Jumpin' Jack Flash
Motörhead Lyrics
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And I howled at my ma in the driving rain
And it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas!
And it's all right, I'm Jumpin' Jack Flash
It's a gas! Gas! Gas!
I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag
But it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas!
But it's all right, I'm Jumpin' Jack Flash
It's a gas! Gas! Gas!
I was drowned, I was washed up and left for dead
I fell down to my feet and I saw they bled
I frowned at the crumbs of a crust of bread
I was drowned, with a spike right thru my head
But it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas!
But it's all right, I'm Jumpin' Jack Flash
It's a gas! Gas! Gas!
Jumpin' Jack Flash is a gas!
The lyrics to Motörhead's rendition of "Jumpin' Jack Flash" are a continuation of the iconic Rolling Stones song, with a heavier and more aggressive rock sound. The song begins with the singer describing their difficult birth in a "crossfire hurricane" and their defiant howl at their mother amidst the driving rain. This setting establishes a sense of chaos, struggle, and rebellion right from the start.
The chorus of the song expresses a sense of relief and triumph, proclaiming that everything is now alright, in fact, it's a gas. The term "gas" is slang from the 1960s meaning something that is exciting or fun. It suggests that the hardships faced earlier in life have been transcended, and the singer, now identifying themselves as Jumpin' Jack Flash, has overcome these challenges with an exuberant spirit.
The subsequent verses reveal more about the singer's upbringing, with references to being raised by a toothless, bearded hag and being schooled with a strap across their back. These lines illustrate a tough and unforgiving upbringing, perhaps suggesting a formative period filled with discipline and hardship. However, the upbeat chorus reiterates that despite these experiences, everything is alright now, and Jumpin' Jack Flash is still going strong.
The final verse portrays a more gruesome scene, symbolizing further challenges faced and overcome. The singer describes being drowned, washed up, and left for dead, only to rise to their feet and realize they are bleeding. The mention of crumbs of a crust of bread represents their meager survival, and the image of a spike through their head signifies a metaphorical death or suffering endured. Despite these horrific experiences, the chorus once again proclaims that everything is now alright, and Jumpin' Jack Flash is still rocking on.
Overall, the lyrics to "Jumpin' Jack Flash" convey a sense of resilience, rebellion, and triumph over adversity. It embodies the spirit of rock 'n' roll and the ability to rise above difficult circumstances with an electrifying energy.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born in a crossfire hurricane
I entered this world amidst chaos and turmoil
And I howled at my ma in the driving rain
And I expressed my pain and frustration to my mother in the pouring rain
And it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas!
But everything is fine now, in fact, it's exhilarating!
And it's all right, I'm Jumpin' Jack Flash
And everything is fine, I am the vibrant and energetic Jumpin' Jack Flash
It's a gas! Gas! Gas!
It's incredibly thrilling and exciting!
I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag
I was brought up by a woman with no teeth and a long beard
I was schooled with a strap right across my back
I was disciplined in a harsh manner, with a strap striking my back
I was drowned, I was washed up and left for dead
I was submerged in water, then carried and abandoned as if I were lifeless
I fell down to my feet and I saw they bled
I stumbled and noticed that my feet were bleeding
I frowned at the crumbs of a crust of bread
I scowled at the tiny remnants of a stale piece of bread
I was drowned, with a spike right thru my head
I was immersed underwater, with a sharp object piercing through my skull
Jumpin' Jack Flash is a gas!
Jumpin' Jack Flash is incredibly thrilling and exciting!
Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind