Balin was born Martyn Jerel Buchwald in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Catherine Eugenia "Jean" (née Talbot) and Joseph Buchwald. His paternal grandparents immigrated from Eastern Europe. His father was Jewish and his mother was Episcopalian. Buchwald attended Washington High School in San Francisco, California.
In 1962, Buchwald changed his name to Marty Balin, and began recording with Challenge Records, releasing the singles "Nobody But You" and "I Specialize in Love". By 1964, Balin was leading a folk music quartet called The Town Criers.
Balin was the primary founder of Jefferson Airplane, which he "launched" from a restaurant-turned-club he created and named the Matrix, and was also one of its lead vocalists and songwriters from 1965 to 1971. In the group's famous 1966-1971 iteration, Balin served as co-lead vocalist alongside Grace Slick and rhythm guitarist Paul Kantner.
While his output diminished after Surrealistic Pillow (1967) as Slick, Kantner, and lead guitarist Jorma Kaukonen matured as songwriters (a process compounded by Balin's eschewal of the group's burgeoning "ego trips"), his most enduring songwriting contributions—which were often imbued with a romantic, pop-oriented lilt that was atypical of the band's characteristic forays into psychedelic rock—include "Comin' Back to Me" (a folk rock ballad later covered by Ritchie Havens and Rickie Lee Jones), "Today" (a collaboration with Kantner initially written on spec for Tony Bennett that was prominently covered by Tom Scott), and again with Kantner, the topical 1969 top-100 hit "Volunteers." Although uncharacteristic of his oeuvre, the uptempo "3/5 of a Mile in 10 Seconds" and "Plastic Fantastic Lover" (both written for Surrealistic Pillow) remained integral components of the Airplane's live set throughout the late 1960s.
Balin played with the Jefferson Airplane at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and at the Woodstock Festival in 1969.
In December 1969, Balin was knocked unconscious by Hell's Angels while performing during the infamous Altamont Free Concert, as seen in the 1970 documentary film Gimme Shelter. In April 1971, he formally departed Jefferson Airplane after breaking off all communication with his bandmates following the completion of their autumn 1970 American tour. He elaborated upon this decision in a 1993 interview with Jeff Tamarkin of Relix: "I don't know, just Janis's death. That struck me. It was dark times. Everybody was doing so much drugs and I couldn’t even talk to the band. I was into yoga at the time. I’d given up drinking and I was into totally different area, health foods and getting back to the streets, working with the American Indians. It was getting strange for me. Cocaine was a big deal in those days and I wasn’t a cokie and I couldn’t talk with everybody who had an answer for every goddamn thing, rationalizing everything that happened. I thought it made the music really tight and constrictive and ruined it. So after Janis died, I thought, I’m not gonna go onstage and play that kind of music; I don’t like cocaine."
Balin remained active in the San Francisco Bay Area rock scene, managing and producing an album for the Berkeley-based sextet Grootna before briefly joining funk-inflected hard rock ensemble Bodacious DF as lead vocalist on their eponymous 1973 debut. The following year, Kantner asked Balin to write a song for his new Airplane offshoot group, Jefferson Starship. Together, they wrote the early power ballad "Caroline", which appeared on the album Dragon Fly with Balin as guest lead vocalist.
Rejoining the team he had helped to establish, Balin became a permanent member of Jefferson Starship in 1975; over the next three years, he contributed to and sang lead on four top-20 hits, including "Miracles" (number three, a Balin original), "With Your Love" (number 12, a collaboration between Balin, former Jefferson Airplane drummer Joey Covington, and former Grootna lead guitarist Vic Smith), a cover of Jesse Barish's "Count on Me" (number 8), and N.Q. Dewey's "Runaway" (number 12). Nevertheless, Balin's relationship with the band was then beleaguered by manifold interpersonal problems, including Slick's longstanding alcoholism and his own reticence toward live performances. He abruptly left the group in October 1978 shortly after Slick's departure from the band.
In 1979, Balin produced a rock opera entitled Rock Justice, about a rock star who was put in jail for failing to produce a hit for his record company, based on his experiences with the lawsuits fought for years with former Jefferson Airplane manager Matthew Katz. The cast recording was produced by Balin, but it did not feature him in performance.
Balin continued with EMI as a solo artist, and in 1981, he released his first solo album, Balin, featuring two Jesse Barish songs that became top-40 hits, "Hearts" (number eight) and "Atlanta Lady (Something About Your Love)" (number 27). This was followed in 1983 by a second solo album, Lucky, along with a Japanese-only EP produced by EMI called There's No Shoulder. Balin's contract with EMI ended shortly after.
In 1985, he teamed with Paul Kantner and Jack Casady to form the KBC Band. After the breakup of the KBC band, a 1989 reunion album and tour with Jefferson Airplane followed.
Balin continued recording solo albums in the years following the reunion, and reunited with Kantner in the latest incarnation of Jefferson Starship.
Balin had intended to record lead vocals for two tracks for Jefferson Starship's album, Jefferson's Tree of Liberty. However, his art touring schedule conflicted with studio sessions, and instead, the track "Maybe for You", from the German release of Windows of Heaven, was included.
On July 2, 2007, the music-publishing firm Bicycle Music, Inc. announced that it had acquired an interest in songs written or performed by Balin, including hits from his days with Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship.
Balin, along with other members of the Jefferson Airplane/Starship bands, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. As a member of the Jefferson Airplane, he was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
Balin had also enjoyed painting all his life. He painted many of the most influential musicians of the last half of the 20th century. Marty Balin's Atelier is located at 130 King Fine Art in Saint Augustine, Florida, Balin's permanent signature collection gallery.
Balin resided in Florida and San Francisco with his wife, Susan Joy Balin, formerly Susan Joy Finkelstein. Together, they had Balin's daughters Jennifer Edwards and Delaney Balin, and Susan's daughters Rebekah Geier and Moriah Geier.
Jennifer was born later in the year of his 1963 marriage to Victoria Martin. Balin married Karen Deal, Delaney's mother, in 1989. Karen died in 2010.
While on tour in March 2016, Balin was taken to Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in New York City after complaining of chest pains. After undergoing open-heart surgery, he was transferred to an intensive-care unit to spend time recovering. In a subsequent lawsuit, Balin alleged that neglect and inadequate care facilities on the hospital's behalf had resulted in a paralyzed vocal cord, loss of his left thumb and half of his tongue, bedsores, and kidney damage.
Balin died on September 27, 2018 at the age of 76.
Discography
Balin (1981)
Lucky (1983)
There's No Shoulder (1983) (EP, Japan only)
Better Generation (1991)
Freedom Flight (1997)
Marty Balin Greatest Hits (1999) (new recordings)
Marty Balin (2003)
Nashville Sessions (2008)
Time For Every Season (2009)
Blue Highway (2010)
The Witcher (2011)
Good Memories (2015)
The Greatest Love (2016)
with Bodacious DF
Bodacious DF (1973)
with KBC Band
KBC Band (1986)
compilations
Balince (1990)
Wish I Were (1995) (Europe only)
Mercy of the Moon: The Best of Marty Balin (2009)
Nothin' 2 Lose: The Lost Studio Recordings (2009)
415 Music: Rare Studio & Live Recordings 1980-82 (2011)
Solo singles
Year Title Peak chart
positions Record Label B-side Album
US AC Rock
1962 "Nobody but You" — — — Challenge Records "You Made Me Fall"
"You Are the One" — — — "I Specialize in Love"
1981 "Hearts" 8 9 20 EMI America Records "Freeway" Balin
"Atlanta Lady (Something About Your Love)" 27 11 — "Lydia!"
1983 "What Love Is" 63 — — "Heart of Stone" Lucky
"Do It for Love" 102 17 — "Will You Forever"
Miracles
Marty Balin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
I might have to move Heaven and Earth to prove it to you, baby (baby)
And there's really nothing we can't do
(You know we could, you know we could)
If we wanted to
(You know we could, you know we could)
We could exist on the stars, it was so easy
(Oh baby)
All we got to do is get a little faith in you
Whoa, I've been so many places I've seen some things (yes I have)
I know that love is the answer (yes it is)
Keeps holding this world together (oh yeah)
Ain't nothing better? Ain't nothing better? (Nothing's better)
And all the answers to our prayers
Hell, it's the same everywhere (just the same now)
Nothing ever breaks up the heart (love's a game now)
Only your tears give you away (ain't it a shame now)
When you're right where I found you (oh baby)
With my arms around you (oh baby)
Baby, baby
Love is a magic word if you ever find inner life
But from that very first look in your eyes
I see you and I have but one heart
Only our bodies were apart (it's making me crazy)
That was so easy, so easy
I had a taste of the real world (just a drop of it)
When I went down on you, girl, oh
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles, (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles, (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
I can hear windmills and rainbows whenever you talkin' to me
(Never say never)
I feel like swirling and dancing whenever you walk in with me (whenever, whenever you walk with me)
You ripple like the river when I touch you (let me touch you)
Then I pluck your body like a string (show you what I mean)
Then I start dancing inside you (oh baby, a love song)
Oh baby in a love song, aw baby
(Love song) aw baby (love song) aw baby (love song)
Oh yeah, yeah, alright
Baby we're sure doin' it tonight (baby we're sure doing it)
Every time you come by let me try (come on by)
Pretty please, with sugar on it, that's how I like it, uh
I can't even believe it with you
It's like having every dream I ever wanted
(Dream of a lifetime) come true
I picked up your vibes, you know (I'm having a fine time)
It opened my mind but I'm still dreaming
Yeah (yeah, oh)
And you're right where I found you, with my arms around you (oh baby)
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles, (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
So would I
So would I
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
The song "Miracles" by Marty Balin is an uplifting ballad about the power of love and faith. The lyrics express the idea that anything is possible with belief in miracles, and that the love between two people has the potential to move mountains. The song emphasizes that there is a deep connection between physical and emotional passion, as the singer describes the intensity of his feelings for his lover.
In the first verse, Balin sings: "If only you believe like I believe, baby / We'd get by / If only you believe in miracles." Here, the singer expresses that if only his lover could believe in the power of miracles, they could overcome any hurdle together. He goes on to describe the intensity of their physical and emotional connection, singing: "So we're making love, you feel the power / And I feel the power / And there's really nothing we can't do."
Throughout the song, Balin repeats the phrase "if only you believe like I believe," emphasizing the idea that faith in oneself and one's partner can overcome any obstacle. He also ruminates on the importance of love and connection, singing: "Love is the answer, keeps holding this world together / Ain't nothing better." Finally, the song culminates in a celebration of physical and emotional union, with Balin singing: "We're sure doing it tonight."
Overall, "Miracles" is a powerful testament to the potency of love and the importance of faith in oneself and in one's partner.
Line by Line Meaning
If only you believe like I believe, baby
If only you share my beliefs
We'd get by
We can overcome any obstacle
If only you believe in miracles
If only you have faith in the extraordinary
If only you believed in miracles so would I
If only you shared my faith in the extraordinary, I would too
I might have to move Heaven and Earth to prove it to you, baby
I might have to do something extraordinary to convince you
So we're making love, you feel the power and I feel the power
Our physical intimacy gives us a sense of empowerment
And there's really nothing we can't do
Together, we are capable of achieving anything
(You know we could, you know we could)
We have the potential
We could exist on the stars, it was so easy
Our love is so strong, it feels like we could accomplish the impossible
All we got to do is get a little faith in you
All we need is for you to have a little faith
Whoa, I've been so many places I've seen some things (yes I have)
I've had many experiences
I know that love is the answer (yes it is)
I believe that love is the solution to everything
Keeps holding this world together (oh yeah)
Love is what keeps the world glued together
Ain't nothing better? Ain't nothing better? (Nothing's better)
Is there anything better than love? Nothing.
And all the answers to our prayers
Love can answer all our prayers
Hell, it's the same everywhere (just the same now)
Love is universal and always the same
Nothing ever breaks up the heart (love's a game now)
Love is something that can never be broken
Only your tears give you away (ain't it a shame now)
Your tears are the only thing that betray you
When you're right where I found you (oh baby)
When we're together
With my arms around you (oh baby)
When I am holding you
Baby, baby
My love
Love is a magic word if you ever find inner life
Love is a powerful force that can change your life
But from that very first look in your eyes
Since I first saw you
I see you and I have but one heart
I feel like we are one person
Only our bodies were apart (it's making me crazy)
Although we are physically separate, emotionally we are one
That was so easy, so easy
Our love comes naturally
I had a taste of the real world (just a drop of it)
I experienced reality, but only a little bit of it
When I went down on you, girl, oh
When I got intimate with you
I can hear windmills and rainbows whenever you talkin' to me
The sound of your voice is enchanting
(Never say never)
Anything is possible
I feel like swirling and dancing whenever you walk in with me (whenever, whenever you walk with me)
I feel giddy and excited when we're together
You ripple like the river when I touch you (let me touch you)
Your body responds to my touch
Then I pluck your body like a string (show you what I mean)
I am intimately exploring your body
Then I start dancing inside you (oh baby, a love song)
Our intimacy is like a dance
Oh baby in a love song, aw baby
Our love is a song
(Love song) aw baby (love song) aw baby (love song)
Our love is a beautiful song
Oh yeah, yeah, alright
I am feeling good
Baby we're sure doin' it tonight (baby we're sure doing it)
Our physical intimacy is amazing tonight
Every time you come by let me try (come on by)
Every time you visit
Pretty please, with sugar on it, that's how I like it, uh
Can we be intimate, please?
