John Martyn - Spencer the Rover

[@MrClampy1]

There's something exceptional about John Martyn, it's difficult for me to articulate without sounding completely pretentious, but he seems to sing/perform from somewhere deep inside his soul and if you connect with that then you can't get enough of him and you're blessed. You see him as exceptional, certainly see him as a genius, and possibly as the greatest if there is such a thing. I don't do hero worship. Dangerous. But JM comes fecking close to my musical hero.

[@34hedgehog]

Well put. A unique, gifted artist, who lived life on his own terms. He wasn't for everyone, and he left a lot of 'smoking craters' in his wake, but he wouldn't have been the artist he was if he hadn't. I saw him live several times, will always treasure his music, and will always be grateful we shared the same space and time for a while.

[@HrishiRao717]

I understand this feeling, I really do. John Martyn is new to me but I am in love with this song, and watching the performance has given me insight into his motivations for doing music. It's clear that he finds joy in music above anything else and of course, it's the greatest thing to watch.

[@jesseperrett3692]

I met him twice after his shows..Originally turned off to his "mumbling" & then turned back as learned of the "droning" effect. It's lulling as a lullabye.. The man was as sweet as he was passionate. Ever hear about him projectile vomiting into a bucket while never missing a beat onstage? Lot's of those stories!~😁@@34hedgehog

[@EvilSean62]

i played with him a couple times ... he was wasted ... but he still played better than me ... he told me ... if you want to play drunk you have to practice drunk ....

[@jazzlehazzle]

He's the songwriter that songwriters idolize.

[@robst247]

For 47 years I have been loving this John Martyn song above all others. The magic will never fade.

[@liamdixon8163]

I was 19 yrs old I’m 63 now and started travelling and this tune had so much meaning ever since 💚☘️💚🙏

[@michaelmoran6198]

my dad shown me this and it reminds me of him love you dad forever

[@ethandavis8090]

My dad introduced John martyn to me two years ago properly, and we always bond over our love of his music. His songs remind me for this reason of my family members and will do as long as live. I have such a deep intimate connection with this mans voice and melodies, probably because I heard his music as a baby in the distant background. Not close enough to know and recognise specific songs later in life, but close enough to be familiar with voice. It was like his voice had always been with me somewhere in the back of my mind when my dad showed me solid air and bless the weather, and I have never experienced such a feeling in my life with any other artist and will never do again. Your comment is lovely and reminds me of my own father as well. Hope you are doing well buddy

[@ethandavis8090]

Michael Moran the other day me and my dad were listening to bless the weather at the same time without realising it while I was doing school work and he was doing work in his office 😃. This has got to be my favourite John martyn song though because of how beautiful it is, and this specific live performance is my favourite key that he plays this song in.

[@michaelmoran6198]

@@ethandavis8090 i feel that same vibe my friend it makes me sad happy its a weird feeling ill forever love my dad for showing me this masterpiece it puts me at peace and gets me in my feelings thanks for yyour story brother 👊🏻💯❤️

[@michaelmoran6198]

@@ethandavis8090 and im doing good thanks brother hope you are my friend tell your dad i said he has a great taste in music 🎶

[@johndamienreilly]

Had a bar fight with John Martyn in '92. Didn't stop me loving his music and talent. Had a major influence on my songwriting. Have a listen.

[@martinfox6832]

Pls tell me more!

[@Play-gl2yw]

@@martinfox6832 John would fight himself , he was a loose cannon

[@chordcrasher]

You are one of many

[@trabuquena]

I'm 72 and have loved his music since I was 22. He's one of those rare artists that can make you cry whenever you hear their voice. Spencer the Rover for me is his most emotive song.

[@ethandavis8090]

At 17 he is my favourite artist by far. My dad has been playing his songs to me since I was born, so there is no other music in my life that I have a deeper connection to. He was a true genius and my biggest musical influence. I agree that this is his most emotive song

[@trabuquena]

@@ethandavis8090 It's great that you're into music! Other favourites of mine are Tim Hardin, Chris Whitley and Sandy Denny. I seem to like artists that are no longer here! Sandy Denny's voice gets me every time especially The Banks of the Nile when she was with Fotheringay.

[@ethandavis8090]

Sheila Samuda Thompson I’ll give them a listen! Thanks!

[@pentangle4444]

@@trabuquena Nice to see mention of Tim Hardin! and your mention of the Lady, who I was lucky to see perform twice in 1974. Others on this list for me include: Nick Drake, Karen Dalton, Kate Wolf, Richard Farina, Jackson C. Frank, David Blue, Fred Neil, Lal Waterson, Jean Ray and others long gone.... Also find this song special, and Man at the Station, Fairytale Lullaby (Sandy did his version as well), and Solid Air. and yes Tim Hardin, Lady Came from Baltimore, Don't Make Promises, Misty Roses.. and Sandy..I use to play Sandy and Fairport more than half of my midnight radio show hoping no one would notice. (Incredible String Band 10%)

[@thewordofgord]

me too....22/72. ...at his best john can wring you heart dry.....

[@andrewgood2560]

In tears just listening to this tune. Introduced to JM by the beautiful Phillippa, given me a lifetime of pleasure. In times of strife I always come back to JM

[@mgann8560]

December 31st 2020, this song and my living room fireplace burning warm. Stumbled upon it and brought tears to my eyes!! This is possibly the most beautiful song ever performed with just guitar and vocal.

[@MarvinSumpter]

I liked your comment to remind you of the song.

[@ethandavis8090]

I agree. If I had to choose one song to be my favourite out of all the tunes I love, this would have to be it just because of the sheer beauty of this composition. The way the guitar mimicked ringing bells is amazing and the vocals layered on top are beautiful

[@railwaystationmaster]

Shared your tears , it totally wrecked me just listening to this amazing man at he peak.

[@beemelonhead1]

Cool to know that John is still finding people and touching their hearts in 2020s

[@ethandavis8090]

Prismo A fellow adventure time fan in JM comment section!!! Nice 👍

[@stephenreynolds6239]

How utterly fucking beautiful.the guy had a lovely voice.

[@Yanto-Bardic]

The way he plays and sings this Beautiful Traditional English Folk song, just draws you right in and winds about you like the Ivy he sings of. So Beautiful; a Lullaby by which to Dream.

[@johnwemm8848]

At his peak, John could make angels cry ....

[@eamonrodgers4751]

The magic never fades big man, pure genius watching this for years and years and it’ll be watched long after I meet my Maker

[@sionyevans]

my favourite track, along with solid air ..bless your sweet soul Nick..

[@kristenmaclean1108]

What a beautiful ballad for all of us who have been roving and ready for home. I love the line about the prittle prattling children who welcome him home Kris from Ontario

[@mandykitson7039]

I adore that phrase too , always smile when i hear it. xx

[@trabuquena]

@@mandykitson7039 It's one of my favourite phrases too!

[@parrotbeaksunday]

This is profoundly good. Perfect. If it’s this good on video I can only imagine how wonderful it was for those lucky enough to have been in that room that day.

[@kappanova1302]

I´ve known the lyrics to this song for over 10 years through Colin Hay´s cover, but this version made them click for me. It´s one of those times when a song suddenly inherits an entirely personal meaning after something happens in your life that changes everything

[@mrmojo1709]

I remember being 14 or 15 and i was up at 2am or something like that as i was ill and sleeping downstairs for the night and i was flicking the TV channels as you do and i came across this very man singing on a documentary i never caught the name of the song (I've still never heard the exact same version) but i remembered Johns name and immediately became a fan, im 30 now and i have to say this man is still one of my favourite musicians, no one has his sound, its unique to him. one of the most under appreciated artists of all time. i missed seeing him in Bristol just before he died and I've never forgiven myself for it. RIP The Legend

[@iMertin]

Try Ben Howard. The man channels john Martyn well

[@KatieScarlett2353]

I saw him last at the Jazz Cafe in Camden, one-legged and cheerful, probably about a year before he died. Lovely man, great musician, mean bastard... Saw him live about once every ten years , more or less (I'm old). Oh, I miss him

[@smokeystgeorge7018]

And if you haven't already, try Matt Deighton too.

[@johnyb32k]

I was also 15 or 16 when I discovered John Martyn, I'm now 56 and I've seen him many time as a sole artist or with Danny Thompson and with full band.

[@TheGuitarManEIRE]

Exactly the same for myself. Some BBC4 show on at 1 in the morning.

[@OriginalLHB]

John Martyn was one of the greatest of all of them and this was perhaps his most beautiful tune. Really beautiful.

[@padraigmcweeney3010]

A giant. A great artist

[@ethandavis8090]

This is easily the most perfect and beautiful piece of music ever performed in my view. I love you John martyn. You are my biggest inspiration.

[@simonprice8737]

thank you John for being in the soundtrack of my life, I couldn't have loved you more......

[@robinedmunds7082]

Beyond beautiful. Simple undiluted, sublimely exquisite rendition of a traditional folk song. Untouchable genius!

[@renzoreisch]

No words can describe the pure beauty of the soul, only art. Masterpiece artist

[@davehorrocks1223]

Touching the hearts of those who are in tune with life and love!

[@mattnicholas9842]

My Fave musician since i was 17 (i'm 53 now)... lucky enough to see him play many times... absolute legend.... i miss him greatly.

[@michaeldavison2638]

I'm 51 mat and he's written the emotional narrative on my life since I was about 15 .he's my joy and my talisman. Saw him many times live a troubled beautiful genius to whom I owe much

[@ethandavis8090]

I’m 17 now, and he became my favourite musician this year. My dad got to see him several times but unfortunately I’ll never get to see him. RIP John

[@jonyoung1026]

The man was legendary in the music industry sadly missed r.i.p 😇😇😇

[@mattameta]

My mum and brother shared johns Martyn’s albums in the 80’s , their twin spirits are so woven into his music and my childhood. Evocative isn’t the word , it’s a spirit of almost too much , brought to life by songs like this . Solid air , bless the weather . And so many more

[@kylabotting]

I was fortunate to see him 3 times before he passed away. Every time was brilliant! RIP you talented man.

[@andrewgood2560]

i also saw him 3 times during his life. no one comes close to the effect this mans music has left on me.i was introduced to his magic by an amazing lady who changed my life. she has moved on but Johns music remains a beautiful part of my life

[@gillesserrigny6324]

John Martyn made this traditional a great classic!

[@beatusqui]

Absolute legend, had the pleasure of meeting him at the art college students union in Belfast 20+ yrs ago. Truth, he stole my joint. but I got it back. lol

[@ToddBoyle]

This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover As valiant a man as ever left home And he had been much reduced Which caused great confusion And that was the reason he started to roam In Yorkshire near Rotherham, he had been on the ramble Weary of traveling, he sat down to rest By the foot of yon' mountain Lays a clear flowing fountain With bread and cold water he himself did refresh With the night fast approaching, to the woods he resorted With woodbine and ivy his bed for to make But he dreamt about sighing Lamenting and crying Go home to your family and rambling forsake 'Twas the fifth day of November, I've reason to remember When first he arrived home to his family and friends And they did stand so astounded Surprised and dumbfounded To see such a stranger once more in their sight And his children come around him with their prittle prattling stories With their prittle prattling stories to drive care away And he's as happy as those As have thousands of riches Contented he'll remain and not ramble away This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover As valiant a man as ever left home And he had been much reduced And caused great confusion And that was the reason he started to roam

[@andrewwilliams9599]

Twas the 5th of November, I've reason to remember--Guy Fawkes' DAy

[@johnqdarwin]

i love this . look at the microphone and the gaffer taped pick up and the amps there . listen to that . thats 1 man and a guitar . besides the reverb in the amp . theres no studio , effects or edits or software overdubs or anything . yeah . thats mastery . sonic perfection . nothing but a bloke and a hollow hunk of maple and rosewood and six steel strings . john sir , you sexy bastard i love you .

[@JTT2505]

What a privilege it is to have known this man's music. Sleep well sweet John.

[@robertnewell5057]

How lovely to see John as a young man, from a time when I myself was young. Also the passage of time shows just how difficult amplifying acoustic instruments was back then. Goodbye again, John.

[@26bitesize]

saw him 6/7 times over the years and got backstage at Newcastle city hall we had a good old smoke with John and the band. his life was played out through his music! rest easy John

[@CraigMansfield]

26bitesize nice one

[@spencermayger8224]

This song was given to me today by a young lady I managed to help I've never heard before. Thank you for your kind words in a letter to this song regards Spencer 040 Bristol

[@japglish]

bless this guy indeed. This song has brought me so much contentment and happiness throughout my adult life. I am not religious, but if there is a heaven, i hope he is up there with a spliff and a pint.

[@Flying_turnip187]

Amazing how someone you have never met or from a different time can write or play a song about you or how you feel….this song is one…

[@johnmacquarrie8535]

Saw JM at Glasto possibly 1986 ... last song was over the rainbow ...pure magic and will live in my mind as one of those moments. Peace be with you John

[@paulhoughton5164]

This has to be my favourite (among so many favourite) John martyn songs. His voice is like warm honey soothing my troubled mind. He sings ….. and I believe him ….. simple as that! I play this at open mic nights as a tribute to the man and the impact he has had on me for so many years and still does ( my version is crap compared to this but it connects me with the man and that’s good enough for me 😂)

[@philhoffmann7682]

He was at his best singing this extraordinary song. Gorgeous vocals and performance.

[@andrewwilliams9599]

Johnny, we hardly knew ye. Godspeed, John Martyn.

[@MrCheeserabbit]

Will never get tired of listening to John.

[@ruthdixon7807]

a late return to the trad style of his youth, now martyn's voice adds whole worlds of weariness and regret to this tale of heart-broken wanderer.

[@viomalin]

Just remembered this video 17 years later! Props to you - it’s great x

[@jaine000]

Soothes me and takes me to a tranquil place.....heavenly.

[@EvilSean62]

fucking hell john ... you had the voice of an angel and the appetite of a demon thanks for all you did for me .. and others

[@leesaunders1930]

it is very calming on a winter's night sat at the back door really chilling. bring on winter. (England, Wakefield)

[@waynesaunders1151]

Well put brother, well put 🤘👍

[@leesaunders1930]

@@aonghusmeaney3864 I understood mate lol have a good un! 🍺🍻🍻

[@johnpluck6126]

Extremely calming & welcoming. I would add a wood fire to that scenario!

[@jalexamos]

Lee Saunders Shakey Wakey

[@leesaunders1930]

@@waynesaunders1151 love ya bro, 😁 ive come back to this tune again today. it was a nice day at work today, lovely finish. love ya bro hope your having a few beers even though your working tomorrow. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿✌

[@xstuporman]

How can 5 people not like this!?! I'm depressed...

[@qazxxxzzzpdjd]

Recently discovered this upload and have listened so many times now. Have listened to other versions but this is the best. Really hoping this one stays on KZbin. Thank you

[@stuartbrill8709]

May 2021 now, such a beautiful rendition. What a fine artist John was.

[@KingofRoath]

My favourite song to play on a guitar.

[@guyperry4010]

Genius John. A moving, moving song.

[@MarvinSumpter]

This song seems to be so much about me I might have to change my name to Spencer the Rover. This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover As valiant a man as ever left home And he had been much reduced Which caused great confusion And that was the reason he started to roam In Yorkshire near Rotherham, he had been on the ramble Weary of traveling, he sat down to rest By the foot of yon' mountain Lays a clear flowing fountain With bread and cold water he himself did refresh With the night fast approaching, to the woods he resorted With woodbine and ivy his bed for to make But he dreamt about sighing Lamenting and crying Go home to your family and rambling forsake 'Twas the fifth day of November, I've reason to remember When first he arrived home to his family and friends And they did stand so astounded Surprised and dumbfounded To see such a stranger once more in their sight And his children come around him with their prittle prattling stories With their prittle prattling stories to drive care away And he's as happy as those As have thousands of riches Contented he'll remain and not ramble away This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover As valiant a man as ever left home And he had been much reduced And caused great confusion And that was the reason he started to roam

[@LucidLupin]

I met him once - he was very drunk - bless him

[@AmariTheKingOfYT]

yeah, bless him. I saw him at Fairport's Annual Reunion many moons ago and he was on stage swearing his face off about the sound quality not even aware that this was a family event with toddlers and babies, etc etc... but What A Talent !!!

[@robertvanhals2652]

Bless him indeed! I once stood and waited 4 hours to watch him stumble onto the stage at midnight, play three chords, throw up and stumble off again. Mind you, it was back the 80s and it was in Harlesden, so say n'more. Not long after he did a reunion thing with Danny Thompson and eight cans of Holsten Pils which was one of the best gigs I've seen. He was the Billie Holiday of the British folk scene. And you'd have to forgive him anything after hearing Spencer The Rover, wouldn't you.

[@flumplestiltskin]

I MET HIM TWICE AND HE WAS DRUNK BOTH TIMES .

[@OriginallyDecyphyrd]

He was always drunk!

[@wolfganglenden4014]

Bla,bla,bla, Oh fuck, the only thing you remember is he was drunk. No respect.

[@neilmcgrory39]

So sweetly said

[@TheTrickytroggle]

I don't listen every day but it's one of my very favourites

[@parrystreet]

Had the pleasure of seeing him in the Beaufort theatre Ebbw vale .Legend.

[@robinedmunds7082]

Interesting. I live about 10 miles away. Any anecdotes of the gig?

[@parrystreet]

Great little venue, john was very drunk and very funny with it the second time but 2 great gigs both very different .Also watched Peter Green there and also at the Abertillery community centre fabulous and just for good measure watched Kelly joe Phelps downstairs in the Beaufort candle lit tables and bar what a place to listen to music.2 of them not with us anymore and Kelly can't play for health reasons Great times Great memories great musicians songwriters and singers.

[@DerekJThorpe]

Amazing unique style. Great musician and superb voice. Sadly lost to drink & drugs

[@petegage]

He is such a beautiful singer, such a soulful artist

[@robertthomas6946]

He was my inspiration, I became a great guitarist because of john ,I remember the live performances Bristol etc You had issues John But your gift was worth it!

[@bernardjohnson7106]

Damian Nixon jgreat tone, range of lyric, and talented mystique..

[@corrinastephens6900]

I passed him a joint . The days when we could smoke in clubs . It was Bradford . He put in the side of his guitar.

[@chrisjohnston1988]

i love this man

[@evansmith3589]

Beautiful!

[@simonsixx5551]

To me, this song is the finest piece of music I have EVER heard. I'm addicted to it and listen to it daily. Would love to know it's roots as it only ever says "Traditional" on the sleeve notes

[@davidbennett2384]

Song comes from the Copper Family of Rottingdean, Sussex.

[@AmariTheKingOfYT]

Simon, I have always felt the same way: maybe you have children too ? This song says it all with the "prittle-prattling children to drive cares away"... my heart melts for all my babies, even if some of them are now over thirty

[@AmariTheKingOfYT]

David: I do not see the connection with Simon's post? Please explain?

[@abakiplas]

simon sixx you aren't alone there

[@abakiplas]

Jeremy Arnold you are not alone there

[@SuperMarksman33]

Such a good version. Miss you.

[@Heednut]

Amazing such a great tune!

[@philipthompson430]

Best tune love tha rover

[@avathar53]

At 0:08 - 0:11 seconds in - the beautiful big man emanating pure exuberant joy, passion, love even on that exhalation.

[@MikeGsaxman]

Actually, he's having a sly giggle for pulling a string too hard, causing it to go sharp...

[@ToddBoyle]

In this voice, what it means to be male. Our hearts, our emotion, those of us who recoiled from the world, refuse to be defined as a mule for work, a rival, a warrior.

[@thecapn_uk8034]

yes

[@jorjaroddam4927]

His voice is sssoooooooo soothing, I like this :)

[@peterfreeman6677]

Sight and Sound In Concert : live acoustic performance at the Hippodrome, Golders Green. The show was presented by Bob Harris and was recorded on Thursday 13th October (broadcast on Saturday the 15th at 6:30pm on BBC2 and - in stereo - on Radio 1). - Outside In (14m 30s) (Did not make it to BBC In Vision 1973-1981 VHS release) - Spencer The Rover (3m 55s) - Dealer (5m 5s)

[@julianvickery8341]

British singer songwriter and guitarist John Martyn (1948-2009) Live at Sight and Sound in Concert performing "Spencer the Rover" (from the 1975 album "Sunday's Child"). kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGStfmiBbp59pdU Lyrics: This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover As valiant a man as ever left home And he had been much reduced Which caused great confusion And that was the reason he started to roam In Yorkshire near Rotherham, he had been on the ramble Weary of traveling, he sat down to rest By the foot of yon' mountain Lays a clear flowing fountain With bread and cold water he himself did refresh With the night fast approaching, to the woods he resorted With woodbine and ivy his bed for to make But he dreamt about sighing Lamenting and crying Go home to your family and rambling forsake 'Twas the fifth day of November, I've reason to remember When first he arrived home to his family and friends And they did stand so astounded Surprised and dumbfounded To see such a stranger once more in their sight And his children come around him with their prittle prattling stories With their prittle prattling stories to drive care away And he's as happy as those As have thousands of riches Contented he'll remain and not ramble away This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover As valiant a man as ever left home And he had been much reduced And caused great confusion And that was the reason he started to roam

[@34hedgehog]

Ah, John, bless 'im. Will love his music till I die.

[@lauradeacon2420]

Beautiful song. Heartfelt.

[@johnpluck6126]

Right! There where certain odd times during the 'TV' day where they would play musicians. I clearly remember Martyn doing his Echoplex number!! Phenomenal!!. Wish I could recall the TV channel!

[@conniesaurin1783]

Makes my heart sing 😊

[@daniel66137]

at one with myself as i listen to this thanks john

[@DocGreen15]

So touching, so soft and gentle

[@aaronabutt]

Love this song so much! Thank you John! Saw you open for Donovan in 1984 and you were unbelievable!

[@JoeOsborneMusic]

Beyond

[@leapsplashafrog]

Absolutely brilliant. Thanks for posting! For guitarists out here it's dadgad tuning capo 3 - but it sounds like his guitar is detuned a half step and therefore capoed at 4 in video to sound in the great Key of F major

[@KatieScarlett2353]

Wow! Blimey! I'm impressed, seriously, not being funny. How does this live version compare with the album version on Sunday' Child, where he seems to be singing higher?

[@KatieScarlett2353]

I love his percussive technique. Can't think of anyone else who played like that.

[@CraigMansfield]

beautiful

[@jazzlehazzle]

Pure magic.

[@spectrum99122]

He had such a gift

[@yellowclouds3722]

Unbelievable beautiful. Though John didn't write this he seems to sing it in a genuine kind. He seemed to play what he loved & loved what he played - best way to perform. One of the few songs that make my eyes wet.

[@FinHorrill]

Thomas Behrens I thought it was wrote about his son running away from home?

[@yellowclouds3722]

No, it’s a traditional track by the Copper Family. It was covered by many artists since. But i am touched by the feeling of it: breaking away from your family (i thought about this for myself several times due to stress) but returning & meeting the kids again...

[@FinHorrill]

Thomas Behrens Ah, thank you. My dad knew John for close to 3 years, and it was he who had told me it was about his son, which does make sense. I completely agree, definitely one of my favourites.

[@yellowclouds3722]

Yeah? Wow.. OK, that makes sense too. As i first heard this track i thought it was his own one! It's so much heart in it.

[@FinHorrill]

Thomas Behrens Really glad i was raised listening to John Martyn, really would have missed out otherwise. Beyond incredible and a well kept secret

[@drewhamillband]

Beautiful

[@malkagael2596]

Oh John, tu nous manques beaucoup!

[@kieranmcneff2173]

Simply marvelous.

[@ChapmanDamian]

Wonderful.

[@daiglandetreo9148]

Love to listen to when all settled and quite at night time usual after Midnight

[@benfeatherstone9671]

Legend

[@terencemeikle534]

Don Paterson sent me here. A guid wee steer. 👍

[@aprilnicole3071]

How beautiful this is.

[@davidirvine4294]

John's time is yet to come. He was very much the equal of the great Nick Drake and has a much greater discography.

[@railwaystationmaster]

If this didn't t get you reaching for the tissues then you must have had your tear ducts removed ! , mercurial Muff at the pinnacle of his career as gentle as a whisper strumming on the heartstrings .

[@samanderson5236]

fine peice of music

[@roblamb5474]

i lose my voice every time i hear this

[@jackworrall7224]

most excellent 😊

[@alanmurphy7538]

John your Celtic sisters and brothers, offspring of the seven daughters of Eve miss one of our own.

[@lunaburga]

bravo! such a beautiful vouce