Jailbird
Primal Scream Lyrics
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Got a monkey on my back
I'm gonna push and pull and howl like a wolf
And drive my Cadillac
I've got medication, honey
I've got wings to fly
I've got horse hoof tea to buzz you like a bee
Gonna blind the evil eye
Funky jammin' free
Walk it like you talk it, honey
Strut your funky stuff, come on
I'm yours, you're mine
Gimme more of that jailbird pie
I'm yours, you're mine
Gimme more of that jailbird pie
I'm yours, you're mine
Gimme more of that jailbird pie
I'm yours, you're mine, yeah, yeah, yeah
Come on in my kitchen
I've got hop head soup for grease
Just shake your hips, let it rip
And let the spirit free
Ride on baby, ride on
Let your crazy horses loose
Give it all you got when you're hot to trot
And wave bye bye to the blues
Shake it to the east
Shake it to the west
Shake it with the very one
That you love the best, come on
I'm yours, you're mine
Gimme more of that jailbird pie
I'm yours, you're mine
Gimme more of that jailbird pie
I'm yours, you're mine
Gimme more of that jailbird pie
I'm yours, you're mine, yeah, yeah, yeah, alright
I'm yours, you're mine
Gimme more of that jailbird pie
I'm yours, you're mine
Gimme more of that jailbird pie
I'm yours, you're mine
Gimme more of that jailbird pie
I'm yours, you're mine
Gimme more of that jailbird pie
I'm yours, you're mine
Gimme more of that jailbird pie
I'm yours, you're mine
Gimme more of that jailbird pie
I'm yours, you're mine
Gimme more of that jailbird pie
I'm yours, you're mine
Gimme more of that jailbird pie
The lyrics of Primal Scream's "Jailbird" describe the exhilaration of indulging in drugs, alcohol, and sexual hedonism. The song seems to be narrated from the perspective of someone who has hit rock bottom and is trying to push himself to feel alive again. The singer sings about scratching like a tomcat and having a monkey on his back, both of which are metaphors for drug addiction. He talks about medication, wings to fly, and horse hoof tea, alluding to the ways he is trying to get high. The line, "Gonna blind the evil eye," suggests that he is determined to defeat anything or anyone who stands in the way of his pleasure.
The chorus of the song, "I'm yours, you're mine, gimme more of that jailbird pie," is a reference to sexual desire and addiction. "Jailbird pie" is a euphemism for sex, and the repetition of "I'm yours, you're mine" emphasizes the idea of mutual possession and the all-consuming nature of addiction. The third verse invokes a carefree spirit of bohemianism, encouraging the listener to let loose and "ride on" with craziness and abandon. The song ends on a high note, with the singer repeating "gimme more of that jailbird pie" as if to suggest that he is not going to stop indulging anytime soon.
Line by Line Meaning
Scratching like a tomcat
Feeling restless and agitated, like a cat in need of being scratched
Got a monkey on my back
Struggling with addiction or a troublesome burden that won't leave them alone
I'm gonna push and pull and howl like a wolf
Expressing their emotions and inner desires in a wild, unbridled way
And drive my Cadillac
Taking control of their life and showing off their success and power
I've got medication, honey
Using drugs or other means to cope with their problems
I've got wings to fly
Feeling free and unencumbered, with the ability to rise above any obstacles
I've got horse hoof tea to buzz you like a bee
Using unconventional or risky methods to get a quick high or rush of energy
Gonna blind the evil eye
Protecting themselves from harm or negativity, and gaining an advantage over their enemies
Push and pull with me
Challenging someone to join them in their wild, unpredictable lifestyle
Funky jammin' free
Playing music with great energy, passion, and spontaneity
Walk it like you talk it, honey
Encouraging someone to be true to themselves and their beliefs, and to back up their words with action
Strut your funky stuff, come on
Showing off their unique style and individuality, and encouraging others to do the same
I'm yours, you're mine
Emphasizing the strong emotional connection they feel with someone else
Gimme more of that jailbird pie
Desiring more of the wild and reckless lifestyle they've been living
Come on in my kitchen
Inviting someone into their life and inner world
I've got hop head soup for grease
Having unconventional or dangerous ways to deal with their problems and challenges
Just shake your hips, let it rip
Encouraging others to let loose and be spontaneous, especially through dancing
And let the spirit free
Allowing their inner self to be expressive and free
Ride on baby, ride on
Encouraging someone to continue on with their journey, even when it's tough
Let your crazy horses loose
Embracing their wild side and letting it run free
Give it all you got when you're hot to trot
Putting all their energy and effort into whatever they're doing, especially when they're feeling confident and ready
And wave bye bye to the blues
Letting go of sadness, depression, or negative emotions
Shake it to the east
Moving in a certain direction, possibly symbolizing starting a new journey or adventure
Shake it to the west
Moving in a different direction, possibly symbolizing branching out or experiencing new things
Shake it with the very one that you love the best, come on
Being close and intimate with someone they deeply care about and trust
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bobby Gillespie, Andrew Innes, Robert Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@narjitmankoo8478
The guitar riff is brilliant
@BrougeFatal
My favourite Rolling Stones ever
@tomreeve3154
Rocks is my favourite Rolling stones song.
@blackpeter70
Too cool for school. Saw these guys at Big Day Out '95, the band had this huge funk jam, Bobby Gillespie just sat at the front of the stage, just lappin' everything up, and lovin' it. He was so blissed out! Great days...
@anthonyotoole867
R. I. P DENISE ONE OF THE GREATS
@stanmonzon5788
Great song. Very underrated. Love the first thirty seconds particularly.
@philharrison2498
Has there ever been a better name for a band than Primal Scream. I say no!
Wicked music!
@danielmoran9902
'Inflatable Beefeater' is a good one. 'These Animal Men' is another.
I still think 'And you shall know us by the trail of dead' is hard to beat..
@EnnioRome
Luv' this track,Luv' this band....
@EIC89
I only knew the song LOADED and COME TOGETHER, I bought a used CD DIRTY HITS and I've been listening to it for three months in the car. This is perfect music! Now there's no place for other CD's... Big thanks and greetings from polish fan !!!