Before turning to the story of Scottish lyricist Donovan’s song Catch the Wind, let’s take a look at his ex-wife Linda Lawrence. The girl began her journey in the world of show business as one of the fans who followed famous rock bands everywhere. As you understand, she turned out to be much more successful than most groupies and was able to become the legal wife of a popular musician.
However, at first she did not meet with Donovan. Being fifteen years old, Linda met twenty-year-old Brian Jones and soon gave birth to his son. As you know, two previous children from different mothers of The Rolling Stones member did not make an exemplary family man. Why would his attitude to life have to change the third baby.
Some time later, Brian left Lawrence for Anita Pallenberg, another hardened groupie. You probably know about the tragic end of Jones’ life. As for the fate of Linda Lawrence, it has developed much more joyfully.
Back in 1965, she met Donovan on the set of the TV show Ready Steady Go!. According to the musician, he immediately fell in love with her:
Linda was dating Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones and didn’t want to get involved with another rock star. She was eighteen and too young for anything serious, but the love I felt for her took me to the top of the charts. We met again in 1969 and got married the following year. She has always inspired me.
After becoming Lawrence’s husband, Donovan adopted her son Julian. They later had two more children and are still married.
The history of the song Catch the Wind – Donovan
But back to the song. According to the author, he dedicated it to Lawrence, although his explanations seem somewhat confused:
I wrote Catch the Wind for Linda, although I had not yet met her at the time. It’s a song about unrequited love, even though I haven’t actually met her yet, so how could I miss her? I seem to write prophetic songs in the spirit of the Celtic poets, and before meeting Linda, I wrote this love song that I wanted to have and lost.
KCRW Radio, Los Angeles
According to critics, the melody of the composition was inspired by the famous song Chimes of Freedom by Bob Dylan.
Release and achievements
In March 1965, Catch the Wind was released as a single in the UK. It was Donovan’s debut release. A few months later, the album was also released in the US. The song peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number 23 on the Billboard.
Donovan later recorded new versions of the track for the albums What’s Bin Did and What’s Bin Hid and Donovan’s Greatest Hits.
Catch the Wind has been covered by Cher, Peter Fonda, Joan Baez and many other popular musicians.
Interesting Facts
- The song is featured in several television series (Miami Vice, Heartbeat), feature films (The Invention of Lying, Charlie and Boots) and commercials (General Electric, Volvo).
Catch the Wind Lyrics
In the chilly hours and minutes
Of uncertainty
I want to be
In the warm hold of your loving mind.
To feel you all around me
And to take your hand
along the sand,
Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind.
When sundown pales the sky
I want to hide while
Behind your smile
And everywhere I’d look, your eyes I’d find.
For me to love you now
Would be the sweetest thing
‘t would make me sing,
Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind.
When rain has hung the leaves with tears
I want you near to kill my fears,
To help me to leave all my blues behind.
For standin’ in your heart
Is where I want to be
And long to be
Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind.
Catch the Wind Lyrics Donovan
In chilly hours and minutes
uncertainties
I want to be
In the warm embrace of your loving thoughts
Feel you all around me
And hold your hand
Walking on the sand
But I might as well catch the wind
When the sunset discolors the sky
I want to hide for a while
Behind your smile
And wherever I looked, I would see your eyes
Loving you now would be
For me, the sweetest
That would make me sing
But I might as well catch the wind
When tears of rain appeared on the leaves,
I want you to dispel my fears
Helped me get rid of sadness
To stay in your heart
That’s all I want
I’m just thirsty
But I might as well catch the wind
Song quote
We also listened to Donovan. He’s a good singer, but his songs sound like Dylan’s. His Catch the Wind is similar to Chimes of Freedom.
brian jones,
Rolling Stones off The Record, Mark Paytress
