Tilston is the daughter of acclaimed songwriter Steve Tilston and step-daughter of singer Maggie Boyle. She began writing songs at an early age. After attending drama school, she formed Mouse with guitarist Nick Marshall. They released two albums: Helicopter Trees (2000) and Tales (2001), and played many gigs and festivals throughout the UK and Ireland. Martha's solo debut, Rolling, was self-released in 2003, followed by Bimbling in 2004. In 2005 she assembled The Woods, including members of Semble, to record Ropeswing, which was given away as a free download. 2006 saw a full UK tour and the release of Of Milkmaids And Architects, which earned her a nomination for best new act in the BBC Folk Awards.
Her album Lucy And The Wolves was released in April 2010, and she spent the remainder of that year spent playing live, including supporting Beth Nielsen Chapman on her UK dates.
Her album Machines of Love and Grace was released in 2012.
http://www.marthatilston.co.uk
Golden
Martha Tilston Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
flew in like a comet
and I was on it.
It's all paper now
folded at the corners
to mark the date.
Oh he is golden
so I choose to tell him
no-no-no
no-no-no how can he love another
no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no
it's supposed to be me
I just keep talking,
talking & singing
tryin' to fill up space,
just in case.
It feels good
it's understood,
but then so much is
so much is
Oh he is golden
so I'm gonna tell him
and oh he loves another
no-no-no
no-no-no how can he love another
no-no-no how can he love another
no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no
Might move away
maybe to Ireland
or maybe to the sea
yes, to the sea.
I'm gonna move away
maybe to France
or to Portugal, Portugal
Oh he is golden
so I choose to tell him
and oh he loves another
no-no-no
no-no-no how can he love another
no-no-no how can he love another
no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no
it's supposed to be me
Well it's all over now,
but it flew in like a comet
and I thought I was on it.
The song "Golden" by Martha Tilston talks about a love triangle where the singer is in love with someone who is seemingly unattainable. The first verse describes how the relationship came to an end suddenly, symbolized by the image of a comet flying by. The use of the word "paper" to describe the relationship indicates that it was fragile and easily torn or destroyed. The singer expresses her feelings of love for this person who she describes as "golden," but also acknowledges that he loves someone else. This realization is a painful one for her, evident by the repetitions of "no-no-no" in the chorus, indicating disbelief and sadness.
The second verse shows the singer attempting to fill the void left by the lost relationship. She talks and sings continuously, trying to occupy her time and avoid thinking about her feelings. The sudden switch to "so much is" seems to indicate a sense of resignation, as if she is acknowledging that there is nothing more to say or do about the situation. In the third verse, the singer considers the possibility of moving away, perhaps to escape the pain of the unreturned love.
Overall, "Golden" is a heartfelt song about unrequited love and the pain associated with it. The use of metaphorical language such as the comet and the folded paper add emotional depth to the lyrics and enhance the song's overall impact.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, it's all over now
The relationship has ended
flew in like a comet
The relationship started quickly and intensely
and I was on it.
She was a willing participant in the relationship
It's all paper now
The relationship did not last
folded at the corners
The relationship ended at a specific point in time
to mark the date.
The memory of the end of the relationship is fixed in time
Oh he is golden
The man she is referring to is special and important to her
so I choose to tell him
She decides to express her feelings to him
and oh he loves another
He is not interested in her romantically
no-no-no
Expresses disappointment and sadness
no-no-no how can he love another
She cannot understand how he can love someone else
no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no
Reinforces her disappointment and sadness
it's supposed to be me
She believed that she was the one he should be with
I just keep talking,
She tries to fill the silence and emptiness of the relationship
talking & singing
She uses music and conversation to try to connect with him
tryin' to fill up space,
She tries to fill the void in the relationship
just in case.
She tries to keep the possibility of a relationship between them
It feels good
The relationship brings her some happiness
it's understood,
They both know that the relationship is not meant to be
but then so much is
The relationship has some value and importance
Might move away
She considers leaving their current town or city
maybe to Ireland
She considers moving to a different country
or maybe to the sea
She considers moving to a coastal area or island
yes, to the sea.
She is attracted to living near the ocean
I'm gonna move away
She decides to move away
maybe to France
She considers moving to a different country
or to Portugal, Portugal
She considers moving to Portugal
but I'm just dreamin'
Her plans to move are not yet set in motion
Well it's all over now,
The relationship has ended
but it flew in like a comet
The relationship started quickly and intensely
and I thought I was on it.
She believed that the relationship would last
Contributed by Aaliyah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
strangelittlebeing
I couldn't agree with you MORE. I first saw Martha at the Earth Spirit festival when I was about 9, and she has been my greatest inspiration ever since, even as a 19-year-old now she is still, in my eyes, the most enchantingly honest and soulful artist out there. No one can touch on Martha ^^
neonicko1
Wow! I just saw Martha in concert again + can't recommend her enough. She's a one off, utterly authentic, without any pretence. She creates a fabulous, magical, all-too-rare atmosphere with her natural style + humour - along with the top collection of musicians (10 of them!) on stage with her. Check her music out - she deserves to be totally globally treasured
g d
love her voice and this song
Rob Newell
Great stuff Martha !! Just love you live !!
Malene Jepsen
Love you Martha, saw you at Glastonbury this weekend and you made my day :)
Julian Collins
Beautiful.
scattynim
a lovely voice and a lovely person (from somebody who likes Skittles) :)
Claire
saw her at small world last year wckd :D