Jethro Tull – Commons Brawl Lyrics | 12 years ago |
Robin Williams once referred to the House of Commons as "Congress with a two-drink minimum." The lyrics of this song would indicate that Anderson agrees. |
Jethro Tull – Thick as a Brick (Parts 1 & 2) Lyrics | 12 years ago |
From what I've read, Anderson wrote Thick as a Brick as a mock concept album in retaliation to all the critics who referred to Aqualung as a concept album. Apparently, he did too good a job as most people don't realize the joke. As for the lyrics, they're mostly nonsensical padding around the basic concept that we should seek knowledge for ourselves rather than rely on appointed "wise men." After all, these intellectuals can't know everything since they don't know what it's like to be stupid. ("And your wise men don't know how it feels to be thick as a brick.") |
Jethro Tull – Thick as a Brick (Parts 1 & 2) Lyrics | 12 years ago |
Actually, Anderson doesn't really like the name Jethro at all. However, in the early days the band would constantly change its name so they could book gigs at places they'd already flopped. They were so bereft for names they started looking at various history books. One on agriculture referenced the inventor of the seed drill (Jethro Tull) and the band decided to use his name. It just so happened that it was using this name that the band finally started getting call-backs, so it stuck. Or, as Anderson himself once put it, "'Jethro Tull' is the name we were using when we stopped sucking." |
Jethro Tull – Sweet Dream Lyrics | 15 years ago |
The message of the songs seems to be that no matter how much parents try to control their children (most likely a daughter in the case of this song), they can't control their child's dreams. Also, all the attempts at control will likely cause said child to rebel anyway. |
Jethro Tull – Beastie Lyrics | 15 years ago |
The song is about dealing with fears and phobias. The first verse describes how these "beasts" are with us our entire lives. The second talks about using home remedies, medicines, and psychiatry to try to deal with them, but these cures do very little. In the third verse, Ian states that ultimately we have to face our fears to overcome them. |
Jethro Tull – A Passion Play Lyrics | 15 years ago |
I wrote this for the incomplete song, so I might as well re-post it here: Traditionally, a passion play is a performance about the life of Jesus Christ. These plays could go for hours over a period of days. During intermissions, a fable would be acted out. "The Story of the Hare Who Lost His Spectacles" fills the role of the fable. ACT 1 The first half of the song is about a young man named Ronnie Pilgrim who dies. His spirit is allowed to stay on earth for his funeral (most of the attendees show up late). After his funeral, an angel appears and takes Ronnie to the afterlife. Once there, he is taken to a viewing room to be judged. His life is played like a movie, with the projectionist/judge being God, Jesus, or another angel. (The title of the piece is "In the Offices of G. Oddie & Son") Ronnie's achievements are first shown, but he is warned that it's all downhill from there. Ronnie's many shortcomings are then shown. Ronnie attempts to cover for himself, but the judge isn't fooled. The other angels and spiritual being taunt Ronnie at first, but then ask him what it's like to be alive. Ronnie feels all is lost, but the projectionist tells Ronnie he's been accepted. End Act 1 INTERMISSION It's a simple story of a hare who's lost his glasses. All of his animal friends attempt to come up with a solution, however no one ever asks Hare what he thinks the best solution is. The irony is that Hare already has a solution: a spare set of glasses. The moral: don't meddle in other peoples' business without their request. Fun fact: this segment is narrated/sung by bassist Jeffery Hammond-Hammond, not Ian Anderson. ACT 2 Ronnie is sitting in heaven and is shocked to find it boring. "Well I'll go to the foot of the stairs" is an English expression equivalent to "well I'll be damned." Ronnie walks up to God and begins chewing Him out, stating that Heaven is no place for people. Ronnie decides to try out Hell, thinking that place might be more fun. God, in a loving manner, lets Ronnie go. Ronnie then meets Lucifer, who explains his existence. Ronnie finds Hell even worse (and Lucifer much worse to be around than God) so he looks for another option. He discovers he can be reincarnated. Ronnie takes the option, and the song winds down with his anxious anticipation of being reborn and the extreme pain of the experience. The song ends with the Passion Play starting again, though it never really stopped. End Act 2 and song. |
KISS – I Was Made For Lovin' You Lyrics | 15 years ago |
What makes KISS bigger sell-outs? That they wrote a disco song in the first place, or that they later allowed it to be used in Moulan Rouge? |
KISS – I Will Be There Lyrics | 15 years ago |
I very nice accoustic song that comes out of nowhere on the very heavy Carnival of Souls. Just a great song. I don't think the lyrics need any explaining, really. |
KISS – Dreaming Lyrics | 15 years ago |
I'll have to check out that Alice Cooper song, then, cause I love this song. This is probably my favorite off of Psycho Circus. "I wanna know, does a frozen river flow". For some reason I've always thought that was a cool line. |
KISS – We Are One Lyrics | 15 years ago |
Who sings lead on this? It doesn't sound like Paul or Gene. Great song, though. Definately got that feel-good vibe going for it. Just another reason I liked Psycho Circus, controversies aside. |
KISS – Psycho Circus Lyrics | 15 years ago |
Psycho Circus is one of the most solid albums from start to finish. Sadly the band themselves barely played on it (I believe there's only one song where there are no studio players). Still, the music itself is good (IMHO) so I love it. Good swan-song for the original line-up. The title song itself is pretty sweet. Paul's voice on the chorus always gives me a chill for some reason. |
KISS – Childhood's End Lyrics | 15 years ago |
CoS was indeed a sweet abulm, I loved how the band was going in a more heavy metal direction. Too bad the reunion ended that whole idea. This is my favorite song on the album and I'm still pissed that it never was a single. The song is clearly about a guy remembering his now-dead friend. I always get a little misty-eyed when I hear it. I never thought Gene Simmons could sing with that much emotion, but he does a damn fine job here. |
The Beatles – I Need You Lyrics | 16 years ago |
Harrison was my favorite Beatle and I always felt this was one of his best songs. The meaning is fairly obvious: girl breaks up with guy so guy tries to say how much he loves and needs her. This song features harmonics between George and John, possibly the only Beatles song to do that (unfortunatly). |
The Beatles – Words of Love Lyrics | 16 years ago |
Great cover, though I prefer Holly's version. I agree about the John/George thing. I wish they would've sung more because they had awesome harmony (IMO). |
Jethro Tull – Still Loving You Tonight Lyrics | 16 years ago |
I always loved the emotion Ian put into this song, something that I find a bit lacking in some of his later works. The accoustic solo is just plain sweet. A great live rendition of the song can be found on the 25th Anniversary box set. |
Jethro Tull – Lap of Luxury Lyrics | 16 years ago |
The song is pretty straightforward: it's about a man who simply wants to have more money and live a nicer life. "Living in the lap of luxury" is a way of referring to a rich person. inpraiseoffolly, I've responded to your nasty habit of stating opinion as fact plenty of other times, so I won't repeat myself here. |
Ozzy Osbourne – No More Tears Lyrics | 16 years ago |
Song's about a serial killer who seems to target prostitutes. The last verse is particularly creepy as the killer appears to fall in love with one of his victims AFTER he kills her. One of my favorite Ozzy songs capped off by an AWESOME bass intro from Mike Inez (one of the best modern-day bassists, IMO). |
Jethro Tull – Something's On the Move Lyrics | 16 years ago |
http://www.imeem.com/krendall/music/2vqQy_p-/jethro_tull_somethings_on_the_move/ |
Jethro Tull – Flying Dutchman Lyrics | 16 years ago |
A great song from the Stormwatch album. I think the guys at CupofWonder say it best: http://www.cupofwonder.com/stormwa2.html#dutch |
Jethro Tull – Pussy Willow Lyrics | 16 years ago |
Fryeguy, you're an idiot. |
Jethro Tull – A Small Cigar Lyrics | 16 years ago |
From CupOfWonder.com: Particularly in the early 1970's, many people assumed Ian was a regular user of 'mind-expanding' drugs. As he said in an article he wrote for Trouser Press Magazine, in October 1982: "Of course, people who saw me jumping about on-stage thought I was taking every drug under the sun. No matter how many times I would say politely, "No, thank you, I would not like a joint ", they'd say, "Aw, C'MON, man, HEY... " Rather than be rude or get angry bottled it up, all these feelings of growing up among a generation I felt I didn't belong with surfaced on Benefit". This attitude to drugs is apparent in the second verse of 'A Small Cigar': "If you ask me they're on their way to upper-middle-class oblivion. The stupid twits, they roll their only one cigarette between them". The other people at the party are sharing a joint: "My small cigar's redundant now in the haze of smoking pleasure. Call it a day, Get the hell away". The smell of cannabis fills the room, so Ian leaves early: "Go down the cafe, For a cup of real tea." 'Tea' being a slang term for cannabis, of course, as distinct from 'real' tea, the drink! |
Jethro Tull – Living In The Past Lyrics | 16 years ago |
Unrelated to the meaning of the song, but has anyone ever heard live performances of it? They NEVER play borth verses! Why is that? |
Jethro Tull – Nothing To Say Lyrics | 16 years ago |
I agree with offhand. Cross-reference this song with Ozzy's "I Don't Know." Same meaning, I think. Ian's basically saying that he doesn't want to be some sort of guru telling people everything. He wants people to find their own truths, not to just blindly follow him. |
Jethro Tull – Dot Com Lyrics | 16 years ago |
The song's about an Internet relationship. This is the first Tull song to reference the Internet in any way. |
Jethro Tull – The Pine Marten's Jig Lyrics | 16 years ago |
That's your opinion. I happen to like most of "A", this song included. By the way, why post the title of an instrumental song on a site about discussing song lyrics? |
Jethro Tull – Aeroplane Lyrics | 16 years ago |
A song originally written during the John Even Band days, Aeroplane first appeared as the B-side to the "Sunshine Day" single, where the band was credited as "Jethro Toe." The song is simply about paper airplanes and the carefree "life" they have. |
Jethro Tull – Driving Song Lyrics | 16 years ago |
The song was written along with material for the "Stand Up" album, and I believe it was a B-side to either "Living in the Past" or "Sweet Dream." It can now be found on the bonus-track version of "Stand Up." The song is Ian's commentary on the constant turing the band did early in it's career. Ian referring to the possibility of his health failing would become somewhat prophetic when Ian's voice started to fail in the mid-80's. |
Jethro Tull – Crew Nights Lyrics | 16 years ago |
Here're the official lyrics: Tearing down in double quick time to get the "A" truck shifted 'bout midnight. The locker rooms are empty but the strobo tuners still spin with their pitching lights And someone with a yellow pass gives out precise directions as to where and when. And earmarked with a drumstick, young girls set to rendezvous, and be recognized again. Tomorrow is an off-day, be in Baltimore by Thursday is the only law. There's a suite down at the hotel reserved for making merry with connecting doors. The lighting man's already improvised a bar and printed invitations to the ball. Off-duty cops line corridors wearing tour T-shirts proudly and the band may even call. Crew nights, no flashlights or folding knives, Best boots and road suits and nine lives. Feeling that it might be wrong to temporarily belong to the P.A. man. Some angel from the midwest is regretting being undressed with no suntan. His polaroid a-snapping, the head carpenter is rapping on the gates of dawn. Sitting lonely with a warm beer the girl with dental braces wishes that she hadn't gone. Crew nights, no bar fights or 'Reader's Wives', Thin walls and late calls and nine lives. Crew nights, no flashlights or folding knives, Best boots and road suits and nine lives. |
Jethro Tull – Reasons For Waiting Lyrics | 16 years ago |
Just a very beautiful love song. |
Jethro Tull – Lick Your Fingers Clean Lyrics | 16 years ago |
This song would be re-worked and included on the Warchild album as "Two Fingers." You can look at my entry there for the meaning, since I really don't feel like going through it all again. Long story short, it's a slam on the Catholic Church and how it seems you have to pay them in order to be saved. |
The Beatles – If I Needed Someone Lyrics | 16 years ago |
The songs sounds to me like a person who's already in a serious relationship being approached by another woman. George is replying that if this new gal had come by sooner, things might have been different. BTW, I love the harmonics between George and John. They should've done more vocals together. |
The Who – I'm a Boy Lyrics | 16 years ago |
"My name is Bill and I'm a head case." Heh, makes me laugh just writing it. Awesome song. Probably my favorite song during their "mod" period. |
George Harrison – What Is Life Lyrics | 16 years ago |
Whether it's about love for a person or God, this song is awesome. It's pretty much the only Harrison solo song that I could've seen being played by the Beatles. |
Jethro Tull – Under Wraps Lyrics | 16 years ago |
The song is about a spy who falls for the beautiful enemy spy and spills all his country's secrets. It should be noted that in "Under Wraps #2" the first version of the corus is used through the entire song. |
Jethro Tull – Pussy Willow Lyrics | 16 years ago |
This is a song about a woman who dreams of being something greater than she is. Sadly, when her alarm sounds her dream world shatters and she goes through her dreary, boring day. However, like a pussy willow tree, she bends but never breaks. Dot Com's "She Bends Like a Willow" has a similar theme to this song. |
Jethro Tull – A Song For Jeffrey Lyrics | 16 years ago |
