Jupiter's Child
Steppenwolf Lyrics


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The one who reads the stars has told me
Why you're not like everyone
Your father is a fiery wizard
He travels all around the sun
No one ever knew just where you came from
Orphan girl, you grew up wild
Your father left you on the way home
Yes, girl, you're a Jupiter's child

Wish I knew the way back
Back to where you came
Gladly I would leave here
Take another name
I can tell by you, it must be true
It's up on Jupiter's face
They don't embrace our own disgrace
Somebody, help me off this place

You really quite belonged
Like a pearl among the swine
You tried to live the way we do
Hoping you would learn in time
But, mankind, with all it's virtue
Will soon make you lose your smile
On this earth, with all it's madness
Heaven help a Jupiter's child

Wish I knew the way back
Back to where you came
Gladly I would leave here
Take another name
I can tell by you, it must be true
It's up on Jupiter's face




They don't embrace our own disgrace
Somebody, get me off this place

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Steppenwolf's "Jupiter's Child" depict an orphan girl who is different from everyone else. It is revealed that her father is a wizard who travels around the sun. The singer wishes to know the way back to where she came from, implying that she may not belong on Earth. The song suggests that she is a child of Jupiter, a planet associated with freedom, exploration, and non-conformity. The lyrics also suggest that she is struggling to fit in with humans and their ways of life, and that eventually, the madness of human society will make her lose her smile.


The song can be interpreted in many ways. One could read it as an exploration of the theme of otherness in society, or as a critique of societal norms and their oppressive nature. The song suggests that being different is not a bad thing, and that those who dare to be different should not be ostracized.


Line by Line Meaning

The one who reads the stars has told me
I have been informed by an expert in astrology


Why you're not like everyone
why you are different from others


Your father is a fiery wizard
Your dad possesses exceptional abilities and is full of energy


He travels all around the sun
He moves to different parts in the solar system


No one ever knew just where you came from
No one has a clue about your origin


Orphan girl, you grew up wild
Being an orphan, you had to learn to survive and be brave


Your father left you on the way home
Your father abandoned you during his journey


Yes, girl, you're a Jupiter's child
You are a child of a god or goddess from Jupiter planet


Wish I knew the way back
I desire to know the path to your origin


Back to where you came
Back to the place where you belong


Gladly I would leave here
I'm willing to depart from this earth


Take another name
Change my identity to escape earth's influence


I can tell by you, it must be true
I am convinced that you are not from earth


It's up on Jupiter's face
It is on Jupiter planet where you come from


They don't embrace our own disgrace
People on earth criticize and disrespect each other


Somebody, help me off this place
Please assist me in escaping from earth


You really quite belonged
You truly fit in with us


Like a pearl among the swine
You stand out in a group of low-quality individuals


You tried to live the way we do
You attempted to adapt to our way of living


Hoping you would learn in time
Expecting that someday you will understand our ways fully


But, mankind, with all it's virtue
But humanity, despite its good qualities


Will soon make you lose your smile
Will cause you to lose your joy and happiness


On this earth, with all it's madness
On this planet, with all its chaos and insanity


Heaven help a Jupiter's child
May the divine power aid and protect you, being a Jupiter child


Somebody, get me off this place
Get me out of here




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JERRY EDMONTON, JOHN KAY, MICHAEL MONARCH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Philip Kassabian

Wow what an excellent song.

Comments from YouTube:

@lisarainbow9703

I never understood why this wasn't a bigger hit, the groove is contagious and fantastic.

@smwrbd

Because people are stupid. 🤔

@luisgustavofuynha675

@@smwrbd I accept

@gumballthechewy

It's honestly on my top 100 all time favourite songs!

@Raymondhow

Problem was, they made it a B-side for "Rock Me", a much weaker song in my opinion.

@appalachiajoe

Probably one of the most underated rock n roll bands in history.

@hughroberts7223

I became a Steppenwolf fan in 1968. John Kay's voice was what initially caught my ear at first. However, it was Goldie McJohn's keyboard playing and his unique use of the Leslie that ultimately held my attention.

@brucewayne3602

absolutely unique & brilliant !!!

@daveguitarnowski4402

me too.. and I was only 10. Lucky I hung out with older kids!

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