Jumpin' Jack Flash
The Rolling Stones (Introduced by John Lennon) Lyrics


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I was born in a cross-fire hurricane
And I howled at my ma in the 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 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
Yeah, yeah, yeah
I was crowned 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!

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

Overall Meaning

The Rolling Stones' "Jumpin' Jack Flash" is a true rock and roll classic that has been sung and played for decades. The song's lyrics are filled with vivid, surrealistic images that seem to describe a chaotic and tumultuous life. The first verse, "I was born in a cross-fire hurricane and I howled at my ma in the driving rain," paints a picture of a violent and stressful birth. The second verse, "I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag, I was schooled with a strap right across my back," implies a tough and deprived childhood. However, the repeated refrain "but it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas" suggests that despite the hardships, the singer has overcome them and found joy in life.


The third verse adds layers to this interpretation, "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. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I was crowned with a spike right thru my head." These lines could represent symbolic deaths and rebirths, emphasizing the idea that the singer has endured and come out on top, crowned with a metaphorical spike. The chorus then reaffirms that the life of the "jumpin' Jack Flash" is a wildly exhilarating one.


Line by Line Meaning

I was born in a cross-fire hurricane
I entered this world amidst a lot of chaos and turmoil


And I howled at my ma in the driving rain
I was born screaming, under difficult circumstances


But it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas!
But now I'm okay and things are going great!


But it's all right
But everything's good


I'm jumpin' Jack Flash
I'm the rebellious and carefree Jack Flash


It's a gas! Gas! Gas!
It's all thrilling and exciting


I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag
I was brought up by a strange and unconventional woman


I was schooled with a strap right across my back
My education was strict and disciplined, with physical punishment


I was drowned, I was washed up and left for dead
I nearly died and was cast aside, but survived


I fell down to my feet and I saw they bled
I stumbled and injured myself, and realized the pain


I frowned at the crumbs of a crust of bread
I was so desperate that even meager crumbs seemed unappetizing


Yeah, yeah, yeah
Expressing enthusiasm and energy


I was crowned with a spike right thru my head
I suffered a traumatic injury and survived, like a champion


Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Being Jumping Jack Flash is exhilarating!


Jumping Jack Flash
A nickname for the singer, representing his wild spirit




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@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!

28 More Replies...

@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.

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