By the age of 12 Simpson was playing guitar and banjo. In 1970, Simpson dropped out of college to become a full-time professional musician, touring folk clubs. In 1976 he recorded his first solo album "Golden Vanity". In the same year he opened for Steeleye Span on their UK tour. Teaming up with June Tabor, a folk singer who didn't play an instrument, Simpson toured folk clubs and appeared at festivals. They recorded three albums together, highlighting each other's complementary talents. There was a fluid jazzy feel about their approach to traditional material.
In the 1980s he moved to America, originally to Ithaca, New York then to Santa Cruz and finally New Orleans.
Over the next ten years Simpson became more and more adventurous, playing blues, bluegrass, cajun and even Indian-inflected music. He released a series of albums right through the 1990s, eventually moving back to the UK.
In 2003 he teamed up with June Tabor again. A readers' poll of the magazine "Acoustic Guitar" voted him as number 12 in the world in 2005.
In 2007 Simpson released "Prodigal Son". The 2008 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards voted it as best album. The fRoots critics poll voted it as the 7th best new album of 2007. It is a mixture of traditional songs and Simpson originals, the highlights of which possess a distinctly southern American flavor.
Simpson is now married to Kit Bailey, the daughter of the singer Roy Bailey, with whom Simpson occasionally performs. Martin and Kit now live in Sheffield and have a daughter.
Strange Affair
Martin Simpson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The time has come to travel but the road is filled with fear
This is a strange affair
My youth has all been wasted and I'm bent and gray with years
And all my companions are taken away
And who will provide for me against my dying day?
I took my own provisions, but it fooled me and wasted away
This is a strange, this is a strange affair
Oh, where are my companions?
My mother, father, lover, friend and enemy
Where are my companions?
They're prisoners of death now and taken far from me
And where are the dreams I dreamed in the days of my youth?
They took me to illusion when they promised me the truth
And what do sleepers need to make them listen,
Why do they need more proof?
This is a strange, this is a strange affair
Won't you give me an answer?
Why is your heart so hard towards the one who loves you best?
When the man with the answer
Has wakened you, and warned you, and called you to the test
Wake up from your sleep that builds like clouds upon your eyes
And win back the life you had that's now a dream of lies
Turn your back on yourself and if you follow,
You'll win the lover's prize
This is a strange, this is a strange affair
The song "Strange Affair" by Martin Simpson is about the fear and uncertainty that comes with aging and the inevitability of death. The singer paints a picture of a lonely journey, where he has lost his companions of youth - mother, father, lover, friend, and enemy, to death. He feels abandoned, unprepared, and frightened, as he faces the unknown road ahead. The lyrics suggest that the dreams he once had, the illusions that he believed in, have all turned out to be lies. He questions the need for sleepers to listen and wonders if they require more proof.
The singer pleads for an answer, asking why his lover's heart is so hard towards him when he loves her best. He urges her to wake up from her sleep and win back the life that is now a dream of lies. He encourages her to turn her back on herself, take a chance, and follow him to win the lover's prize.
The song touches on themes of mortality, loss, regret, and the fragility of dreams. It reminds us to appreciate the people around us while we have them because, in the end, death takes away even the most significant bond.
Line by Line Meaning
This is a strange affair
The situation I find myself in is unusual and confusing
The time has come to travel but the road is filled with fear
I am ready to embark on a journey, but I am afraid of what lies ahead
My youth has all been wasted and I'm bent and gray with years
I have grown old and regret that I did not make the most of my younger years
And all my companions are taken away
Everyone I used to know has passed away or moved on from my life
And who will provide for me against my dying day?
I am concerned about not having financial or emotional support in my final days
I took my own provisions, but it fooled me and wasted away
I had what I thought was enough to sustain me, but it turned out to be insufficient and useless
Oh, where are my companions?
I am searching for the people who used to be a big part of my life
And where are the dreams I dreamed in the days of my youth?
I wonder what happened to the aspirations I had when I was younger
They took me to illusion when they promised me the truth
The things I believed in turned out to be false and misleading
And what do sleepers need to make them listen,
I question what it takes for someone who is oblivious to wake up and pay attention
Why do they need more proof?
I wonder why some people refuse to believe something without hard evidence
Won't you give me an answer?
I am seeking a response or explanation from someone
Why is your heart so hard towards the one who loves you best?
I am puzzled by why someone would not reciprocate the love and devotion they receive from their significant other
When the man with the answer
Referring to someone who claims to have a solution or resolution
Has wakened you, and warned you, and called you to the test
This individual has tried to get your attention and challenged you to prove your worth
And win back the life you had that's now a dream of lies
By accepting the challenge, you can reclaim the life you once had that was built on deceits
Turn your back on yourself and if you follow,
If you shift your focus away from your own desires and follow this person's guidance
You'll win the lover's prize
You will be rewarded with the affection and devotion of the person you love
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RICHARD THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@robst247
June is the greatest folk singer that England has ever produced. Martin's accompaniment is sheer genius.
@TomBandfield
Martin Simpson backing June Tabor, singing a song written by Richard Thompson - how could this not be totally awesome?! :D Thanks to chrissuddes for uploading :D
@adriennekraft2381
June's voice is so expressive and beautiful. Martin is an astonishing guitarist. I love this cover of the Thompson song.
@MagicCarpetMusic
It took me a while to realise that so much of why I ADORE this performance is because of Martin Simpson's unbelievably beautiful guitar playing! Thank you, thank you both! xx
@EllJayAitch
When I have light and electricity I seek out the Silly Sisters on Youtube. Anything that they produce is frankly the best that female singers can provide.
@Cabronosidad
The perfect song for her wonderful voice. And what gorgeous twangy guitar work. Folk at its absolute best.
@yaisum
My god what a voice! And Martin, fabulous as usual. A glorious duet.
@WillFlyGuitar
What a wonderful combination: June Tabor singing, Martin Simpson playing, and Richard Thompson's composition. Perfect!
@mikeboardmansr6977
This song was my introduction to both Simpson's guitar and Tabor's almost haunting voice back in the 70's.
@dwebster50
So nice to be introduced to June & Martin by this lovely medium called You Tube... I truly enjoyed their ajoined union for this piece "Strange Affair" I have always loved to accompany a female vocalist & this dear lady has such a wonderfull voice. Martin you have made another fan ...wish I could hear & see you in your up and coming show in Toronto Ontario Canada.. I will keep an eye out for you Cheers & Thanks for posting this wonderfull video of arisans Dave W Calgary Alberta