John Martyn - Couldn't love you more (1978)

©John Martyn
I finally managed to get this version which I've been waiting 10 months for :-D
Rock goes to college, 1978.

[@mickleesongs]

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]

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

[@mickleesongs]

Dr. Sam ~ Given you appreciate both John and Billie, I'd love to know what you make of this ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJDHko2EfZZ4eK8

[@juliejones8709]

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

[@niallbyrne7562]

Absofuckinglutely

[@emmaogorman994]

[@BOWMANTUNES]

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

[@irishelk3]

BOWMANTUNES And Bert Jansch and Nick Drake.

[@StevegarwoodNet]

BOWMANTUNES Melanie Safka.

[@irishelk3]

Vashti Bunyan

[@robs5815]

lest not forget Davy Graham

[@circleof5555]

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

[@ChrisSt160]

One of the most underestimated musicians ever

[@irishelk3]

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

[@davidlowney9997]

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

[@CraigMansfield]

David Lowney :) mine too

[@michealcurrie8272]

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

[@sootyfoot]

Absolutely!

[@andrewlarwood6653]

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]

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

[@obscurazone]

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

[@sarahlynch8840]

Imagine someone singing this to you? 😫

[@mekflower1850]

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

[@philoza1000]

​@@mekflower1850That's sad 😢

[@positivevibe8426]

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]

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]

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

[@lindaross4331]

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

[@Alfredocap]

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]

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]

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

[@philoza1000]

You have an excellent and discerning taste in music. 😊

[@philoza1000]

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

[@ljskates3624]

@@philoza1000they were friends

[@CB_ChaosLove]

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

[@isobel7818]

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]

💗

[@EvanStark1994]

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

[@suzycute1456]

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

[@michaeljohnston3741]

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

[@iemandiemandsen5499]

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

[@fuckamericanidiot]

Sadness is better than emptiness xxxx

[@thembluetube]

John's voice is transcendental.

[@prasidhr]

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

[@paulinedraper980]

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

[@ronnieparkerscott6223]

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]

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

[@tonylocke1214]

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.

[@AllanGildea]

Only the most beautiful love song ever...

[@alsavantjes]

i agree.

[@hogerswolf]

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.

[@carlkellner1310]

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-]

That's because he was drunk.

[@tescohudlpurple8855]

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]

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

[@TheGuitarManEIRE]

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]

Christ, this is good

[@ksportz66]

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

[@holzfallen]

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

[@paulmellor8819]

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

[@urgulp1554]

9 and I'm still coming back for more!

[@mokotramp]

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

[@joepage3065]

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

[@Dplaysitcool]

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

[@JanileighCohen]

this gives my eyes a bladder problem..

[@appledjerry]

Johnny Boy would have liked that description.

[@79steelymatt]

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]

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]

Janileigh Cohen 👌🏻😆

[@valerigomez1410]

Makes me cry every single time

[@robertcronin6603]

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]

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]

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 …..

[@drleroyhelmet]

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

[@secondtimearound2539]

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

[@andrewforest3178]

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]

such a beautiful thing to do

[@SueConsalvey]

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

[@richardmccaffery6696]

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

[@JaneJohnson1951]

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

[@sarahmcintyre6150]

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.

[@Diana-queenie38]

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]

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

[@lj2937]

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

[@jimigibsonhendrix]

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

[@bonalba20]

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

[@bobtomlin2306]

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❤❤😢

[@theworkshed1253]

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]

nuff said he brought me to music ...

[@douglascheape2197]

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]

This is the perfect observation.

[@chrisf153]

The most beautiful love song ever written. Genius.

[@petermatthew123]

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

[@Kate1Chopin]

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

[@nigelkelly105]

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

[@mick9461]

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

[@louisestarks8014]

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...

[@leclerk030]

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.

[@mikesims5422]

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

[@lorihenderson673]

Perfection ❤

[@patrickowen2696]

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

[@tarquin8270]

Friking beautiful, love you John

[@riffman1000]

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

[@Tomas-eo6gk]

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]

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

[@mariamac66]

@@leonagnew895 you kill me!!

[@debbieraikesmay7528]

@@mariamac66 m

[@liampatterson2299]

Proper just shat all over his lovely comment 😂

[@oliverk191]

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

[@dam230711]

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

[@RayAndPES]

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]

RayAndPES you need to add ralph mctell to your list

[@simonpreston1693]

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

[@sevenantony7376]

Jess Roden as well

[@patkelly3966]

Justin Sullivan too

[@mybridgefc]

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.

[@KMAN8599]

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

[@kylabotting]

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

[@redrhi]

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

[@iamyinandyang]

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

[@MZmizoxxx]

The most beautiful love song of all time xxx

[@Nonamagic]

So beautiful, he was way ahead of his time.

[@markharrison3963]

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

[@cherokee259]

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

[@lawrenceevans3952]

what a voice!!

[@valwaldron9522]

He rips the soul right out of you ❤

[@patriciaroberts100]

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.

[@conniesaurin1783]

I really couldn't love you more Abuela Milagros...i miss you everyday and long to see your face again but understand that's not possible. So please just remember I couldn't love you more xxx

[@jessicac.j]

I want this song at my wedding. This is such a special song.

[@p.r.h.7283]

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

[@willcureton8685]

Love that he has a spliff jammed in the strings of the guitar head. Legend.

[@johnruffles1793]

Pure eloquence, John at his brilliant best

[@lilylodon]

Absolute master, pure talent, never to be repeated………but probably coked up to the eybrows as we say.

[@lilylodon]

Ever

[@leclerk030]

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

[@jondavies1376]

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

[@DjNikGnashers]

Timeless.

[@user-hr4cn1vu8x]

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.

[@cyprescrow]

Clicking on the like thing here on KZbin 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.

[@markwilkinson8022]

Privilege and honour seeing John ratfers in Manchester shared a spliff

[@madammakin]

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

[@Mychie3]

goose bumps, so lucky to see him live from th release of One World onwards

[@khent712]

Saw him play in Richmond in 1971, he was drunk as a skunk but he was amazing just the same, reminds me of seeing Gerry Rafferty who was probably drunker but still played to perfection. they are missed.

[@RollingHousesUK]

wow, I've been playing guitar for 17 years now and only just discovered this legend!?!!

[@DavidTPerkins22]

This is exactly me right now. Had no idea the guy existed. Now I'm aware, I see him everywhere. No idea how he stayed under the radar for so long.

[@Audiostoke1]

+arumdevil same here I heard the song solid air in a surf soundtrack and looked it up. As a guitarist too its very interesting the alternate tuneings he uses and what looks like rely thick strings.

[@bobkemp3396]

Solid Air Best album ever!

[@martinn6564]

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

[@davidcravena]

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

[@alastairjohnson4038]

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

[@jamesmcwha6328]

Love this guy.

[@nickcroft732]

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]

Good choice. 😊

[@TeddyPerv]

This one is my favourite.

[@bh8365]

One of my very few all time favorites. R.I.P., John.

[@roisinclancy9730]

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

[@dazgoodwin205]

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

[@arfer]

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

[@Ryanbrio]

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.

[@chrisf153]

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.

[@agnesgallois2066]

grand artiste, très méconnu en France !

[@tonychant3676]

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

[@breelong2544]

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 ❤️

[@rachelbentley889]

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

[@c.adeleye6806]

I’m here for Mallorca Lee RIP.. you are truly loved and missed this was his and his wife Maria’s song 🫶🏼🙏🏼

[@iaindickson]

It was also in my wedding, not out first dance though. Seems I'm in good company if Mal liked it too. 😢

[@michaelodonovan3732]

The big man at his best

[@mikeford1273]

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

[@geraldhills41]

Love the Phil Mitchell impression !