I can't even believe it with you
Being with you is like a dream come true
It's like having every dream I ever wanted
Being with you fulfills all my dreams
(Dream of a lifetime) come true
My wildest dream has come true
I picked up your vibes, you know (I'm having a fine time)
I am enjoying every moment with you
It opened my mind but I'm still dreaming
Being with you has opened my mind to new possibilities
Yeah (yeah, oh)
I am enjoying this moment
So would I
I would also believe in miracles
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Marty Balin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@zeenasworld
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
I might have to move Heaven and Earth to prove it to you, baby (baby)
So we're making love, you feel the power and I feel the power
And there's really nothing we can't do
(You know we could, you know we could)
If we wanted to
(You know we could, you know we could)
We could exist on the stars, it was so easy
All we got to do is get a little faith in you
Whoa, I've been so many places I've seen some things (yes I have)
I know that love is the answer (yes it is)
Keeps holding this world together (oh yeah)
Ain't nothing better? Ain't nothing better? (Nothing's better)
And all the answers to our prayers
Hell, it's the same everywhere (just the same now)
Nothing ever breaks up the heart (love's a game now)
Only your tears give you away (ain't it a shame now)
When you're right where I found you (oh baby)
With my arms around you (oh baby)
Baby, baby
Love is a magic word if you ever find inner life
But from that very first look in your eyes
I see you and I have but one heart
Only our bodies were apart (it's making me crazy)
That was so easy, so easy
I had a taste of the real world (just a drop of it)
When I went down on you, girl, oh
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles, (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles, (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
I can hear windmills and rainbows whenever you talkin' to me
(Never say never)
I feel like swirling and dancing whenever you walk in with me (whenever, whenever you walk with me)
You ripple like the river when I touch you (let me touch you)
Then I pluck your body like a string (show you what I mean)
Then I start dancing inside you (oh baby, a love song)
Oh baby in a love song, aw baby
(Love song) aw baby (love song) aw baby (love song)
Oh yeah, yeah, alright
Baby we're sure doin' it tonight (baby we're sure doing it)
Every time you come by let me try (come on by)
Pretty please, with sugar on it, that's how I like it, uh
I can't even believe it with you
It's like having every dream I ever wanted
(Dream of a lifetime) come true
I picked up your vibes, you know (I'm having a fine time)
It opened my mind but I'm still dreaming
Yeah (yeah, oh)
And you're right where I found you, with my arms around you (oh baby)
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles, (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
So would I
So would I
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
If only you believe like I believe, baby (if only you believe like I believe)
We'd get by
If only you believe in miracles (if only you believed in miracles so would i)
@foreignfilmfan711
Marty’s voice is achingly beautiful, and when Grace adds her sexy, sensuous parts, it’s almost too much to bear. Loved it when I first heard it in college, love it even more 40+ years later. ❤ one of the best love songs of all time
@hepradio3706
This song is a masterpiece!😎
@raidermike15216
❤
@andywinslow9638
Damn right it is
@barbb.6407
Miracles is the most sensuous song I've ever heard. Love every word. At 70, I'm still playing this over and over for me and my husband of 51 years as we enjoy and explore each other after all these years. We are still very passionate and this song is truly
a Miracle that keeps the flame burning. The lyrics and melody ignite our hearts and souls. RIP Marty. His inspiration lives on!
@williamfranklin8850
god bless you both 51 years classic
@barbb.6407
@@williamfranklin8850 Thanks, William.
@loveinthemidst5841
Super beautiful!
🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹
@SuzyQpip
That’s so wonderful! I agree, this is the most sensual song I’ve ever heard!
@ermabarth3025
Me 2 going to.see them in concert