Their first album was recorded live at Berkeley in 1969. They continued their work with Jefferson Airplane during this project, and even though Jefferson Airplane dissolved, Hot Tuna has continued to tour to this day. Casady is considered by many to be one of the most advanced and innovative in his style.
Their official website is http://hottuna.com and http://hottunatunes.com has music downloads of some of their recent live dates and a few older dates which really capture the spirit of these two very talented musicians.
Joey Covington, a self-taught drummer since the age of 10, (also know in his childhood as Joey Michno) helped found Blues-rock group Hot Tuna in 1969, alongside Jefferson Airplane members Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen, while the latter band was still in its beginnings.
However, the recordings he did for Tuna were unreleased and eventually rejoined Casady and Kaukonen at the Airplane and featured on three studio albums, the first being Volunteers, as he replaced Spencer Dryden midway through the recording process. He wrote and sang the last hit for Jefferson Airplane 1971's "Pretty As You Feel" featured on the Bark Album.
Covington left Jefferson Airplane in mid-1972 to pursue a solo career, starting with Fat Fandango.[3] He subsequently faded from view, only resurfacing sporadically, like in 1976's Spitfire by Jefferson Starship, where he co-wrote the hit single "With Your Love".
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s he toured with various configurations as The San Francisco Allstars.
Covington was well-known around the Palm Springs area as a talented musician who delighted his audience by playing free gigs whenever possible. His last performance was for a Marilyn Monroe celebration in Palm Springs June 1, 2013. Covington thrilled his audience and signed autographs following the performance.[4]
Covington was killed in an automobile accident in Palm Springs, California on June 4, 2013. Covington slammed into a wall and was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collison. He was 67.[5]
See also: Hot Tuna at Wikipedia
Funky #7
Hot Tuna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With your finger on the pulse of time there ain't no time to rest
It's a simple proposal to keep you walking the line
Just trying to get back for what you borrowed in time
The moral of the story's for a limited crew
But we're gonna be there in the chosen few
But meanwhile tomorrow, I'll try to find me a scene
With such a promising future there ain't no way to go wrong
But the line that I walk just keeps taking too long
There'll be a rainbow on morning of the following day
But how we're gonna find it I just can't say at all
If I live tomorrow like I'm living today
There ain't no way to borrow, look for me to stay
The lyrics to Hot Tuna's Funky #7 describe the struggles of trying to keep up with the fast-paced and often overwhelming nature of life. The first two lines depict the pressure that one can feel to keep moving forward without pause, always trying to keep up with everything happening around them. The idea of trying to smile yourself to death reflects the pressure to maintain a facade of happiness despite feeling overwhelmed. The song goes on to suggest that living life this way is unsustainable and leaves one constantly trying to make up for lost time.
The next verse suggests a desire to find an easier way to make money, to escape the struggle to stay afloat. The promise of a bright future is present, but the reality of the present is still a difficult, uphill battle. The idea of a rainbow appearing the next day offers hope, but the singer recognizes that finding this hope is no easy task.
The final verse offers a sense of resignation, as the singer accepts that if they continue living as they are, there is no way to borrow time and escape the struggles they face. Overall, the song presents a grim portrait of the difficulties and pressures of trying to exist in a world that moves too fast.
Line by Line Meaning
Walking, talking, breathing, trying to smile yourself to death
You are living your life, interacting with others, and trying to be happy, but your pursuit of happiness may lead you to self-destruct.
With your finger on the pulse of time there ain't no time to rest
You are constantly connected to the world and its fast pace, leaving no room for relaxation or taking a break.
It's a simple proposal to keep you walking the line
There is a straightforward suggestion to keep you on the right path.
Just trying to get back for what you borrowed in time
You are striving to make up for lost time or past mistakes.
The moral of the story's for a limited crew
The lesson of this story is not meant for everyone, only for those who can understand and apply it.
But we're gonna be there in the chosen few
We will be part of the select group who can comprehend the message and benefit from it.
But meanwhile tomorrow, I'll try to find me a scene
In the meantime, tomorrow, I will try to find an environment or activity that suits me.
There's got to be an easy way to turn my money green
There must be an effortless way to make more money.
With such a promising future there ain't no way to go wrong
The future appears bright and guaranteed to be successful.
But the line that I walk just keeps taking too long
Despite being on the right path, progress is slow and time-consuming.
There'll be a rainbow on morning of the following day
There is hope for a brighter tomorrow or a happy ending.
But how we're gonna find it I just can't say at all
The means to reach this desired outcome are unclear or unknown.
If I live tomorrow like I'm living today
If I maintain the same lifestyle or habits tomorrow as I do today,
There ain't no way to borrow, look for me to stay
It is impossible for me to borrow or change my circumstances, so expect me to remain the same.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JACK CASADY, JORMA KAUKONEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Zappstitute
I really love this one!!! I actually jammed with Jorma Kaukonen here in my hometown - Strömsund, Sweden - December 28, 1974.
Hannes Stuber
I have been to Sweden in 1974 (also to Pori Jazz Festival that year) and me and my wife are going to Strömsund (our base to start a northern trip) every year since 2017. Hey do! Still jamming?
Richard Cranium
I met Pat Travers once in the early 80s. I know that not near as cool, but I don't often get a chance to bring it up in conversation. For the record he was pretty cool
Fritz the Cat
That's a jam you'll never forget!!! You lucky bastard!!! Lol
makewarnomore
This album came out when I was in 10th-11th grade HS. We would see them regularly at the Academy of Music on 14th street(became the Palladium). This was 1974-75. Hot Tuna would play for long sets and the venue management ended up pulling the plugs and turning off the lights to end their shows. Thats shit was funny as hell. They would be either tanked on Speed/Jack Daniels or tripping on LSD. Most of us were smashed on acid in those days...fun stuff indeed.
MERRYJERRYL
YES WAS IN THE 11 GRADE ALSO......MANY IN AUDIENCE ON ACID,,,,,,,,,,JACK AND JORMA...........BLOW.....SPEED.....,,JORMA WOULD POLISH OFF A QUART OF HARD LIQUOR TO Take the edge off!!
tripfunkmonster
Probably my favorite Hot Tuna song. I saw them at Commack Arena in Long Island in 1977 and the show blew my mind-they played until about 3:00 in the morning. It was one of the craziest nights of my life.
MERRYJERRYL
POSSIBLY 9/10/76.........
Weiss Hal
Some of the best Bass playing I have ever heard played by Jack!
pit2ryan3
You're absolutely right, Bob Steeler was just "the" perfect drummer !