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.
The Message
John Martyn Lyrics
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I'm trying to tell you're all right
Every day and every night
I try to tell you it's black and white.
And though I know it's your life and your time
And I know that it makes you feel fine
Don't you know that it's wrong
Step we gaily on we go
Heel for heel and toe for toe
Arm and arm and row and row
All for Mhairi's wedding.
Plenty herring, plenty meal
Plenty fish to fill the creel
Plenty bonnie bairns as well
That's the toast for Mhairi.
Every day and all night
You're trying to tell me you're all right
Every day and all night
You're trying to tell me it's black and white.
And though I know that it makes you feel fine
And I know it's your life and your time
Don't you know that it's wrong
If you let life do that to you, love.
Step we gaily on we go
Heel for heel and toe for toe
Arm and arm and row and row
All for Mhairi's wedding.
Plenty herring, plenty meal
Plenty fish to fill the creel
Plenty bonnie bairns as well
That's the toast for Mhairi.
Step we gaily on we go
Heel for heel and toe for toe
Arm and arm and row and row
All for Mhairi's wedding.
Plenty herring, plenty meal
Plenty fish to fill the creel
Plenty bonnie bairns as well
That's the toast for Mhairi
The lyrics to John Martyn's song "The Message" seem to be a combination of two different songs. The first set of lyrics talks about the singer trying to convince someone that they are "alright" and that life isn't just black and white. The second set of lyrics are more jovial, describing a celebration for Mhairi's wedding with plenty of food, drink, and merriment.
The juxtaposition between these two sets of lyrics is interesting, as it leaves the listener wondering if there is a deeper connection between them. Perhaps the singer is suggesting that even in the midst of celebration and happiness, life can still be complex and challenging. The repetition of the lines "step we gaily on we go" and "plenty herring, plenty meal" add to the festive tone of the song, but also create a sense of repetition and routine, highlighting the monotony of everyday life.
Line by Line Meaning
Contributed by Alexis L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.