Aqualung (Jethro Tull album)
Aqualung is the fourth studio album by the rock band Jethro Tull. Released in 1971, Aqualung, despite the band's disapproval, is regarded as a concept album featuring a central theme of "the distinction between religion and God". The album's "dour musings on faith and religion" have marked it as "one of the most cerebral albums ever to reach millions of rock listeners".Aqualung's success marked a turning point in the band's career, who went on to become a major radio and touring act.
Recorded at Island Records' studio in London, it was their first album with John Evan as a full-time member, their first with new bassist Jeffrey Hammond and last album featuring Clive Bunker on drums. Something of a departure from the band's previous work, the album features more acoustic material than previous releases; and—inspired by photographs of homeless people on the Thames Embankment taken by singer Ian Anderson's wife Jennie—contains a number of recurring themes, addressing religion along with Anderson's own personal experiences.
Podcasts:
Hymn 43
by: Sheer TerrorOh father high in heaven -- smile down upon your son
Whose busy with his money games -- his women and his gun.
Oh jesus save me!
And the unsung western hero killed an indian or three
And made his name in hollywood
To set the white man free.
Oh jesus save me!
If jesus saves -- well, he'd better save himself
From the gory glory seekers who use his name in death.
Oh jesus save me!
I saw him in the city and on the mountains of the moon --
His cross was rather bloody --
He could hardly roll his stone.