Jumpin' Jack Flash
Rolling Stones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I howled at the morning driving rain
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 raised by a toothless, bearded hag,
I was schooled with a strap right across my back
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 , yeah yeah
I frowned at the crumbs of a crust of bread
Yeah, yeah, yeah
I was crowned with a spike right through 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
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
The opening lines of "Jumpin' Jack Flash" suggest a turbulent and challenging life from the very beginning. The singer proclaims that he was born in a "cross-fire hurricane" and "howled at the morning driving rain." These descriptions may be metaphorical, but they suggest someone who has been thrown into a tumultuous world and has had to struggle to survive. Despite this, the singer claims that everything is now “alright”, and that he finds life exciting and stimulating. He declares himself to be “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, suggesting that he is someone who is not beaten down by life’s difficulties, but instead bounces back with even more energy.
The second verse begins by describing another difficult experience from the singer's past. He was raised by a "toothless, bearded hag” and “schooled with a strap right across my back," possibly alluding to an abusive childhood. However, the verse again concludes with the singer claiming that everything is now "alright" and that he is still Jumpin’ Jack Flash.
The chorus reinforces the image of the singer as someone who is unstoppable and exhilarating, singing that "it's a gas, gas, gas.” This phrase may be an expression of joy, but it could also hint at drug use, which was prevalent amongst rock and roll musicians of the time.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born in a cross-fire hurricane
I was born into a world of chaos and conflict
And I howled at the morning driving rain
I cried out for help during the hardest times
But it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas
Despite the tough start, things are good now and I'm enjoying life
But it's all right. I'm Jumpin' Jack Flash
I'm okay now, and my nickname is Jumpin' Jack Flash
It's a gas, gas, gas
Life is great and I feel energized
I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag
My upbringing was unconventional and rough
I was schooled with a strap right across my back
Punishment was common in my education
I was drowned, I was washed up and left for dead
I've been through extreme hardships and left for dead
I fell down to my feet and I saw they bled, yeah yeah
Even when I thought I couldn't take any more, I kept going and survived
I frowned at the crumbs of a crust of bread
I had to survive on very little
Yeah, yeah, yeah
I've been through a lot
I was crowned with a spike right through my head
I went through a traumatic experience that left me marked
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Being Jumping Jack Flash is exhilarating and exciting
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Being Jumping Jack Flash is a lot of fun
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
I love being Jumping Jack Flash!
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
I can't get enough of the Jumping Jack Flash life
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
This nickname and the life it represents are the best
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
The energy and joy of Jumping Jack Flash are endless
Lyrics © Abkco Music, Inc.
Written by: KEITH RICHARDS, MICK JAGGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@framebyframe7473
You know it’s a good song when it doesn’t age after 53 years, and never will.
@generaltov.6911
Time really flies huh? This sounds from the 2000s which is still 20 years ago
@mahrizhossain4308
@General Tov. It sounds from the 60s, but it is definitely infinitely better than today's songs.
@SunnyIlha
2:46
@robinholbrook6576
Taught it to my granddaughter!
@davebrokenshire1086
@Robin Holbrook Me too!
@zippoboy00
My dad's favorite Rolling Stones tune. Lost him 2-23-22. This one's for you Dad. I'll sing it until my voice gives out!
@Mattimaginex1
Condolences for your family.
@franciscogarcia7588
I feel ur pain.. 😔
@Cissy2cute
Lost someone dear to me last month. Sorry about your loss.