In 1986, the song's title was used for the Whoopi Goldberg film Jumpin' Jack Flash. In addition to the Rolling Stones' version of the song, the film features Aretha Franklin's cover version for which Ronnie Wood and Richards played guitar, but Franklin played piano. This version is characterised by influences from the popular black music scene. Only the Rolling Stones' version is on the film's original soundtrack recording.
Personnel
Aretha Franklin – lead vocals, acoustic piano
Steve Jordan – drums
Alan Rogan – guitar
Ortheia Barnes – backing vocals
Margaret Branch – backing vocals
Brenda Corbett – backing vocals
Keith Richards – lead guitar
Ronnie Wood – guitar
Randy Jackson – bass guitar
Chuck Leavell – keyboards
Jumpin' Jack Flash
Aretha Franklin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I howled at my ma, at the driving rain, ooh yeah
But it's alright, oh, that is a gas
I said, it's all right
Jumpin' Jack Flash is a g-g-gas, oh yeah
I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag, yeah
But it's alright, and that is a gas
I said, it's all right
Jumpin' Jack Flash is a g-g-gas
I was drowned, washed up and left for dead, yes, sure was
I fell down to my feet and I saw they bled, ooh
I frowned at the crumbs of a crust of bread, yes, I did
I was crowned with a spike right in through my head, oh yeah
But it's all, it's alright, oh, and that is a gas
I said, it's all, alright
Jumpin' Jack Flash is a gas, yes, it is
Jump, jump jump
Jump, jump jump
Jump, you jump jump
My toothless, bearded hag, oh yes I was
I was schooled with a strap right across my back, oh, yeah
I frowned at the crust of bread, yeah
I was crowned with a spike right in through my head, yeah, oh yeah
Aretha Franklin's rendition of "Jumpin' Jack Flash" brings a soulful and gospel-inspired twist to the classic rock song by The Rolling Stones. The first verse speaks of a tumultuous birth, likening it to a crossfire hurricane, and the singer howling at their mother amidst a driving rain. The chaos and frenzy of the scene are conveyed through the frenetic rhythm and Franklin's powerful vocals. Despite the harrowing imagery, the lyrics declare that it's all right, that even amidst the storm, there is an energizing gas in Jumpin' Jack Flash, a reference to the title character of the song.
The second verse paints a picture of a difficult upbringing, with the singer raised by a toothless, bearded hag and schooled with a strap across their back. However, just like in the first verse, there is an underlying sense of resilience and defiance. The singer declares that even these hardships are all right and that Jumpin' Jack Flash is a gas. The final verse tells of a near-death experience where the singer is washed up and left for dead, but manages to rise to their feet despite bleeding from a wound. The vivid imagery of the crust of bread and spike in the head suggest a biblical motif, perhaps alluding to the crucifixion of Jesus.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of triumph over adversity and a celebration of the invigorating spirit of Jumpin' Jack Flash. Aretha Franklin's interpretation adds an extra layer of soulfulness, infusing the rock classic with gospel and R&B influences.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born in a crossfire hurricane, well
I was born in the midst of chaos and struggle
And I howled at my ma, at the driving rain, ooh yeah
I cried out to my mother amidst the storms of life
But it's alright, oh, that is a gas
But it's alright, that's fantastic
I said, it's all right
I said, everything's fine
Jumpin' Jack Flash is a g-g-gas, oh yeah
Jumpin' Jack Flash is exciting and invigorating
I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag, yeah
I was raised by a woman who was old and ugly
I was schooled with a strap right across my back, oh, yes, I was
I was disciplined harshly as a child
I was drowned, washed up and left for dead, yes, sure was
I was left for dead after a traumatic experience
I fell down to my feet and I saw they bled, ooh
I fell and cut myself badly
I frowned at the crumbs of a crust of bread, yes, I did
I was unhappy with the meager amount of food I had to eat
I was crowned with a spike right in through my head, oh yeah
I suffered a severe injury to my head
But it's all, it's alright, oh, and that is a gas
But everything is okay now, and that's wonderful
I said, it's all, alright
I said, everything is good
Jumpin' Jack Flash is a gas, yes, it is
Jumpin' Jack Flash is thrilling
Jump, jump jump
Jump, jump, jump
Jump, you jump jump
Jump, jump, jump
My toothless, bearded hag, oh yes I was
My mother was old and unattractive
I was schooled with a strap right across my back, oh, yeah
I was disciplined harshly as a student
I frowned at the crust of bread, yeah
I was unhappy with the meager amount of food I had to eat
I was crowned with a spike right in through my head, yeah, oh yeah
I suffered a severe injury to my head
Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Deborah Moore
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin absolutely killed this song! She took it to a whole other level, she took it to church! AMEN! I was on feet performing a praise break dance! RIP to the Queen of Soul!
Hallelujah! 🙏🙏🙏 😢😢
Charles Barone
As only She could!!!!
D
Would someone post the live version of this...one of my favorites. Lawd how i love this woman. Rest on, Queen!!!
thekenzosh
The live video is amazing, and I can’t find it anywhere
D
@thekenzosh right! been quite awhile since I saw it. 🙏 someone finds it
Laura Trommer
Amen!!
Tommy Hazlewood
One of the most underrated covers in my life time.
Maurie Richie
I agree 100% with you!
MMSabre79
I love this song. It's about rising up and getting out from under all the horrible things that happen in life. Aretha Franklin kills the hell out of it here.
Robin Young
I absolutely love that woman,the definition of good music