"Wizz began his musical career leading a Country and Skiffle band called "The Wranglers" in his home town of Croydon, Surrey in 1958. He had been inspired to take up the acoustic guitar a year or so before this after hearing such guitar luminaries as Big Bill Broonzy, Rambling Jack Elliot and Muddy Waters playing at a club in London organized by Cyril Davies and Alexis Korner (The Roundhouse in Wardour Street). Having learned most of his blues licks from Long John Baldry and Davy Graham whilst playing in the coffee bars of Soho, Wizz followed the time honoured trail - busking throughout Europe with many different musicians including at one time a budding young blues-man named Rod Stewart.
On returning to Britain in the early sixties, Wizz formed a blue-grass duo with banjo-picker Pete Stanley, a partnership which was to last for four years during which time Wizz and Pete recorded a single and LP Album for EMI. (Now available on CD with previously un-released bonus tracks on the Rollercoaster label).
Wizz and Pete went their separate ways at the end of 1967 and Wizz returned to solo work collaborating with songwriter Alan Tunbridge (an artist friend from the Soho days) and occasionally with guitarist Peter Berryman. He enjoyed considerable success throughout the 70's In Europe and Scandinavia both as a touring soloist and together with his wife Sandy in the group "Lazy Farmer" (the group's album due to be released on CD autumn 2005).
However back in England and several albums later - in spite of being often mentioned as an important early influence by artists such as Eric Clapton, John Renbourn and Ralph McTell (see Ralph's biog of Wizz), Wizz retained a certain "musician's musician" reputation, only occasionally playing club gigs and the odd festival spot sometimes with son Simeon on Sax, Harmonica and Flute. (As Billy Connolly says in the "Acoustic Routes" TV Documentary on Bert Jansch - "My friend Wizz has had a somewhat wispy career - now you see him now you don't!")
It was possibly as a result of Wizz's appearance in this film and the re-issue of some of his long lost classics during the 90's that Wizz began to enjoy a bit of a come-back!
More recordings followed notably on the U.S. based Scenescof label which led to Wizz's first trip to America (see review "Wizz Jones - 1st show in U.S.) and later on an appearance in the documentary film "The Ballad Of Rambling Jack Elliot" and even a gig in New York with Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth!)
Wizz celebrated his 65th birthday on April 23rd 2004 in London, together with Simeon and guest musicians at The Half Moon Putney and 2006 sees the release of a new DVD featuring Wizz and Simeon playing and talking to Martin Carthy.
With his unique guitar style, an eclectic repertoire and "a right hand worthy of Broonzy" Wizz continues to tour on the acoustic folk and blues circuit."
When I Leave Berlin
Wizz Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My mind is turning, my heart is yearning for you and Berlin
In Amsterdam I'll see my lady, I hope she'll love me
'Cause I'm gonna need her when I leave Berlin
Here today, but the wall is open, there are flowers alongside the Dunes
Here today, but the gates are open, mothers are weeping with their sons
I know for certain that I'm a free man when I leave Berlin
Here today, but the wall is open, there are flowers alongside the Dunes
Here today, but the gates are open, mothers are weeping with their sons
When morning comes and I leave Berlin
My mind is turning, my heart is yearning for you and Berlin
In Amsterdam I'll see my lady, I hope she'll love me
'Cause I'm gonna need her when I leave Berlin
When I leave Berlin
When I leave Berlin
When I leave Berlin
When I leave Berlin
The song "When I Leave Berlin" by Wizz Jones tells the story of a man who is leaving the city of Berlin and his lover behind. The first verse describes the man's internal struggle as he leaves the city, with his mind and heart torn between his lover and Berlin. He hopes that his lover will still love him when he meets her in Amsterdam. The second verse describes the physical changes to Berlin, with the wall being torn down and the gates being opened. However, amidst the celebrations, there are still mothers weeping for their sons. The final verse repeats the internal struggle of the man, with his mind and heart still longing for his lover and Berlin.
The song portrays a sense of melancholy and longing for a place and a person. Berlin, a city that has seen much division and conflict, is a symbol of both freedom and struggle. The man's struggle to leave Berlin and his lover behind, despite the changes that have occurred, reflects the human desire for connection and love in the midst of change and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
When morning comes and I leave Berlin
Every time I depart this city, I feel a sense of longing for it and the people I left behind.
My mind is turning, my heart is yearning for you and Berlin
I am consumed by thoughts of the memories I made in this city and the people I care for here.
In Amsterdam I'll see my lady, I hope she'll love me
I am going to Amsterdam to see my significant other and I'm anxious that they still feel as strongly toward me as I do them.
'Cause I'm gonna need her when I leave Berlin
As I transition from one place to another, I require the support of my loved ones.
Here today, but the wall is open, there are flowers alongside the Dunes
The physical barriers that used to separate us have been removed, and new life is flourishing in their place.
Here today, but the gates are open, mothers are weeping with their sons
Although we are now united, families were torn apart and suffered greatly during the period of division.
I know for certain that I'm a free man when I leave Berlin
Despite the hardships of leaving loved ones behind, I am grateful that I live in a time of greater freedom and opportunity.
Contributed by Muhammad B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
heywon77
He is a real living legend of British folk history.