To those who commented about how 'tragic' John was, let me just say that I was fortunate to play with him, and befriend him. I spent more time laughing with John than almost anyone I can think of. He loved life, and lived it to the max, both the sorrowful and the joyous. I guarunfuckingtee you he didn't think of himself as tragic, but very fortunate, as indeed he was. Delighted to see over a million views of this gorgeousness.

@sammyhill69

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that. To be fair, I would probably say half a million of those views are from me lol

@mickleesongs

4 жыл бұрын

Dr. Sam ~ Given you appreciate both John and Billie, I'd love to know what you make of this ? kzread.info/dash/bejne/aJOYw7yHeJSrcrA.html

@juliejones8709

4 жыл бұрын

Lucky you........" Big" John RIP what else can I say. This is beautiful

@niallbyrne7562

4 жыл бұрын

Absofuckinglutely

@emmaogorman994

4 жыл бұрын

John Martyn has to be one of the best kept secrets in music history.

@irishelk3

9 жыл бұрын

BOWMANTUNES And Bert Jansch and Nick Drake.

@StevegarwoodNet

9 жыл бұрын

BOWMANTUNES Melanie Safka.

@irishelk3

9 жыл бұрын

Vashti Bunyan

@robs5815

7 жыл бұрын

lest not forget Davy Graham

@circleof5555

7 жыл бұрын

I agree. Hoy buckets@! How did it happen that I had never heard of him until about two months ago?

One of the most underestimated musicians ever

@irishelk3

9 жыл бұрын

Yeah he deserves to be in the rock n roll hall of fame

@davidlowney9997

7 жыл бұрын

He's in mine, that's all that matters

@CraigMansfield

7 жыл бұрын

David Lowney :) mine too

@michealcurrie8272

4 жыл бұрын

He was never underestimated at any time....unless

@sootyfoot

4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely!

I painted the cover to John's Apprentice album. He was an incredible singer song writer and he could play the guitar as good as anyone in music. Anyone at all.....

@tomhamilton5261

2 жыл бұрын

The apprentice is an amazing album-the cover directly relates to the song-excellent!

@obscurazone

2 жыл бұрын

Oh wow! I love that sleeve! And yes I totally agree, John was/is one of the most gifted singer songwriters ever.

Long time Nick Drake, Joni, Bob, Leonard, John Prine, Paul Simon etc. fan. Never heard of John Martyn before a couple weeks ago. Can’t express how fulfilled and happy this discovery has made me.

@johnlittle3430

Жыл бұрын

Surprised that it took any Drake fan that long to discover John, honestly. You're in for a treat. You probably know now that Solid Air was John's eulogy of sorts for Nick.

@Alfredocap

Жыл бұрын

@@johnlittle3430 I did not know. That is very interesting and touching. Gonna look into it.

@philoza1000

3 ай бұрын

You have an excellent and discerning taste in music. 😊

@philoza1000

3 ай бұрын

​@@johnlittle3430 I didn't know that. Do you know if they were friends?

@ljskates3624

3 ай бұрын

@@philoza1000they were friends

If you kissed the sun right out of the sky for me And if you told me all the lies that I deserve And if you laid all night in the rain for me Well, I couldn't love you more Just couldn't love you more I couldn't love you more And if you loved me 'til my eyes gave no more shine for you If you walked beside me all the long way home And if you wasted all of your time on me Well, I couldn't love you more Just couldn't love you more I couldn't love you more Just couldn't love you more And if you gave me all the things I'd never ask of you And if you showed me all the ways you have to cry And if you laid all night in the rain for me I couldn't love you more Just couldn't love you more Just couldn't love you more

@gillysparrowlegs

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for these !yrics, thi s was my husband's wedding song to me 20 years ago, I only listened to the tune then, now I am a bit disurbed by the lyrics, " If l laid down and died for you, I cou!don't love you more's EH! Is this love??!!

@sallyduros

3 ай бұрын

This is the song all struggling singer-songwriters want to create.

@lindaross4331

2 ай бұрын

@@gillysparrowlegs No, you misheard. "If you laid right down and died for me, I couldn't love you more".

I was a little too young to appreciate John Martyn when he was alive, but his music is the soundtrack to my childhood. My Dad played him at any oppurtunity; after an argument, travelling in the car with the sunset, late at night when the room was all smoky, sung to my Mum as a joke, but with so much love. All these little memories I cherish and for that, John is the greatest singer and songwriter there ever lived. His music makes me feel, and this song never ceases to make me cry. Thankyou. X

@lindaross4331

2 ай бұрын

💗

Saw him live 5 times... when he died I couldn't mention him at all for over 2 years. Shock and grief can do that. Now I just mourn. No RIP... he was here, now not, but this video is...more than enough to prove you existed. Well done JM! Luv ya!

@peteraustin370

Жыл бұрын

We share a VERY short space in time together.....and suddenly...sadly...it's gone...!!!!

@tonylocke1214

Жыл бұрын

I think I was very much the same. He touched my heart and mind more any musician after Jimi. And none have managed to do that since.

John's voice is transcendental.

This song amplifies my loneliness so much. It's a beautiful kind of sad though

@suzycute1456

3 жыл бұрын

I know exactly what you mean Evan. Such a beautiful song, it made me cry x

@michaeljohnston3741

3 жыл бұрын

Don't let the loneliness creep in my friend. We all have days where we feel alone, but we aren't.

@iemandiemandsen5499

5 ай бұрын

i read your comment today, 3 years later and i hope that you are not lonely anymore.Wishing you the best🙏

@fuckamericanidiot

2 ай бұрын

Sadness is better than emptiness xxxx

A little bit of jokey chit chat and then he starts singing. Pure bliss. Thank you John.

Imagine someone singing this to you? 😫

@mekflower1850

3 жыл бұрын

I wish I sang this to a friend who's with another

@philoza1000

3 ай бұрын

​@@mekflower1850That's sad 😢

If this song didn’t end, I couldn’t love it more

It's just amazing to me how intoxicated and out of it he seems to be between the songs, but when the music comes, it comes so naturally and beatifully beyond any doubt. He really was the perfect vehicle for the spirit of music. Such an inspiring artist!

@mixerD1-

2 жыл бұрын

That's because he was drunk.

@tescohudlpurple8855

Жыл бұрын

Seen him change his guitar string - talk about incredible - how he does it whilst talking - smoking - drinking etc + totally off his face - and in a flash all done. xxx

@fuckamericanidiot

2 ай бұрын

@@mixerD1- He was intoxicated because he was drunk.....great contribution there pal.

Only the most beautiful love song ever...

@alsavantjes

10 жыл бұрын

i agree.

I find it utterly amazing how he could have been quite so wasted and still play and sing his difficult and complicated songs impeccably - I can't play a single lick after a few drinks let alone play a concert for 100's of people, lol...he sure was an enigma 🔥

@CelticSaint

3 жыл бұрын

I agree. I've been playing guitar for 40 years but couldn't do this. I guess what we are seeing is genius in this video.

@MyMags8

2 жыл бұрын

I was lucky to see him at least 4 times at various size venues, (late 70s to mid 80s) each & every time he was superb. Many times people would throw a spliff/joint on the stage for him, he would take a puff or 3 and carry on in his genius unique style …..

Am stuck in traffic and close to tears because of this song - this is so beautiful.

@paulinedraper980

7 жыл бұрын

First time I've heard this beauty and I am crying. Sung with such passion. Genius!

Just discovered JM at 53 years old. I have literally not stopped listening to him for a month non stop. This is my all time favourite song .... Watched the documentary about him. In the first few seconds he says “yeah, I’ve been shot a coupe times, stabbed a few, I just prefer the company of lunatics” seriosity, you gotta love the guy.

The only thing that is tragic here is that his skills were not celebrated more widely. A virtuoso guitar player a songwriter and poet of the sublime kind.

Nothing Contrived, cheesy, and false. Just pure, simple music from the soul.

I sang this song to my wife on our wedding day with my friend playing the guitar !! John martyn was such an amazing artist just such a shame he had some many demons!! RIP 🙏🏻

@andreyspish

2 жыл бұрын

such a beautiful thing to do

Grew up listening to Mr Martyn from the age of 11 years old I have played for upto 12 hours a day since and I am now 61 years old this mans playing is absolutely one off I play his stuff and sing them but .............................god bless you mate

@gerimurray8519

3 жыл бұрын

nuff said he brought me to music ...

2 years on after hearing this song for the first time (this particular version), it is still the most beautiful song I have ever heard...

@WTCarr

2 жыл бұрын

Christ, this is good

@ksportz66

2 жыл бұрын

Same for me. I heard a cover by a guy playing at a friends party some months ago and found this.

@holzfallen

Жыл бұрын

I've listened to every version I can find, this is the ultimate one.

Classic Coronation Street brought me here. It's 28th march 2022...Peter was sitting at home, pining for Shelley...listening to this song and it definitely struck a chord with me. What a beautiful song🥰 Almost brought tears to my eyes. I had never heard of John Martyn before, but he definitely was talented. Rest in peace John and thank you for the good music🙏🏿❤️

@andym28

Жыл бұрын

We seen him at the Edinburgh Festival after a few whiskeys. I think he always had that look about him.

pure food and drink for the soul- 5 years he's been gone and I go back to him again and again. peace

@urgulp1554

5 жыл бұрын

9 and I'm still coming back for more!

Sometimes a song, like a beautiful poem, can distill the very purity of an emotion. It is a rare thing, and we are privileged to witness it here. Cheers John.

@pezushka

2 жыл бұрын

This is the perfect observation.

This is the one .... possibly my favourite song of all time ..... certainly my favourite of John's, I love it and what a brilliant version - discovered the song in 77 .... discovered this clip in 24 .... STOOD THE TEST OF TIME PEOPLE !!! So good John .... you are sadly missed❤❤😢

Johns voice is so unique, angelic, mesmerising, and his songs weigh in amongst the greats.

One of THE most beautiful songs by a truly beautiful man.

he got really unwell after lots of health and mental health issues, got very overweight and contracted pneumonia. He's completely wonderful. I love listening to him on a Sunday morning after a heavy night. Beautiful soulful voice...

Mr John Martyn is quite honestly just magnificent. And undoubtedly one of the greatest ever songwriters to ever come from the UK. In my top selection alongside other underrated artists like Cat Stevens, Labi Siffre and Robert Palmer. I'd pay big bucks to see that Supergroup.

@sarahwendy5087

5 жыл бұрын

RayAndPES you need to add ralph mctell to your list

@simonpreston1693

4 жыл бұрын

@@sarahwendy5087 I'd humbly suggest Richard Thompson would be a rather good addition, too.

@sevenantony7376

4 жыл бұрын

Jess Roden as well

@patkelly3966

4 жыл бұрын

Justin Sullivan too

John Martyn provided the soundtrack to me x my friends x family for over 30 years! A unique talent much missed.

Unmatched. I love the way he smiles when a glass breaks in the audience about half way through the song, which gives you an idea of the circumstances the song was written in. Brilliant John Martyn.

This is the best song ever written and played. The emotion put into it. Cannot be matched. Long live John

In love with this song...Just been sent it by the girl of my dreams...LOve john martyn but never listened too this properly... John you've made my world complete.. Thank you and i wish you were still here.. Absolute Legend... amazing Godlike Genius

Great song! A musician's musician. Left the building too soon!

@Kate1Chopin

6 жыл бұрын

I agree but he checked himself out so early. Sad. I loved him. 💕

@nigelkelly105

5 жыл бұрын

Peter O'Brien absolutely followed him from OGWT...SOLID AIR did it for me and have caught up with previous albums with Beverly too

The most beautiful love song ever written. Genius.

barely heard of him, pure genius, he must have refused to sell his soul. Thank you for sharing

I'd never heard of John until I'd watched Ashes to ashes last night and this song was hauntingly beautiful in the background. This guy is incredible.

The emotion he puts into this song kills me every single time. Surely one of the best love songs of all time

One of the best love songs there ever was or has ever been

My dad introduced me to John Martyn...and he is one of the best songwriters and musicians that I have ever encountered

Makes me cry every single time

I'm sure they're all up there, playing their music and keeping each other entertained, John, Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake.. all the ones that belong to one another

this gives my eyes a bladder problem..

@appledjerry

10 жыл бұрын

Johnny Boy would have liked that description.

@79steelymatt

10 жыл бұрын

Only a true John Martyn fan could have pulled that description-his voice is magical and so smoothing and it puts me in a good place everytime

@stephenjbradley9194

9 жыл бұрын

Keith Ellis if you're gonna use another great mans words Keith put em in quote marks its much more honourable than trying to make them your own.

@warmrainofficial

4 жыл бұрын

Janileigh Cohen 👌🏻😆

I feel so honored that i was able to see him twice in concert.What an amazing,heartfelt man he was in the flesh.

Clicking on the like thing here on KZread is a universe away from the appreciation we feel for this incredible man and the love for his music, and how much he is missed.

Sublime performance from a true great. Once seen live never forgotten! RIP John.

Genuinely one of the most moving, soulful and introspective songs I have ever, ever heard. Pure emotion and some strings.

John will never be replaced … everyone takes the wrong approach to emulate him … this music isn’t folk … it’s soul .. it’s about ‘getting it on’ … and it’s raw … it never existed before he created it …and in the process he willingly set some fires … one of my heroes

Takes me back to a place of happiness and learning, living in a tent and being properly me, for myself. His music is special and yet to be surpassed.

So beautiful, he was way ahead of his time.

@markharrison3963

8 жыл бұрын

+Nonamagic All the great singers/musicians are way ahead of their time. You're bang on the mark my friend.

I've loved John Martyn since the early 80's. I saw him live in Edinburgh. Was shocked at his passing. John you are missed.

3 dislikes they had no souls .thats why ...they couldn't stand the beauty of john martyn

I can't imagine what it must have felt like to be a part of that captive audience experiencing this performance in a room full of silent people

Here I am a grown man and this is the only song that has the power to bring tears to my eyes. I love it so much as it brings treasured memories.

I keep coming back to this and it simply gets better and better and better. Love the very bones of you John Martyn x

Most beautiful love song ever written. Makes me cry every time I hear it. RIP JM. Genius.

The most beautiful love song of all time xxx

John's music was playing next to my crib when I was a tiny baby. When I hear his voice it brings so many memories back to me. There can never be a match for him and the feeling and soul in his music. My mum met him once up in skye but she didn't realise until afterwards it was him ❤️

This always makes me cry.... It reminds me of how I could not hold onto my dear Lindy, the mother of my only son Oliver. In the end, distance got us. She felt neglected and she fell out of love with me. Thanks John for this one...... True Guy, as he seems to have developed a Scottish accent later

Friking beautiful, love you John

Never heard of him till I read Ian rankins rebus books Very good singer

Beautiful many a stoned night listening to this great,great tune thank you

So glad to have had John's music in my life for the last 32 years, he was a true genius, so blessed to have seen quite a number of his concerts over the years... God Bless you John.

Saw John play in Wolverhampton a few years before he died, so glad I did too! ✌️

The sheer beauty of this song is almost too much to take. It's also incredibly easy to play on guitar. But be warned, it's hard to stop playing it when you start. If there's anybody reading this who can't play the guitar, then buy yourself one and learn it. It shouldn't take more than a week to learn for a newbie. I've been playing for 25 years and to this day still find it one of the most satisfying things to play. Utter bliss!

This song makes me cry every time, makes me think of my dad, always playing John Martyn.

I don't how in the world more people don't know who John Martyn is...He's possibly the MOST underrated singer/songwriter of the 20th century! It was this song and "Over the Hill" that got me hooked on him...

Loved John Martyn, saw him at Lancaster University in late 70s, then lastly before he died, a small venue in Kirkcaldy fife Scotland, an under rated incredible talent

2:13 that's the face that you get when you remember a pretty moment with someone you love. That's it. That the face

@leonagnew895

5 жыл бұрын

it's because someone drops a glass in the crowd, makes him almost laugh

@mariamac66

4 жыл бұрын

@@leonagnew895 you kill me!!

@debbieraikesmay7528

4 жыл бұрын

@@mariamac66 m

@liampatterson2299

3 жыл бұрын

Proper just shat all over his lovely comment 😂

He’s tearing this shit up!!! Just voice and guitar. A lost art. Beautiful

I adore this ❤️ song... always brings tears 😢 to my eyes.... beautiful piece

Magic. Just magic. John was an immense talent - especially when singing from the heart. This has to be one of my favourite performances of his 👏🏻👏🏻

if you wasted all of your time on me.....amazing lyrics,amazing voice and one hell of a guitarist.

Simply beautiful. May his music live for ever. Cheers John xx

been playing john,s stuff for years had a jam and a drink with him once lol.....love u man RIP

@irishelk3

9 жыл бұрын

aw wow, what was he like?

@dudeman6113

9 жыл бұрын

irishelk drunk lol

@irishelk3

9 жыл бұрын

philippe andre haha!, and where did you meet him?

@dudeman6113

9 жыл бұрын

a little place called buckie in scotland

@dudeman6113

9 жыл бұрын

thanks for yr comments he was a great guy

My favorite version/performance of this song, thank you so much for sharing it with us!

Great memories of a great musician. Spent a few nights watching him in very cheeky smoke filled venues!!.genius

I'm bloody 54 and still can't believe John's beautiful voice only graced my ears about 3 years ago ... i sit in my garden and harmonise along with him... wish he was still with us ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 what soul and depth, stunning xx

Beautiful song and look at the guage of those strings man. Barbed wire.

Truly unique, could go from a soft whisper to a gravelly roar

Watching John live is such a treat. I love the juxtapose of his animated, nervous energy between songs and his sensitive music. RIP John, thank you for all the great music.

On his own. No one sounds like him. Beautiful. One of my first stoned record choices.

This is so heartbreakingly beautiful. I just discovered him and couldn't be any more thankful to Spotify 🙏

@karlconnolly3994

4 жыл бұрын

Hey..you should check out Nick Drake..the guy Solid Air is about..JM was seriously influenced by ND..whose story is very interesting and incredibly sad. JM loved Ireland and lived here ..I saw him several times..class act.but personally..? Nick Drake is the Daddy-o.

Wow, what a feeling my friend, million thanks. We, people who love this guy, will keep his memory alive.

I was lucky enough to see JM play life in Nov 1977 at Guildford UNI. I recall it to this day and, after many years rediscovered his music when I moved to Hastings in 2012. A master and innovator of music, he deserves to be more widely recognised.

At the age of ~13 my new then step father switched me on to John Martyn I am now 52 and still attempting to master the guitar, I have resigned myself to the fact its never going to happen but it brings me joy, both my step father (JC) and JM were true masters and I am eternally grateful.

Top class. Saw him live many times. A true Legend.

Tremendous posting, fondest memories of this tour when I saw him at the Liverpool University's Du Mountford Hall. So good! Sadly missed.

Perfection ❤

I don;t know John Martyn's story at all but in these videos I see a man bursting with creativity and love. If he had any struggle at all it was likely how to release all the beauty he saw into the world.

what a voice!!

The missus and I had this as one of the songs at our wedding, while we signed the register, along with a couple of Nick Drake tracks. Sale Town Hall, 25th October 2014. Beautiful.

@lassenilssonnn

4 жыл бұрын

Good choice. 😊

I've enjoyed Johns music since the early seventies, saw him a number of times at the Queens Hall and a Edinburgh Festival marque near Carlton Hill. Great music, fabulous guy, sorely missed, RIP John..... Gie it Laldy !!

My god this is incredible. I just came across this and I'm so glad I did.

Once in a while I come back to John Martyn. His purity of emotion, his honest and beautiful, stark, raw heartfelt display of soul is breathtaking. He blows me away every time I hear him. A rare and earthy talent which will never be repeated. He makes me fall in love with music all over again.

That's how you do it.. Perfect. Thanks for the video GuitarMan

This is such a beautiful song, puts me in a happy / sad place 😕

Timeless.