4 Things to Know About Eric Clapton’s Cover of ‘May You Never’

Clapton covered John Martyn’s “May You Never” on his 1977 album Slowhand. The song originally appeared on Martyn’s 1973 album Solid Air.

Clapton’s version is more polished and straightforward than Martyn’s original. Martyn’s recording features his signature slurred vocals and fingerpicked guitar, while Clapton delivers a cleaner, more conventional folk-rock arrangement.

The cover helped introduce Martyn’s songwriting to a wider audience. Clapton’s popularity on Slowhand brought attention to Martyn’s work, though Martyn’s version remains the definitive one.

“May You Never” is one of several covers on Slowhand. The album also includes covers of J.J. Cale’s “Cocaine” and Arthur Crudup’s “Mean Old Frisco,” alongside Clapton’s own hits like “Wonderful Tonight.”