Daughter of Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, and the sister of Rufus Wainwright, she has frequently appeared on recordings by her family members, the McGarrigle Sisters and Family and has released several independent EPs. Wainwright released an independent cassette, Ground Floor, in 1997. The following year, her song "Year of the Dragon" appeared on The McGarrigle Hour, an album released by Kate & Anna McGarrigle. Shortly after this recording, Martha began singing backup vocals for her brother, and released the six-song EP Martha Wainwright in 1999.
Her full length self-titled first album was released in 2005, followed in 2008 by I Know You're Married but I've Got Feelings Too, and in 2009 by Sans fusils, ni souliers, à Paris: Martha Wainwright's Piaf Record. The Prosperpina Songfacts reports that her 4th album, Come Home To Mama, was recorded at Sean Lennon's studio in New York City. Speaking about the album, Wainwright said: "This record is a culmination of my life experiences so far. Everything changed for me a couple of years ago and this record is a representation of that and a return to the reason I started writing songs."
You've Got a Way
Martha Wainwright Lyrics
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When you are gone I'll cry
But until then I'll crack a smile
I'll stay dry for as long as I can
Oh baby, you've got a way with me
I will go home tonight
And rest my head on the sight
Oh baby, you've got a way with me, with me
And the birds fly high in the sky high
And we watch them, wishing and hoping
That we could be them
Oh baby, you've got a way with me
Oh baby, don't ever leave me
Martha Wainwright's song "You've Got a Way" is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to the overwhelming love and affection she has for someone near and dear to her. The first two lines of the song, "When you are gone I'll cry, When you are gone I'll cry" tells us that the person being sung to is most likely going away or perhaps leaving. However, instead of being a sad song, it chooses to celebrate the love being felt in the moment.
The lyrics say that although Martha will cry when the person leaves, she will hold on to the memories of their time together and keep smiling until then. She talks about resting her head on the sight of the person to remember and cherish the moment. The chorus of the song tells us that the person has a significant impact on her life, and she feels blessed for that person being there. The depiction of watching the birds in the sky and wishing to be like them is an expression of the couple's desire to be free like the birds.
In the end, Martha pleads with her partner never to leave her, as they mean the world to her. Overall, the song is a sincere and touching ode to a meaningful relationship with someone that she cherishes dearly.
Line by Line Meaning
When you are gone I'll cry
I'll be sad and emotional when you leave me.
But until then I'll crack a smile
I'll try to be happy and positive while you're still with me.
I'll stay dry for as long as I can
I'll hold back my tears and not let my emotions get the best of me.
I will go home tonight
I'll leave this place and go back to my own space.
And rest my head on the sight
I'll think of the image of you and find comfort in that.
Of you for as long as I can
I'll hold onto the image of you for as long as I can to get me through the night.
And the birds fly high in the sky high
We see the birds soaring up in the sky above us.
And we watch them, wishing and hoping
We watch the birds and desire to be free and unencumbered like them.
That we could be them
We yearn to have the freedom and carefree existence of the birds.
Oh baby, don't ever leave me
I don't want to lose you; please stay with me forever.
Oh baby, you've got a way with me, with me
You have a special power over me that I can't resist.
Oh baby, you've got a way with me
You have a unique and irresistible hold over me.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Martha Wainwright
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind