The money won't last forever
Rent man called twice today.
I hope some day you'll find me
In the lap of luxury.

Searched for a new apartment
But they don't grow on trees.
Just want to lay my head
In the lap of luxury.

Stepped out on a new horizon
Felt a new spring in my feet.
Found a job, it could set me up
Dangling in the lap of luxury.

And the gaffer is a man of substance
Drives a jag and takes high tea.
Lives beyond the industrial wasteland,
Laughing in the lap of luxury.

I need money, now, to soothe my heart!
Buy me a Datsun or Toyota
Get the tax man to agree
All expenses I can muster
From the lap of luxury.


Lyrics submitted by inpraiseoffolly

Lap of Luxury Lyrics as written by Ian Anderson

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

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Lap of Luxury song meanings
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4 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment

    Well, you know that there are different opinions on that? Along with guitarist Martin Barre I agree that that album is the finest thing Jethro Tull has ever done (and I love "Aqualung" and "Thick as a brick" as much as anyone). I love the complexity of the arrangements, and the soundscape they got out of the - then brand-new - technology. Some memorable tunes in there, too. I personally could have lived without the drum-computer, which is the thing about this album that has aged the least well.

    (I am only guessing here, but maybe you are too young to appreciate what they have done with the technology of their time. But let's not make a question of faith out of this: it is only music, after all.)

    haripu69on November 04, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    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.

    Krendall2006on June 24, 2008   Link
  • 0
    Lyric Correction

    'jag' should be capitalized, 'Jag': it's a common abbreviation for 'Jaguar', the make of luxury car driven by the 'gaffer' (US: 'boss')

    slamon January 05, 2012   Link
  • -1
    General Comment

    This album is just sad. (as in, sad that such a bad album could come from such a good band).

    inpraiseoffollyon October 03, 2006   Link

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