Anderson was born on 10th August 1947, the youngest of three children. He spent the first part of his childhood in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was influenced by his father's big band and jazz records and the emergence of rock music, though disenchanted with the "show biz" style of early American rock and roll stars like Elvis Presley. His family moved to Blackpool, Lancashire in 1959, where he gained a traditional education at Blackpool Grammar School. He went on to study fine art at Blackpool College of Art from 1964 to 1966.
In 1963, he formed The Blades with school friends Barriemore Barlow (drums), John Evan (keyboards), Jeffrey Hammond (bass), and Michael Stephens (guitar). This was a soul and blues band, with Anderson on vocals and harmonica. At this time Anderson abandoned his ambition to play electric guitar, allegedly because he felt he would never be "as good as Eric Clapton". He traded his electric guitar in for a flute which, after some weeks of practice, he found he could play fairly well in a rock and blues style. He continued to play acoustic guitar, using it as a melodic as well as rhythmic instrument. As his career progressed, he added soprano saxophone, mandolin, keyboards, and other instruments to his arsenal.
His famous tendency to stand on one leg while playing the flute came about by accident. As related in the "Isle of Wight" video, he had been inclined to stand on one leg while playing the harmonica, holding the microphone stand for balance. During the long stint at the Marquee Club, a journalist described him, wrongly, as standing on one leg to play the flute. He decided to live up to the reputation, albeit with some difficulty. His early attempts are visible in The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus film appearance of Jethro Tull. In later life he was surprised to learn of iconic portrayals of various flute playing divinities, particularly Krishna and Kokopelli, which show them standing on one leg.
While Anderson has recorded a small number of critically acclaimed projects under his own name, and frequently makes guest appearances in other artists' work, he has been identified in the public eye as the frontman of Jethro Tull for forty-four years. This is undoubtedly because a signature motif of Anderson's career has been a highly distinctive stage image, which has often been counter to the prevailing rock music culture. While he has habitually drawn inspiration from British folklore – at different times deploying stylistic elements of mediæval jester, Elizabethan minstrel, English country squire and Scottish laird – at other times he has appeared as astronaut, biker, pirate, and vagrant. His personae often involve a large degree of self-parody.
As a flautist, Anderson is self-taught; his style, which often includes a good deal of flutter tonguing and occasionally singing or humming (or even snorting) while playing, was influenced by Rahsaan Roland Kirk. In 2003 he recorded a composition called Griminelli's Lament in honour of his friend, the Italian flautist Andrea Griminelli. In the 1990s he began working with simple bamboo flutes. He uses techniques such as over-blowing and hole-shading to produce note-slurring and other expressive techniques on this otherwise simple instrument.
He has recorded several songs on which he plays all the instruments as well as carrying out all the engineering and production (such as 1988's "Another Christmas Song"). Anderson's music blends styles such as folk, jazz, blues, rock, and pop. His lyrics are frequently complex, (mostly) tongue-in-cheek criticism of the absurd rules of society and/or religion ("Sossity, You're a Woman"; "Hymn 43"; "Thick as a Brick"). He often combines lyrics with other leitmotifs such as folk, mythological, fantastic ("The Minstrel in the Gallery", "Jack-in-the-Green", "Broadsword and the Beast"). In the 1990s and 2000s, Anderson's songs often capture 'snapshots' of his daily life ("Old Black Cat", "Rocks on the Road").
Walk Into Light
Ian Anderson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a crowd out there handclapping slow.
We're all powered up, switched on, the rig is tight.
Step into joy.
Walk into light.
Never mind what some people say.
They're going to love you anyway.
Stand astride the width and walk the length.
Those super-troopers fired and burning bright.
Step into joy.
Walk into light.
Stand tall and be yourself.
You can do it for your health.
Maybe a circus ring, a disco floor.
Do like we do.
And do some more.
A crowded ofice or a party night.
Step into joy.
Walk into light.
The lyrics to Ian Anderson's song "Walk Into Light" encourage the listener to let go of their fears and embrace their individuality. The first verse urges the listener to move out of their comfort zone and into the light, where they will be met with a supportive crowd. The second verse suggests that the listener ignore the negative opinions of others and be confident in themselves. The chorus reinforces the idea of stepping into joy and walking into the light, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for embracing happiness or enlightenment. The final verse offers examples of places where the listener can apply this lesson, whether it be a circus ring or a crowded office.
Overall, "Walk Into Light" is an uplifting and motivational song, reminding the listener that they have the power to overcome their fears and achieve their goals. In a sense, it is a call to action, encouraging the listener to take control of their life and make the most of it.
Line by Line Meaning
Close in, move out to where you want to go.
Move closer to your desires and take steps towards achieving them.
There's a crowd out there handclapping slow.
There are people out there supporting you in their own way, albeit silently.
We're all powered up, switched on, the rig is tight.
We are all mentally, physically and emotionally prepared for this journey or situation.
Step into joy.
Take a step into a new phase of life full of happiness and positivity.
Walk into light.
Radiate positivity, hope and happiness in your life and your surroundings.
Never mind what some people say.
Ignore negative comments or criticism from others.
They're going to love you anyway.
No matter what, there will always be people who appreciate you for who you are.
Shake off that nervous twitch and feel your strength.
Get rid of your anxiety or fear and focus on your inner potential and capabilities.
Stand astride the width and walk the length.
Face challenges head-on and take control of the situation.
Those super-troopers fired and burning bright.
Those who exhibit enthusiasm, strength and positivity are shining bright.
Stand tall and be yourself.
Be confident in your own personality and identity.
You can do it for your health.
You can do something positive for your own wellbeing and prosperity.
Maybe a circus ring, a disco floor.
It doesn't matter what you do, as long as it makes you happy and positive.
Do like we do.
Follow our example and live a life full of vitality and positive energy.
And do some more.
Do more of what you enjoy and pursue your passions.
A crowded office or a party night.
Find joy and positivity in mundane or exciting situations that life throws your way.
Step into joy.
Take steps towards achieving happiness, positivity and success.
Walk into light.
Radiate positivity and hope in everything you do.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: IAN ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind