Cold aeroplanes, slow boats, warm trains
remind me of Jack-A-Lynn.
Lush hotels and pretty girls
won't cheer the misty mood I'm in.
Silly, sad, I've never had to write this before,
oh, Jack-A-Lynn.

Funny how long nights allow
thoughts of Jack-A-Lynn.
When phantoms tread around my bed
to offer restless dreams they bring.
And it's just the time and place to find
a sad song to play for Jack-A-Lynn.

Magpies that shriek, old boots that leak
call me to Jack-A-Lynn.
Coal-black cats in policeman's hats
nosing where the mice have been.
And the long miaow's beginning now
and I'm far, far from home and Jack-A-Lynn.
Jack, Jack-A-Lynn
Jack, Jack-A-Lynn
Jack, Jack-A-Lynn
Jack, Jack-A-Lynn


Lyrics submitted by The Rocker

Jack A Lynn Lyrics as written by Ian Anderson

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

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Jack-a-Lynn song meanings
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    General Comment

    I agree with the rocker, there's an amazing power and atmosphere to this song.. And it builds up perfectley. I love the folky, soft acaustic part but also the way that the distorted guitar kicks in after "Magpies that shriek, old boots that leak". Just amazing.

    It's obviously about missing a lover when not being able to be with her, and everything makes you want to leave.

    The_Promiseon October 03, 2006   Link

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