... he was wasted ... but he still played better than me ... he told me ... if you want to play drunk you have to practice drunk ....
@parrotbeaksunday
This is profoundly good. Perfect. If it’s this good on video I can only imagine how wonderful it was for those lucky enough to have been in that room that day.
@trabuquena
I'm 72 and have loved his music since I was 22.
He's one of those rare artists that can make you cry whenever you hear their voice.
Spencer the Rover for me is his most emotive song.
@ethandavis8090
At 17 he is my favourite artist by far. My dad has been playing his songs to me since I was born, so there is no other music in my life that I have a deeper connection to. He was a true genius and my biggest musical influence. I agree that this is his most emotive song
@trabuquena
@Ethan Davis
It's great that you're into music! Other favourites of mine are Tim Hardin, Chris Whitley and Sandy Denny. I seem to like artists that are no longer here!
Sandy Denny's voice gets me every time especially The Banks of the Nile when she was with Fotheringay.
@ethandavis8090
Sheila Samuda Thompson I’ll give them a listen! Thanks!