By cave In 1973, John Martyn released his album Solid Air, a record that is now regarded as a masterpiece in the British folk and jazz scene. However, the title track, Solid Air, is more than just an atmospheric, jazzy song. It is a deeply personal tribute to his friend Nick Drake, a musical reflection of his melancholy, inner struggles, and fragile soul.
A Song Full of Emotion and Mystery
Listening to Solid Air immediately immerses you in a hypnotic atmosphere of floating guitar lines and whispering vocals. Martyn sings about someone moving through “solid air,” a near-tangible metaphor for Drake’s isolation and battles with depression. The music seems to breathe—sometimes dreamy and soft, sometimes raw and haunting—mirroring the emotional instability of the person it describes.
Although Martyn never explicitly stated that Solid Air was about Drake, he later confirmed in interviews that the song was indeed an homage to his friend. He understood Drake’s feelings: cut off from the world, trapped in his own mind, searching for a way out that he never found.
John Martyn: The Visionary Troubadour of Folk and Jazz
John Martyn (born Iain David McGeachy, September 11, 1948 – January 29, 2009) was a British singer-songwriter and guitarist known for blending folk, jazz, blues, and rock. Over his 40-year career, he released 23 studio albums and was widely acclaimed for his innovative sound. Starting in the Scottish folk scene, he signed with Island Records in 1967 and soon began experimenting with jazz and rock influences. His albums Solid Air (1973) and One World (1977) showcased his pioneering use of the Echoplex, creating a dreamy, atmospheric guitar sound.
Despite his musical success, Martyn’s life was marked by personal struggles, including substance abuse. He remained active until his passing in 2009, leaving behind a lasting legacy in British music.
Nick Drake: The Introverted Inspiration
Nick Drake, born on June 19, 1948, was a musician with an unparalleled sensitivity in his songs. His albums Five Leaves Left (1969), Bryter Layter (1970), and Pink Moon (1972) are filled with subtle, poetic lyrics and refined guitar work. Yet, success eluded him, and Drake, who struggled with depression and social anxiety, withdrew further into himself.
Martyn witnessed firsthand how Drake slowly faded away. Their friendship was genuine, but they were polar opposites: Martyn was outgoing, experimental, and full of energy, while Drake remained reserved and reclusive. Still, Martyn deeply felt the weight of Drake’s struggle, which he translated into Solid Air. The song became a musical reflection of a man trapped in his own world.
A Friendship Through Music
Despite their differences, Drake and Martyn shared a special bond. They were both signed to Island Records and moved within the same creative circles. Drake spent time with Martyn and his wife Beverley, occasionally babysitting their children. There were moments of togetherness, jam sessions, and deep conversations, but Martyn knew he could not save his friend.
Solid Air became more than just a tribute—it was also a warning, a call from a friend who saw someone slowly disappearing into the shadows. Tragically, Drake passed away just a year and a half after the release of Solid Air, at the age of 26.
The Legacy of Solid Air
Today, Solid Air is regarded as one of Martyn’s most iconic songs, but it also carries the echo of Drake’s spirit. It is not just a song—it is a musical painting of a talent that never fully blossomed, a tribute to a friend who was lost.
Although Drake and Martyn never recorded a song together, their connection lives on through Solid Air—a song that tells the story of a friendship and the tragic fate of one of the most influential yet overlooked singer-songwriters of his time.
Lyrics
You’ve been taking your time
And you’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been walking the line
And You’ve been living on solid air
Don’t know what’s going wrong inside
And I can tell you that it’s hard to hide when you’re living on
Solid air.
You’ve been painting it blue
And you’ve been looking through solid air
You’ve been seeing it through
And you’ve been looking through solid air
Don’t know what’s going wrong in your mind,
And I can tell you don’t like what you find,
When you’re moving through
Solid air.
I know you, I love you
And I could be your friend
I could follow you, anywhere
Even through solid air.
You’ve been stoning it cold
You’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been finding that gold
You’ve been living on solid air
I don’t know what’s going on inside
I can tell you that it’s hard to hide
When you’re living on
Solid air, solid air.
You’ve been getting too deep
You’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been missing your sleep
And you’ve been moving through solid air
I don’t know what’s going on in your mind
But I know you don’t like what you find
When you’re moving through
Solid air, solid air.
I know you, I love you
I’ll be your friend
I could follow you, anywhere
Even through solid air.
You’ve been walking your line
You’ve been walking on solid air
You’ve been taking your time
But you’ve been walking on solid air
Don’t know what’s going wrong inside
But I can tell you that it’s hard to hide
When you’re living on
Solid air, solid air.
You’ve been painting it blue,
You’ve been living on solid air
You’ve been seeing it through
And you’ve been living on solid air
I don’t know what’s going on in your mind
But I can tell you don’t like what you find
When your living on
Solid air, solid air.
I know you, I love you
And I’ll be your friend
I could follow you, anywhere
Even through solid air.
Ice blue solid air
Nice blue solid air.