Martyn wrote that song after standing behind an elderly lady in the post office queue one day, and he got to wondering about her life. And Bettie's story reminded me of it so very much. Beautiful song, he understands us. :0)
I wonder how many stood behind Bette in shops, libraries, doctors surgeries and never knew what lay behind her beautiful smile, her merry wrinkles, her pretty silver hair.
"..This being woman, being old Invisible and unsaid gold Still sensuous with mystery Silk of who you've yet to be..."
It's so sad that she felt she had to hide herself away, but that's how women often feel when beauty fades, and that's when you've not been a pin up, so it must have been very hard for her at times..
Sooooo, next time you see a little ol' lady, look just that little deeper, see her eyes, see their sparkle...and wonder.