Jumpin' Jack Flash
The Rolling Stones Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I was born in a cross-fire hurricane
And I howled at the morning driving rain
But it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas
But it's all right. I'm Jumpin' Jack Flash
It's a gas, gas, gas

I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag,
I was schooled with a strap right across my back
But it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas
But it's all right, I'm Jumpin' Jack Flash
It's a gas, gas, gas

I was drowned, I was washed up and left for dead
I fell down to my feet and I saw they bled , yeah yeah
I frowned at the crumbs of a crust of bread
Yeah, yeah, yeah

I was crowned with a spike right through my head
But it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas
But it's all right, I'm Jumpin' Jack Flash
It's a gas, gas, gas

Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas




Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas

Overall Meaning

The Rolling Stones' "Jumpin' Jack Flash" is a song that tells the story of a character called "Jumpin' Jack Flash." The song opens with a description of his life - he was born in the midst of a "cross-fire hurricane," and howled his way into the world in driving rain. The lyrics suggest that despite a tumultuous birth, he's come through it all with a lot of vitality, energy, and a bit of swagger. He's "Jumpin' Jack Flash," and his life is a "gas, gas, gas."


The second verse gives us more insight into Jack's upbringing. He was raised by a "toothless, bearded hag," and schooled with a strap across his back. Despite this rough start, Jack seems to be doing alright - he's still got that energy and vitality that we heard about in the first verse.


The third verse is a bit more cryptic, but still tells Jack's story. He's been through some difficult times - he was drowned, washed up on shore and left for dead. But somehow he's managed to recover and come out the other side. He's been crowned with a spike through his head, but even that hasn't kept him down for long. The chorus repeats several times, emphasizing that Jack's life is still a "gas."


Line by Line Meaning

I was born in a cross-fire hurricane
My birth was tumultuous and chaotic


And I howled at the morning driving rain
I reacted loudly and emotionally to the intense challenges I faced


But it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas
Despite the challenges of my past, I am now doing well and enjoying life to the fullest


But it's all right. I'm Jumpin' Jack Flash
I am confident and self-assured in my ability to navigate any obstacle


It's a gas, gas, gas
Life is exhilarating and full of excitement


I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag,
My upbringing was unconventional and perhaps even a little frightening


I was schooled with a strap right across my back
My education was strict and involved punishment for mistakes


I was drowned, I was washed up and left for dead
I experienced a traumatic event, perhaps a near-death experience


I fell down to my feet and I saw they bled , yeah yeah
I suffered physical injury as a result of the traumatic event


I frowned at the crumbs of a crust of bread
Even the small things in life can be difficult to enjoy when one is struggling


I was crowned with a spike right through my head
I faced a painful and difficult challenge that tested my ability to persevere


Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Referring to oneself as Jumpin' Jack Flash means embracing a carefree and confident attitude toward life




Lyrics © Abkco Music, Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@framebyframe7473

You know it’s a good song when it doesn’t age after 53 years, and never will.

@generaltov.6911

Time really flies huh? This sounds from the 2000s which is still 20 years ago

@mahrizhossain4308

@General Tov. It sounds from the 60s, but it is definitely infinitely better than today's songs.

@SunnyIlha

2:46

@robinholbrook6576

Taught it to my granddaughter!

@davebrokenshire1086

@Robin Holbrook Me too!

28 More Replies...

@zippoboy00

My dad's favorite Rolling Stones tune. Lost him 2-23-22. This one's for you Dad. I'll sing it until my voice gives out!

@Mattimaginex1

Condolences for your family.

@franciscogarcia7588

I feel ur pain.. 😔

@Cissy2cute

Lost someone dear to me last month. Sorry about your loss.

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