In the longer version you can hear Jimi talk to Chas Chandler in the control room. They were fans of Star Trek, and wanted to create something based on the TV show. The slowed down speech is what you hear them talking about amid the laughter and goof ups.
The "Third Stone from the Sun" is the Earth. Hendrix seemed to like the word "stone." Other songs he released include "Stone Free" and "Stepping Stone."
The Right Said Fred hit "I'm Too Sexy" interpolates the guitar riff on this song. Since the band's frontmen weren't familiar with "Third Stone," they didn't know the riff was lifted until the Hendrix estate threatened legal action. Their guitarist, Rob Manzoli, is the one who put it in.
Third Stone From the Sun
Jimi Hendrix Lyrics
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With your majestic silver seas
Your mysterious mountains I wish to see closer
May I land my kinky machine?
Although your world wonders me,
With your majestic and superior cackling hen
Your people I do not understand,
And you'll never hear surf music again
The song Third Stone From The Sun by Jimi Hendrix Experience is a psychedelic masterpiece that leaves a lot of room for interpretation. The lyrics are cryptic and poetic, describing the beauty and mystery of an alien world. It seems like the singer is an alien himself, or a human who has traveled to another planet, and he marvels at the strange green grass, silver seas, and mysterious mountains. He wants to land his "kinky machine" to explore this world further.
However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the singer is not entirely happy with this new world. He mentions a "majestic and superior cackling hen" which he does not understand, and decides to "put an end" to the people of this world. This seems like a clear metaphor for the way humans often conquer and destroy other cultures and environments without understanding or respect. The last line, "And you'll never hear surf music again," could be interpreted as a warning or a threat, suggesting that the cultural exchange between worlds will never be the same again.
Overall, the lyrics of Third Stone From The Sun are open to interpretation, but they seem to be a commentary on colonialism, imperialism, and the dangers of not understanding and respecting different cultures.
Line by Line Meaning
Strange beautiful grass of green,
The grass is curious and wonderful in color, nothing like the typical green seen, and it appears enchanting.
With your majestic silver seas
The vast seas are a breathtaking sight, glistening in the light, and appear almost royal.
Your mysterious mountains I wish to see closer
These mountains seem so strange and fascinating that the person seeing them would like to venture closer, to observe them with a closer eye.
May I land my kinky machine?
Is it possible that I can land my unusual machine? Are there spaces available for such a unique landing station?
Although your world wonders me,
I’m amazed by your world, it seems so different from mine, and I’m fascinated by it.
With your majestic and superior cackling hen
Your people are almost arrogant, and their laughter is ridiculing my culture.
Your people I do not understand,
The people are mysterious, their customs and mannerisms are unknown, and they’re hard to comprehend.
So to you I shall put an end
I don't like the way this place is, and I don't want to be around these arrogant people, which made me want to end it all.
And you'll never hear surf music again
As I leave, I will ensure that my exit is permanent and effective, indicating that I will never come back, taking anything the place had to offer away.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIMI HENDRIX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Devin Kennedy
on Spanish Castle Magic (alternate take)
Is this really the alternete take