Master Jack

Four Jacks and a Jill

About Master Jack

"Master Jack" is a song written by David Marks and performed by Four Jacks and a Jill. It reached #1 in South Africa and Canada, #3 on the US adult contemporary chart, and #18 on both the Billboard chart and in Australia in 1968. The song was also released in the United Kingdom as a single, but it did not chart. The song was featured on their 1968 album, Master Jack. The song was produced by Ray Walter.


Year:
2005
75 
#1

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It's a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack
You taught me all I know and I'll never look back
It's a very strange world and I thank you, Master Jack

You took a colored ribbon from out of the sky
And taught me how to use it as the years went by
To tie up all your problems and make them look neat
And then to sell them to the people in the street

It's a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack
You taught me all I know and I'll never look back
It's a very strange world and I thank you, Master Jack

I saw right through the way you started teachin' me now
So some day soon you could get to use me somehow
I thank you very much and though you've been very kind
But I'd better move along before you change my mind

It's a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack
You know how I feel as if I'll never come back
It's a very strange world and I thank you, Master Jack

You taught me all the things the way you'd like them to be
But I'd like to see if other people agree
It's all very interesting the way you disguise
But I'd like to see the world through my own eyes

It's a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack
No hard feelin's if I never come back
You're a very strange man and I thank you, Master Jack

You're a very strange man and I thank you, Master Jack
You're a very strange man and I thank you, Master Jack

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Four Jacks and a Jill

Four Jacks and a Jill is a South African folk rock ensemble. They originally formed in 1964 without a "Jill" under a different name. Later they added lead singer Glenys Lynne and changed the group's name. In South Africa, they had a hit song, "Timothy". In 1968 they cracked the American charts with the song "Master Jack", hitting the Billboard Hot 100 at no. 18 and reaching no. 3 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The song also reached no. 5 on Cashbox and went to no. 1 in South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The follow-up single, "Mr. Nico", peaked at no. 98 in the United States. That was their last hit in the U.S., but the group continued to score hits in their native country. more »

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Written by: David Marks

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Historical Context
"Master Jack" was released in 1968, a turbulent year marked by significant cultural and political change globally. This song captured the zeitgeist of this era in its lyrics and melody.
Popularity
Despite being released by a South African band, "Four Jacks and a Jill," the song became a global hit, reaching number 3 in the U.S. Billboard charts in 1968.
Mystery Genre
The song blends pop, folk, and psychedelic elements creating a unique sound that contributed to its popularity.
Lyrical Depth
The song's lyrics, often considered political allegory, have been interpreted in various ways. However, the band has denied any deeper political meanings, saying it was just a "song about a miner."
Durability
"Master Jack" is considered an example of evergreen music. Despite being released over 50 years ago, it still receives airplay on oldies stations around the world.
Groundbreaking
"Master Jack” was one of the first South African songs to achieve significant international success, paving the way for future local artists to break into global markets.
Artistry and Recognition
Rolling Stone magazine named "Master Jack" as one of the top 100 pop singles of 1968, solidifying the song's legacy in the annals of pop music history.
Social Impact
The song was released during the height of Apartheid in South Africa. The international success of "Master Jack" helped bring attention to the situation in South Africa, contributing to increased global awareness of apartheid's injustices.
Evolution of the Band
Four Jacks and a Jill experienced a shift in their musical style after "Master Jack." The band began to incorporate more folk and pop elements into their music, departing from their earlier rock 'n' roll sound.
Cultural Impact
"Master Jack" has been covered by numerous artists over the years, from David Gresham to Trini Lopez, highlighting its influence in popular music.

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    Master Jack

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1968

    Billboard #18


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