John Martyn — Bless The Weather
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Length: 4:24
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Time after time, I held it,
Just to watch it die.
Line after line, I loved it,
Just to watch it cry.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the storm that takes you away.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the storm that takes you home.
Wave after wave, I watched it,
Just to watch it turn.
Day after day, I cooled it,
Just to watch it burn.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the storm that takes you home.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the storm that takes you away.
Pain after pain I stood in,
Just to see how it would feel.
Rain after rain I stood in,
Just to make it real.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the day you go away.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the storm that takes you away.
Time after time, I held it,
Just to watch it die.
Line after line, I held it,
Just to watch it cry.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the storm that takes you away.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the storm that takes you away.
Just to watch it die.
Line after line, I loved it,
Just to watch it cry.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the storm that takes you away.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the storm that takes you home.
Wave after wave, I watched it,
Just to watch it turn.
Day after day, I cooled it,
Just to watch it burn.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the storm that takes you home.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the storm that takes you away.
Pain after pain I stood in,
Just to see how it would feel.
Rain after rain I stood in,
Just to make it real.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the day you go away.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the storm that takes you away.
Time after time, I held it,
Just to watch it die.
Line after line, I held it,
Just to watch it cry.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the storm that takes you away.
Bless the weather that brought you to me,
Curse the storm that takes you away.
Comments (99)add comment
A story… I was doing set/party/stage design in London and along comes a younger muso type that spent time with Mr. Martyn. Well basically my new friend and work mate was in charge of attempting to keep him sober so he could work. My new friend became a rolling drunk/junkie and managed to pull himself together a bit by the time I had met him. He attributes his decline to Mr. Martyns relentless binging on anything he could find and in being his keeper he had to try to keep him happy… John Martyn was a brilliant musical genius and a terrible addict.
If anyone compares this brilliant songwriter(not person) to anyone else they are bloody ignorant. This music is transcendent.
ScottishWillie wrote:
Read Chris Blackwell's autobiography. Lots of stories about Island, and their commitment to artists and music instead of maximum profit. I suspect Mr Martyn would not have lasted long at other labels, but his bad behavior was tolerated because of his extraordinary talent.
Island records must have been an amazing place to be in the late 60’s early 70’s. You would have had Nick Drake, Jethro Tull, Traffic, John Martyn and the Richard Thompson/Sandy Denny era Fairport Convention all kicking about the studio.
Read Chris Blackwell's autobiography. Lots of stories about Island, and their commitment to artists and music instead of maximum profit. I suspect Mr Martyn would not have lasted long at other labels, but his bad behavior was tolerated because of his extraordinary talent.
Jesse Colin Youngish
Lots of people, including me, really regretted him giving up acoustic guitar songs.
He was a violent thug who would pick a fight with strangers for the sake of it. He was not a liked man.
He looks SO young.
one of the best songs ever written, man was a genius musically (a tortured torturing soul). Saw him perform a few times in Scotland, outstanding 😢🌹
NelsonBlack wrote:
The heavens know the brightest stars always burn out the fastest. Better than to rust as Neil Young says, I guess.
But on the other hand, Neil is in his seventies so he could've been wrong.
Apparently, a real jerk as a human being according to Beverly (Kuttner) Martyn, his ex-wife and the fans that watched as he drank his way through many of his concerts. Still, I saw him once with nothing but an acoustic guitar and some effects boxes do magic. And I have many many many of his albums because of the transcendent music he was still able to produce over the years.
The heavens know the brightest stars always burn out the fastest. Better than to rust as Neil Young says, I guess.
But on the other hand, Neil is in his seventies so he could've been wrong.
NelsonBlack wrote:
I saw him multiple times in concert and he drank heavily every time! But it didn't affect his playing one bit! I even saw him in concert with his ex-wife once. I'm not sure who was doing who a favour. Also, the tribute album after his death is worth a listen.
Apparently, a real jerk as a human being according to Beverly (Kuttner) Martyn, his ex-wife and the fans that watched as he drank his way through many of his concerts. Still, I saw him once with nothing but an acoustic guitar and some effects boxes do magic. And I have many many many of his albums because of the transcendent music he was still able to produce over the years.
I saw him multiple times in concert and he drank heavily every time! But it didn't affect his playing one bit! I even saw him in concert with his ex-wife once. I'm not sure who was doing who a favour. Also, the tribute album after his death is worth a listen.
When I heard this I thought it might be David Crosby, high praise from me.
Apparently, a real jerk as a human being according to Beverly (Kuttner) Martyn, his ex-wife and the fans that watched as he drank his way through many of his concerts. Still, I saw him once with nothing but an acoustic guitar and some effects boxes do magic. And I have many many many of his albums because of the transcendent music he was still able to produce over the years.
apparently Mark Almond's twin brother...
speaking of, how about some Mark Almond?
speaking of, how about some Mark Almond?
Great transition over the past songs! Brilliant.
Say high to Leigh Gooder & Samuel McAlpine!
Sorry too ...
modest_mouse wrote:
The music is so much better than the cover of the album... 
No kidding. That cover is so wussy that I almost didn't listen to the music. Fortunately I then did.
No kidding. That cover is so wussy that I almost didn't listen to the music. Fortunately I then did. One of my favourite songs by one of my favourite artists......and now a rainbow's just appeared out my window, trippy!!
BillG, you introduced this song by the Irish singer songwriter... John Martyn,
According to Wikipedia he was born in London, England to an English mother and a Scottish father.
That makes him English and British.
I saw him play live in Belfast in the early 1970's and he spoke with an English accent.
I note he died in the Republic of Ireland and for all I know he may have applied to become an Irish citizen... but no matter what his passport or citizenship was at the end, he definitely will always be English or British.
Don't get me wrong, I would have loved to call him as one of our own , but sadly, no.
According to Wikipedia he was born in London, England to an English mother and a Scottish father.
That makes him English and British.
I saw him play live in Belfast in the early 1970's and he spoke with an English accent.
I note he died in the Republic of Ireland and for all I know he may have applied to become an Irish citizen... but no matter what his passport or citizenship was at the end, he definitely will always be English or British.
Don't get me wrong, I would have loved to call him as one of our own , but sadly, no.
From Beth Orton singing John's song "Don't Wanna know 'bout Evil" to this Martyn song 'bout The Weather.
Nice transition Bill.
Nice transition Bill.
Island records must have been an amazing place to be in the late 60’s early 70’s. You would have had Nick Drake, Jethro Tull, Traffic, John Martyn and the Richard Thompson/Sandy Denny era Fairport Convention all kicking about the studio.
ecojot wrote:
When he plays with Richard Thompson, make a bee-line.
same bass player as the Nick Drake song in the past hour - legendary Danny Thompson
When he plays with Richard Thompson, make a bee-line.
Sublime, love John Martyn, 10/10 all day long!
Magnificent! A tortured soul, A great loss to those who appreciate the talent of this man
almost 'godlike' in my most humble estimation !
same bass player as the Nick Drake song in the past hour - legendary Danny Thompson
I second that! The bass SINGS.
joemama wrote:
Beautiful. And still a relevant recording. Bass work is pretty sweet.
Beautiful. And still a relevant recording. Bass work is pretty sweet.
The music is so much better than the cover of the album...
bstevens1951 wrote:
No comments on this song unless you were born before 1955. Bite it.
ecojot wrote:
I give a real damn about "real good guitar playing" - still, the guy is an exellent musician and this is a great song!
I feel lucky that I was able to see him live. If you want to hear some seriously brilliant guitar playing, listen to The Tumbler album,
I give a real damn about "real good guitar playing" - still, the guy is an exellent musician and this is a great song!
I feel lucky that I was able to see him live. If you want to hear some seriously brilliant guitar playing, listen to The Tumbler album,
Poacher wrote:
Born in 1958 and I am very well qualified to comment being as I saw him live a heap of times and own most of his published work.
I was only saying to Mrs Poacher the other day how much I miss John and being to see him play occasionally. No one quite fills the gap he left behind. . . such a marvellous talent.
Born in 1952. I was in college when I first heard his music on KINK FM, Portland, OR. Forty years later and I still relish the music and the era.
Born in 1958 and I am very well qualified to comment being as I saw him live a heap of times and own most of his published work.
I was only saying to Mrs Poacher the other day how much I miss John and being to see him play occasionally. No one quite fills the gap he left behind. . . such a marvellous talent.
Born in 1952. I was in college when I first heard his music on KINK FM, Portland, OR. Forty years later and I still relish the music and the era.
bstevens1951 wrote:
Born in 1958 and I am very well qualified to comment being as I saw him live a heap of times and own most of his published work.
I was only saying to Mrs Poacher the other day how much I miss John and being to see him play occasionally. No one quite fills the gap he left behind. . . such a marvellous talent.
No comments on this song unless you were born before 1955. Bite it.
Born in 1958 and I am very well qualified to comment being as I saw him live a heap of times and own most of his published work.
I was only saying to Mrs Poacher the other day how much I miss John and being to see him play occasionally. No one quite fills the gap he left behind. . . such a marvellous talent.
Thank You.... Was in a bad mood.... Trying to find motivation to do anything...
I enjoy John Martyn... I doubt you could overplay his catalog for my tastes...
RP... This is yet another reason to tune in every day... and evening... The list grows very long...
Still a very strong 9. Next!
Sounds like the new CROSBY album "CROZ"
No comments on this song unless you were born before 1955. Bite it.
Still a very weak 2. Next!
acostari wrote:
John was better than both and totally unique.
Tracy Chapman and Jesse ColinYoung had a baby.
John was better than both and totally unique.
Tracy Chapman and Jesse ColinYoung had a baby.
much prefer live at leeds version but this is great also
frank-peter wrote:
Hä?
Bill G. is searching in the elevator for the old piano!
But I love this song!
It could come from me! (Music and lyrcis)
But I love this song!
It could come from me! (Music and lyrcis)
Hä?
Bill G. is searching in the elevator for the old piano!
But I love this song!
It could come from me! (Music and lyrcis)
But I love this song!
It could come from me! (Music and lyrcis)
fredriley wrote:
That would make for pretty dull and short discussion. Music is made by people, and people tend to have opinions, and to comment on, people. It's only human.
Here,here,Well said!
That would make for pretty dull and short discussion. Music is made by people, and people tend to have opinions, and to comment on, people. It's only human.
Here,here,Well said!
Pyro wrote:
That album is his finest, IMHO.
*edit* and weren't we ALL better looking in our 20's? And thinner? I know I was!
Love Big John, especially work from that era. But I have to say I prefer the arrangements on "No Little Boy" even over those on "Solid Air" and "One World". Saw him a few times and he could be a cantankerous old sod, but Dear Lord, he could conjure up such incredible music. Undoubtedly one of my very favourite musicians.
That album is his finest, IMHO.
*edit* and weren't we ALL better looking in our 20's? And thinner? I know I was!
Love Big John, especially work from that era. But I have to say I prefer the arrangements on "No Little Boy" even over those on "Solid Air" and "One World". Saw him a few times and he could be a cantankerous old sod, but Dear Lord, he could conjure up such incredible music. Undoubtedly one of my very favourite musicians.
Dang. Every time I hear John Martyn (and I've only ever heard him here), I always think: "Wow, this is really great. Is it Stephen Stills? Sorta sounds like him, but not. Better." Then I look, and say "Duh. John Martyn. Of course. Wow, this is really great."
From the Late Great John Martyn Filmed @ The Shaw theatre London special guest appearance David Gilmour on The Apprentice Tour
John Martyn - Vocals & Guitar
Spencer Cozens -Keyboards
Allan Thomson - Bass Guitar
Dave Lewis - Sax"s
Miles Bould - Percussion/Drums
John Martyn, OBE (11 September 1948 — 29 January 2009), born Iain David McGeachy, was a British singer-songwriter and guitarist. Over a forty-year career he released twenty studio albums, working with artists such as Eric Clapton and David Gilmour. He has been described by The Times as "an electrifying guitarist and singer whose music blurred the boundaries between folk, jazz, rock and blues".
John also had a wicked sense of humor similar to that of the Great Tommy Cooper RIP.
Johnny_Wave wrote:
Johnny you seem to be stuck in the past.
Weak. Next!
Johnny you seem to be stuck in the past.
Weak. Next!
John Martyn appeared in this series of six programmes presented by Phil Cunningham. John appeared in the programme broadcast on Saturday 10th November 2007 on BBC2 in Scotland at 8pm with a repeat the following Tuesday at 7pm. The series is about Love and Loss, and how we express our feelings and emotions through music. John performed Hurt In Your Heart and you can see it here.
Never heard this before....really like it!
DickieStaff wrote:
Gotta agree with your post M8.
Just when you think the world has slipped into its mundane matter-of-factness, spewing up bad news items that deliver a dozen (or more) reasons to slit your wrists by - or whatever it is that ails you, up pops Mr Martyn, and all is right again. He makes you want to tell everyone just how bloody good things can be. Bless the Weather - smile, its pure magic!
Gotta agree with your post M8.
LowPhreak wrote:
That would make for pretty dull and short discussion. Music is made by people, and people tend to have opinions, and to comment on, people. It's only human.
Can we enjoy music without commenting on the musician's personal habits, or making value/moral judgments? I think it's none of anyone's business.
That would make for pretty dull and short discussion. Music is made by people, and people tend to have opinions, and to comment on, people. It's only human.
Music for the soul, lyrics to match, sooo miss the man.
Just love it! 
BKardon wrote:
I did too.....that or Metheny/Jaco era Joni Mitchell.
The jazzy mood of this tune is very enjoyable! 
Just when you think the world has slipped into its mundane matter-of-factness, spewing up bad news items that deliver a dozen (or more) reasons to slit your wrists by - or whatever it is that ails you, up pops Mr Martyn, and all is right again. He makes you want to tell everyone just how bloody good things can be. Bless the Weather - smile, its pure magic!
Can we enjoy music without commenting on the musician's personal habits, or making value/moral judgments? I think it's none of anyone's business.
I have not heard this since college - thanks for playing it.
Although I'm sad to read the comments to learn that his destructive habits caught up. RIP.
Although I'm sad to read the comments to learn that his destructive habits caught up. RIP.
Toke wrote:
This
I too saw him only a couple of months before he died. Seeing him play over a few decades will be a lasting memory for me and when I play his music to my children I will be able to tell them how unique and utterly fantastic he was.
This guy is one of greatest song writers/performers that has blessed the music scene for the past 40 years. I was fortunate to see him locally just befofre he died, still swigging his rum mix on stage :-) I have been an ardent fan of his for years and I remember buying his 'Solid Air' release on vinyl way back in 73. Those of you have not heard this Album I suggest you do in fact any Album he had made. I still mourn his passing which has left a big hole in popular music. R.I.P. John.
This
I too saw him only a couple of months before he died. Seeing him play over a few decades will be a lasting memory for me and when I play his music to my children I will be able to tell them how unique and utterly fantastic he was. He did some nice LPS with his wife Beverly Martin circa 1974
Perfect, now, here, after two days with friends, alone, listening to RP. And this song, so softly grey and sad.
This guy is one of greatest song writers/performers that has blessed the music scene for the past 40 years. I was fortunate to see him locally just befofre he died, still swigging his rum mix on stage :-) I have been an ardent fan of his for years and I remember buying his 'Solid Air' release on vinyl way back in 73. Those of you have not heard this Album I suggest you do in fact any Album he had made. I still mourn his passing which has left a big hole in popular music. R.I.P. John.
dctrpunda wrote:
thought this was Hedges for the first few lines.
I did too.....that or Metheny/Jaco era Joni Mitchell. Either way, nice tone.i like it, a cool, casual, mood making song. . . .
Rusted Root picked up the base line from this, dontcha think? I'm thinking Cruel Sun
What's impressive is how this really does not sound dated at all...
Could have been released a week ago.
Could have been released a week ago.
We lost John on January 29, 2009. Travel safely John.
kaybee wrote:
Yes, as someone who had seen only recent pictures of John Martyn and had heard tales of his alcoholic (and no doubt other) excesses, I was shocked when I bought the Solid Air CD a few months ago (great album by the way) and saw how good looking he was when he was young.
But what's really shocking, according to Wikipedia, John Martyn's parents were both opera singers!!
That album is his finest, IMHO.
*edit* and weren't we ALL better looking in our 20's? And thinner? I know I was!
Yes, as someone who had seen only recent pictures of John Martyn and had heard tales of his alcoholic (and no doubt other) excesses, I was shocked when I bought the Solid Air CD a few months ago (great album by the way) and saw how good looking he was when he was young.But what's really shocking, according to Wikipedia, John Martyn's parents were both opera singers!!
That album is his finest, IMHO.
*edit* and weren't we ALL better looking in our 20's? And thinner? I know I was!
keller1 wrote:
Yes, as someone who had seen only recent pictures of John Martyn and had heard tales of his alcoholic (and no doubt other) excesses, I was shocked when I bought the Solid Air CD a few months ago (great album by the way) and saw how good looking he was when he was young.
But what's really shocking, according to Wikipedia, John Martyn's parents were both opera singers!!
Check out some recent pictures of this guy —- a cautionary tale indeed.
C'mon Bill —- how about you play Solid Air again sometime?
Yes, as someone who had seen only recent pictures of John Martyn and had heard tales of his alcoholic (and no doubt other) excesses, I was shocked when I bought the Solid Air CD a few months ago (great album by the way) and saw how good looking he was when he was young.But what's really shocking, according to Wikipedia, John Martyn's parents were both opera singers!!
Check out some recent pictures of this guy —- a cautionary tale indeed.
C'mon Bill —- how about you play Solid Air again sometime?
Yet another song that has been in my head for decades, during which time I have never heard it (except internally), now showing up here. Never knew who did it or even heard the lyrics until today. This was played reasonably frequently back when FM radio had character.
You hit the nail on the head. Ouch. It's a good thing I heard the song first.
(I guess I am shallow)
squidish wrote:
(I guess I am shallow)
squidish wrote:
I bestow upon thee ye olde Horrific Renaissance Faire Album Cover of the Day Award! 
Please hire a designer next time!
Please hire a designer next time!good
The King!!
I bestow upon thee ye olde
Horrific Renaissance Faire Album Cover of the Day Award!
Please hire a designer next time!
Please hire a designer next time!"Head and heart", "May you never" and "Glistening Glyndebourne" from this album are superb... I love his early stuff, especially from "Solid Air" and "One World"...
thought this was Hedges for the first few lines.
MinMan wrote:
whatever - why does his head appear disenbodied on the album cover? Was he decapitated?
It was the early 70's. We all looked like that.
Definite whiff of Jesse Colin Young but more MarkAlmond.
MinMan wrote:
whatever - why does his head appear disenbodied on the album cover? Was he decapitated?
=)
whatever - why does his head appear disenbodied on the album cover? Was he decapitated?
Lyrically brilliant. Wow.
"Bless the weather that brought you to me
Curse the storm that takes you away"
Another gem on a similar theme of weather, the elements, and one's life being swept up by it all:
"When that I was and a little tiny boy,
With hey, ho, the wind and the rain,
A foolish thing was but a toy,
For the rain it raineth every day.
But when I came to man's estate,
With hey, ho, the wind and the rain,
Gainst knaves and thieves men shut the gate,
For the rain it raineth every day.
But when I came, alas! to wive,
With hey, ho, the wind and the rain,
By swaggering could I never thrive,
For the rain it raineth every day.
But when I came unto my beds,
With hey, ho, the wind and the rain,
With toss-pots still had drunken heads,
For the rain it raineth every day.
A great while ago the world begun,
With hey, ho, the wind and the rain,
But that's all one, our play is done,
And we'll strive to please you every day."
- Shakespeare (From "Twelfth Night")
Otay! Now if we can just persuade Bill to start playing Solid Air again ...
Love this, thanks.
Radio Paradise is the soundtrack of my life.
(except for Led Zepplin).
This man is a legend, despite his destructive side. Had the pleasure of working with him in 2006 in Ireland. One hell of a character to put it mildly and remains one of my all time favourite musicians.
Keep it up 'Johnny One Leg'
Great to hear JM on RP!!!
very nice!
Dave_Mack wrote:
This is John Martyn? Sounds like he's sobered up compared with what I've heard before -- "He's Got All the Whiskey" and "Glory Box". This one's nice. Sounds kinda like Jesse Colin Young.
This comes from much earlier in his career than the tracks you mention. "He's Got All The Whisky" and "Glory Box" are from 1998's The Church With One Bell, and "Bless the Weather" is from Bless the Weather of 1971. I guess he was a bit more sober in 1971 than in 1998.
raelic wrote:
Curse the storm that takes you home.
Classic with a capital CLASSIC.
Peerless.
We don't actually need to be told whether you're using upper- or lowercase letters when the form of expression you're employing is the printed word.
Sublime!
Curse the storm that takes you home.
Classic with a capital CLASSIC.
Peerless.
honeygirl wrote:
Bless the weather that brought you to me...
Bless the weather that brought you to me...
This is John Martyn? Sounds like he's sobered up compared with what I've heard before -- "He's Got All the Whiskey" and "Glory Box". This one's nice. Sounds kinda like Jesse Colin Young.
Bless the man ....like it
Yes, yes, you're in the lead, but what about the song?
I find it pretty boring.
a close 2nd
Fancy that I'm the first.
A story… I was doing set/party/stage design in London and along comes a younger muso type that spent time with Mr. Martyn. Well basically my new friend and work mate was in charge of attempting to keep him sober so he could work. My new friend became a rolling drunk/junkie and managed to pull himself together a bit by the time I had met him. He attributes his decline to Mr. Martyns relentless binging on anything he could find and in being his keeper he had to try to keep him happy… John Martyn was a brilliant musical genius and a terrible addict.
I totally agree with you. The most fantastic talent taken down by the most awful addiction. Tried to fight it but had no fucking chance.