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
Hesitation blues
Hot Tuna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I need a new gal, she won't mind
Tell me how long do I have to wait?
Can I get you now, I said, must I hesitate?
The eagle on the dollar says "in God we trust"
You say you want a man
You want to see that dollar first
Tell me how long do I have to wait?
Well, If the river was whiskey, said, I was a duck
You know I'd swim to the bottom
Lord, and never come up
Tell me how long
Well, rocks in the ocean, said, fish in the sea
Knows you mean the world to me
Tell me how long do I have to wait?
Can I get you now, Lord, must I hesitate?
Well, the hesitation stalker's got them hesitation shoes
You know, Lord, I got them hesitation blues
Tell me how long do I have to wait?
Can I get you now, Lord, must I hesitate?
Said, can I get you now, how long must I hesitate?
The lyrics of Hot Tuna's song "Hesitation Blues" express the frustration and impatience of a man who is seeking the attention of a woman. He begins by stating that a nickel is a nickel and a dime is a dime, as if to say that he has the money to impress a woman. He then reveals his desire for a new woman who won't mind his advances. He asks the woman how long he must wait to win her over, wondering if he can get her now or if he must continue to hesitate.
The man references the American dollar bill and the phrase "in God we trust" as a symbol of the American economy and the value of money in society. He suggests that the woman is only interested in a man who has money, asking her if he must first show her a dollar bill before she will pay attention to him. He then compares his love for her to the hypothetical scenario of a whiskey river where he would willingly immerse himself fully. The man adds that she means the world to him and asks again how long he must wait before he can win her affections.
The song ends with a repetitive chorus where the man acknowledges his hesitation and blames it on his "hesitation shoes," indicating that he is unable to take the necessary action to win over the woman he desires. Overall, the lyrics of "Hesitation Blues" express the frustration and impatience of a man who is seeking the attention and affection of a woman who seemingly values money over love.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, nickel is a nickel, I said, dime is a dime
Money is money, regardless of its denomination.
I need a new gal, she won't mind
I want a girlfriend who won't have a problem with my lifestyle.
Tell me how long do I have to wait?
How long must I wait for what I desire?
Can I get you now, I said, must I hesitate?
Do I have to hold back, or can I have what I want now?
The eagle on the dollar says "in God we trust"
The United States refers to divine protection with its national currency.
You say you want a man
You claim you want a partner.
You want to see that dollar first
You want to ensure I have enough money before giving me a chance.
Well, If the river was whiskey, said, I was a duck
If the situation was ideal, I would be in my element.
You know I'd swim to the bottom
I would take advantage of the ideal situation.
Lord, and never come up
I wouldn't leave until I got what I wanted.
Well, rocks in the ocean, said, fish in the sea
There are many potential mates out there.
Knows you mean the world to me
You are very important to me.
Tell me how long do I have to wait?
How long must I wait for your affection?
Can I get you now, Lord, must I hesitate?
Can I establish our relationship now, or do I have to wait?
Well, the hesitation stalker's got them hesitation shoes
The tendency to hesitate due to uncertainty or lack of confidence.
You know, Lord, I got them hesitation blues
I'm experiencing the negative effects of indecision.
Tell me how long do I have to wait?
I'm frustrated with having to wait for what I desire.
Can I get you now, Lord, must I hesitate?
Can I have what I want now, or do I have to hesitate and wait?
Said, can I get you now, how long must I hesitate?
I'm asking if I can have what I want immediately or if I have to wait.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JACK CASADY, JORMA KAUKONEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
zenwolfpup
Never get tired of hearing Jorma play... He's a national treasure.
ljswack
You got right.
Robert Rindler
I concur
Robert Hatton
My uncle's bought me a copy of the original album and four weeks later I had a good deal of it down. Jorma is one hell of a syncopated picker. Amazing. No seguencing auto tine pitch shifting. Just five star playing. Thanks for helping to form my playing.And thanks for turning the world on to Gary Davis.
interstategar
without any hestitation-this was a GREAT performance.
Swamp Picker
These guy's are the best. Nice clear recording, better then some of the bootlegs of more recent Hot Tuna concerts. If you ever have a chance to see Hot Tuna live it is an experience.
ZoTv
Jack always blows me away. I've seen them a few times live and was always impressed.
Jeffrey Anderson
This sounds even better than when they first recorded it 40 years ago. Hot Tuna rules indeed!
Central Scrutinizer
A wonderful performance only made better by the video and camera ops excellent understanding of how to properly record a live performance. Every image is informative and completely relevant to the accompanying audio. Thank you very much!
Jean Ely
Wow. Wonderful musicians, still going, and what a great thing! I saw Hot Tuna back in 76. Jorma & Jack have become the master musicians of rock. Thanks for posting!