Long John Silver
Jefferson Airplane Lyrics


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Long John Silver ring in his ear
He's the hero, make that clear
Does the same thing his father did
Sailing around the Caribbean
Robbings king with his talking parrot
This time I think he's on the high side

Scabs are forming, scraped his knee
Guards are warning a bad man is free
He's like electric clock that needs no winding
Keeps the time without your hands
Western feet need no binding
Take a barefoot run through old Japan

He's seen a thousand countries
They're all the same
Some men are crazy, some men sane
But all men are ruled by a flag or a game
And he knows nobody's got you
If you don't, if you don't sign your name

Long John Silver serves no king
No land holds him, that's why he feels like, feels like singing
Every country now and then
Roars like Irish, drunk and singing




Every monk will now and then
Call his men to hear the wenches night bells ringing

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jefferson Airplane's "Long John Silver" paints a vivid picture of a legendary pirate who wears a ring in his ear and is considered a hero by some people. He follows in his father's footsteps, sailing through the Caribbean and robbing kings with his talkative parrot as his sidekick. The song suggests that he might be taking his exploits to a new level, hinting that "this time, I think he's on the high side."


Perhaps the most striking aspect of the song is the way it compares Long John Silver to an electrical clock that never needs winding and to a person with Western feet who can run barefoot through Japan. The lyrics suggest that he is a symbol of freedom, someone who refuses to be bound by any one country or way of life. Instead, he has seen "a thousand countries" and knows that "they're all the same."


The song also touches on themes of madness, sanity, power, and loyalty. Like many pirate tales, it shows that all men are ruled by a flag or a game, but Long John Silver alone knows that nobody has control over him unless he signs his name. The overall effect is to celebrate the idea of free-spirited rebellion and to suggest that even the most notorious pirates can be seen as heroic figures in their own time.


Line by Line Meaning

Long John Silver ring in his ear
The earring on Long John Silver's ear signifies his pirate identity and establishes him as a popular figure.


He's the hero, make that clear
To those who have been oppressed and marginalized, Long John Silver is a hero who stands up to the establishment and takes on the corrupt powers.


Does the same thing his father did
As the son of a pirate, Long John Silver is following in his father's footsteps and continuing the family tradition of living on the high seas.


Sailing around the Caribbean
The Caribbean is the main area of operation for pirates such as Long John Silver, who sail the warm tropical waters in search of treasures to loot.


Robbing king with his talking parrot
Long John Silver's parrot serves as his lookout and warning system while he robs famous kings and other wealthy targets of their precious jewels.


This time I think he's on the high side
Despite the risks involved, Long John Silver is confident in his ability to pull off the heist and come away with the loot.


Scabs are forming, scraped his knee
Although Long John Silver is prone to getting hurt, he is resilient and tough enough to keep going despite his injuries.


Guards are warning a bad man is free
The authorities are aware of Long John Silver's criminal activities and are on the lookout for him, warning the public about his presence.


He's like electric clock that needs no winding
Long John Silver is a self-sufficient pirate who needs no outside help or assistance to carry out his work and live his life.


Keeps the time without your hands
Long John Silver marches to his own tune and doesn't rely on anyone else to tell him how to live his life or spend his time.


Western feet need no binding
Long John Silver and other pirates like him are free spirits who don't conform to the restrictive norms of Western society.


Take a barefoot run through old Japan
Long John Silver and his fellow pirates are fearless adventurers who travel the world and explore different cultures, taking in the sights and sounds of exotic locales such as Japan.


He's seen a thousand countries
Long John Silver is a seasoned traveler who has visited countless countries and experienced different cultures, giving him a unique perspective on life.


They're all the same
Despite the superficial differences between various countries and cultures, Long John Silver recognizes that all people share a common humanity and that many of the same struggles and problems are faced around the world.


Some men are crazy, some men sane
Long John Silver has encountered individuals from all walks of life, including those who are rational and those who are irrational, and understands that madness and sanity are not always clear-cut distinctions.


But all men are ruled by a flag or a game
Regardless of their individual differences, Long John Silver recognizes that most people are beholden to some form of authority or power structure, whether it be a flag or other banner that unites them or a game that they play to assert their dominance.


And he knows nobody's got you
Long John Silver understands that independence is a powerful force and that it is possible to maintain one's freedom and autonomy even in the face of great adversity.


If you don't, if you don't sign your name
However, it is important to resist the temptation to conform and sign one's name to a document or agreement that would compromise one's autonomy or beliefs.


Long John Silver serves no king
As a pirate, Long John Silver is beholden to no one and serves only his own interests and those of his fellow crew members.


No land holds him, that's why he feels like, feels like singing
Long John Silver is a wanderer who belongs nowhere and everywhere at the same time, and this sense of freedom fills him with an overwhelming sense of joy and happiness.


Every country now and then, roars like Irish, drunk and singing
Despite their differences, people from all over the world share a common need to cut loose and have fun, whether it be through drinking, singing, or other forms of revelry.


Every monk will now and then, call his men to hear the wenches night bells ringing
Even those who have dedicated their lives to religion or other noble pursuits are not immune to the call of the wild, and may enjoy the same pleasures and indulgences as others.




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JACK CASADY, GRACE SLICK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Shana izoard

Long John Silver ring in his ear
He's the hero, make that clear
Does the same thing his father did
Sailing around the Caribbean
Robbings king with his talking parrot
This time I think he's on the high side

Scabs are forming, scraped his knee
Guards are warning a bad man is free
He's like electric clock that needs no winding
Keeps the time without your hands
Western feet need no binding
Take a barefoot run through old Japan

He's seen a thousand countries
They're all the same
Some men are crazy, some men sane
But all men are ruled by a flag or a game
And he knows nobody's got you
If you don't, if you don't sign your name

Long John Silver serves no king
No land holds him, that's why he feels like, feels like singing
Every country now and then
Roars like Irish, drunk and singing
Every monk will now and then
Call his men to hear the wenches night bells ringing



All comments from YouTube:

Mrariesdave

No way to explain how Grace's quirky power-voice always hits the most hedonistic nerve in my soul.

Rick Haley

I was a nascent preachers kid rebel when I first heard Grace. You can probably guess how that went.

Mrariesdave

@WarGrrl3 Also cocaine and booze masking rage at the recording industry, grace was pre-punk.

WarGrrl3

I have never been able to articulate that. Thanks, now u can explain it properly. Also, Her vocals make my stomach catch.

Moonpie Shane

The Airplane was coming to the end of their hey-day with this album, so I'm glad they decided to go out on a fiery, angry balls to the wall delivery. Not the tightest, not their best, but throws you against the wall with its fury. Many a stoned night loving and listening to this angry LP.

Rick Haley

Jorma given his head is glorious to behold

arje narayan

Grace has the best singing voice ever,i LOVE it,that is the voice of an angel.Sunfighter and Baron von tollbooth are in my top five lps of all time.Thank you Grace for sharing your beautifull voice with the world and thank god for you tube 'cos even tho i own the lps i dont have a record player,but now i can hear them again.i LOVE it.

Jefferson Guis

Um dos melhores álbuns da JA!
Músicas muito boas!
E sem contar com a arte da capa!
Não tem igual!

Osiris Cantú

Este es el album que más me gusta de JS. Tiene un sabor que mezcla la vieja rocola y el buen rock.

Shana izoard

Long John Silver ring in his ear
He's the hero, make that clear
Does the same thing his father did
Sailing around the Caribbean
Robbings king with his talking parrot
This time I think he's on the high side

Scabs are forming, scraped his knee
Guards are warning a bad man is free
He's like electric clock that needs no winding
Keeps the time without your hands
Western feet need no binding
Take a barefoot run through old Japan

He's seen a thousand countries
They're all the same
Some men are crazy, some men sane
But all men are ruled by a flag or a game
And he knows nobody's got you
If you don't, if you don't sign your name

Long John Silver serves no king
No land holds him, that's why he feels like, feels like singing
Every country now and then
Roars like Irish, drunk and singing
Every monk will now and then
Call his men to hear the wenches night bells ringing

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