The song is indeed directed to Jeffrey Hammond, though I believe it was meant to be a parting song. Before Tull was formed, both Anderson and Hammond were part of a group called The John Evan Band (or Smash). As you may guess, that group also had future Tull keyboardist John Evan. Anyway, after the group broke up, Ian formed a new group that eventually became Jethro Tull, while Hammond wanted to study art. One can assume Jeff was trying to talk Ian out of the music scene, and this song is Ian's reply. |
Jethro Tull – Two Fingers Lyrics | 16 years ago |
This song is one of Ian's many critiques against the church, especially the Catholic Church. "Weighing-in": Refers to our death and judgment. "Place your final burden on your hard-pressed next of kin": The Catholic practice of buying absolvances to get the dead from Purgetory into Heaven. "Send the chamber pot back down the line to be filled up again": Tithing and offerings, though the collection plate being a chamber pot shows just how Ian feels about this practice. ;) "Hard-headed miracle worker": A priest. "'You really should make the deal'": Comparing a priest's/pastor's attempts to get a person to join a church to a business deal. "You'd better lick two fingers clean": As the earlier person said, this is making the "pay up" gesture. The next few lines refer to a person dying, using imagery from Locomotive Breath. "You'd better leave your underpants with someone you can trust": Once again referring to Absolvances. This time telling you to make sure someone who will pay for them knows just how many you need. "And when the Old Man with the telescope cuts the final strand you'd better lick two fingers clean, before you shake his hand.": "Old Man with the telescope" is God, and "cuts the final strand" is death. It says that you have to pay up before you can meet God. |
Jethro Tull – Fylingdale Flyer Lyrics | 16 years ago |
inpraiseoffolly: The great thing about Jethro Tull is that they have music to appeal to just about anybody, however not everyone will like the same things. A happens to be one of my favorite albums. However, I'm not a huge fan of Crest of a Knaive, while just about everyone else loves it. For the record, the song is FYLINGDALE FLYER, not Flyingdale. |
Jethro Tull – A New Day Yesterday Lyrics | 16 years ago |
Much of the Stand Up album is about Ian resenting the constant travel and work-load of being a rock star. This song talks about how he's constantly away from his new girlfriend (and future ex-wife), Jeanine. "It was a new day yesterday but it's an old day now" It was kind of thrilling not knowing when or how long the two would see each other, but now it's growing old and Ian just wants to be with his new love. "Oh I had to leave today just when I thought I'd found you" Even when the two are together, it's an all-too-brief moment as Ian has to go back on the road again. |
Meat Loaf – In the Land of the Pig, the Butcher Is King Lyrics | 16 years ago |
I took the song to be about corrupt priests. It talks about confessionals and being blessed. These priests simply look down on everybody and feel they are above the "average" people. The congregation is nothing but "trash" and "animals." "Can't you hear the choir now? Listen to the animals sing." A comment on how ammused these priests are at the people singing hymns. "Listen to the slaughter-house bells." Could be a reference to church bells. "So we lower the bar" Could reference how the Catholic church has eased on many of its traditions in order to appeal to more people. |
Jethro Tull – The Whistler Lyrics | 17 years ago |
It's clearly "and a drum to play," since the line is immediately followed by a drum riff. Anyway, a truly great song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j85N0rVryo8 |
Jethro Tull – Heavy Horses Lyrics | 17 years ago |
One of my favorite Tull songs. I can't even explain why, I just really like it. To inpraiseoffolly, that's all a matter of opinion. I would consider "Heavy Horses" and "Broadsword and the Beast" better than "Aqualung." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmMyLBJk-Qw&mode=related&search= |
Jethro Tull – Living In The Past Lyrics | 17 years ago |
A very fun and light-hearted Tull song, which was a rarity back in those days (around the time of "Stand Up"). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJKBt9ervsU |
Live – Heropsychodreamer Lyrics | 17 years ago |
I've always thought this song was about a homosexual ("they called you queer") who was constantly abused for his lifestyle. While he doesn't react directly to peoples' taunts ("I turn the other cheek during the day") he actually dreams of revenge ("I'll kill you all in my dreams"). The verse describes that in this man's mind he's a lone hero driven by a ballad singer ("balladeer") whose song has touched him ("I saw your tongue, it licked my heart"). |
Live – Freaks Lyrics | 17 years ago |
The song focuses on a mother and young ("You know your sperm is weak") son in an incestuous relationship. The verses has Ed question the couple, wondering how they will react to the situation. Will they try to become celebrities ("run and tell Geraldo)? Will they hide their lifestile ("hide that get up that you wear")? Will the mother abort any pregnancies ("bear your children without tears/without the usual costs of labor")? Etc. The chorus turns Ed's attention from the mother/son to the audience. Will we, the observers, call these people freaks, or will we sensationalize their acts ("call them gods")? |
Jethro Tull – Dharma For One Lyrics | 17 years ago |
The version shown here is the live piece from the "Living in the Past" album. The original song was an instrumental piece on the "This Was" album. Ian has always hated the idea of using drugs to "expand the mind," or "achieve a higher consciousness." Ian has likened it to a person walking into a coffee shop and ordering "Dharma for one," hence the title. The live version seems to try to convey the true path to achieve Dharma. |
Jethro Tull – Jack-In-The-Green Lyrics | 17 years ago |
Jack-in-the-Green and Green Man are two common names that Saint George was known by. According to English folklore (and this song), Jack is responsible for returning life to the forrest after the winter. The bridge of the song describes how Jack's quest still goes on, even in these modern days. |
Jethro Tull – Teacher Lyrics | 17 years ago |
Anderson is NOT anti-religion, he is skeptical of organized religion, such as the Catholic Church/Church of England. But, yes, he is a spiritual person. Anyway, the song seems to be about a man who goes on a journey to find fun. However, he tries too hard to find fun, and ends up just paying his travelling companion to have all the fun. It's basically Ian saying "Relax and enjoy life." |
Jethro Tull – A Passion Play Lyrics | 17 years ago |
Traditionally, a passion play is a performance about the life of Jesus Christ. These plays could go for hours over a period of days. During intermissions, a fable would be acted out. "The Story of the Hare Who Lost His Spectacles" fills the role of the fable. ACT 1 The first half of the song is about a young man named Ronnie Pilgrim who dies. His spirit is allowed to stay on earth for his funeral (most of the attendees show up late). After his funeral, an angel appears and takes Ronnie to the afterlife. Once there, he is taken to a viewing room to be judged. His life is played like a movie, with the projectionist/judge being God, Jesus, or another angel. (The title of the piece is "In the Offices of G. Oddie & Son") Ronnie's achievements are first shown, but he is warned that it's all downhill from there. Ronnie's many shortcomings are then shown. Ronnie attempts to cover for himself, but the judge isn't fooled. The other angels and spiritual being taunt Ronnie at first, but then ask him what it's like to be alive. Ronnie feels all is lost, but the projectionist tells Ronnie he's been accepted. End Act 1 INTERMISSION It's a simple story of a hare who's lost his glasses. All of his animal friends attempt to come up with a solution, however no one ever asks Hare what he thinks the best solution is. The irony is that Hare already has a solution: a spare set of glasses. The moral: don't meddle in other peoples' business without their request. Fun fact: this segment is narrated/sung by bassist Jeffery Hammond-Hammond, not Ian Anderson. ACT 2 Ronnie is sitting in heaven and is shocked to find it boring. "Well I'll go to the foot of the stairs" is an English expression equivalent to "well I'll be damned." Ronnie walks up to God and begins chewing Him out, stating that Heaven is no place for people. Ronnie decides to try out Hell, thinking that place might be more fun. God, in a loving manner, lets Ronnie go. Ronnie then meets Lucifer, who explains his existence. Ronnie finds Hell even worse (and Lucifer much worse to be around than God) so he looks for another option. He discovers he can be reincarnated. Ronnie takes the option, and the song winds down with his anxious anticipation of being reborn and the extreme pain of the experience. The song ends with the Passion Play starting again, though it never really stopped. End Act 2 and song. |
Jethro Tull – Broadsword Lyrics | 17 years ago |
The song is about Brittain being invaded by Northern Europe. The first verse is from Brttain's perspective, seeing the invaders coming, hiding the women and children, and preparing for battle. The second verse is from the invaders' perspective, discussing strategies for the upcoming battles. The final verse is from both perspectives, as both the Brittish and the invaders have the same objective: survive. Assuming this invasion takes place around the sixth century, it could be the Vikings (Danes) invading Brittain, as Christianity had reached Northern Europe by that time. Ian instills the irony that both the invaders and the defending Brittish prepare for battle in the same way (grab a sword and a cross). |
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