Up from the Skies

The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Jimi Hendrix

About Up from the Skies

"Up from the Skies" is a song by English/American psychedelic rock band The Jimi Hendrix Experience, featured on their 1967 second album Axis: Bold as Love. Written by lead vocalist and guitarist Jimi Hendrix, the song details the experience of a specimen of extraterrestrial life returning to Earth and displaying concern with the damage caused by the human beings living there. It was released as the only single from Axis: Bold as Love, in the United States and France only, and reached number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.  


Year:
1967
2:57
171 
#2

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

I just want to talk to you
I won't do you no harm
I just want to know about your different lives,
On this here people farm
I heard some of you got your families,
Living in cages tall and cold
And some just stay there and dust away,
Past the age of old

Is this true?
Please let me talk to you
I just want to know about,
The rooms behind your minds
Do I see a vacuum there or am I going blind?
Or is it just remains from vibrations and echoes long ago
Things like love the world and let your fancy flow

Is this true?
Please let me talk to you, let me talk to you
I have lived here before the days of ice
And of course this is why I'm so concerned
And I come back to find the stars misplaced
And the smell of a world that has burned
A smell of the world that has burned

Yeah well maybe, maybe it's just a change of climate, mmm mm
I can dig it, I can dig it baby
I just want to see

So where do I purchase my ticket
I'd just like to have a ringside seat
I want to know about the new mother earth
I want to hear and see everything
I want to hear and see everything
I want to hear the sea everything
Yeah
Aw shucks
If my daddy could see me now - everything, everything, everything, everything

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Jimi Hendrix

James Marshall Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was an American musician, singer and songwriter. Despite a limited mainstream exposure of four years, he is widely considered to have been the greatest electric guitarist in the history of popular music, and one of the most important musicians of the 20th century. more »

5 fans

Written by: JIMI HENDRIX

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


20 facts about this song

Song Overview
"Up from the Skies" is a track from the second album "Axis: Bold as Love" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience; an influential rock band from the 1960s led by Jimi Hendrix.
Album Identification
The song was included in the band's 1967’s album, which is often overshadowed by the band's debut and final albums.
Genre Classification
The song showcases Jimi Hendrix's versatility as it combines elements of blues, jazz, and psychedelic rock.
Lyric Composition
The lyrics are Hendrix’s message to humanity about the destruction of the environment and the possible outcomes of ongoing wars. The song presents a hypothetical view from an alien's perspective visiting Earth.
Music Composition
In contrast to the often heavy, psychedelic rock of Hendrix, "Up from the Skies" has a softer, jazz-inspired sound, utilizing a Wah-Wah pedal which adds a muted trumpet effect to the guitar.
Songwriting Credits
Jimi Hendrix is solely credited for the songwriting of "Up from the Skies".
Bass Contribution
This is one of the few tracks where Noel Redding, the band's bassist, played lead guitar.
Re-release
This song was re-released as part of the Hendrix compilation album “Experience Hendrix: The Best of Jimi Hendrix” in 1997.
Song Ranking
In the 2015 Rolling Stone Magazine's list of "100 Greatest Jimi Hendrix Songs", "Up From the Skies" was ranked 51.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered this song, including guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson and jazz guitarist Gil Evans.
Song Basics
"Up from the Skies" is a song written and performed by Jimi Hendrix and it's the opening track to his second studio album with The Jimi Hendrix Experience, titled "Axis: Bold as Love", which was released in 1967.
Genre Classification
The song is generally classified as psychedelic rock, blues rock and jazz fusion. It showcases Hendrix's diverse musical range and ability to blend different musical styles.
Song Meaning
The lyrics portray an extraterrestrial returning to Earth, disappointed to see the environmental damage caused by mankind. This demonstrates Hendrix's environmental consciousness and his philosophical and contemplative lyrism.
Unique Instrumentation
Hendrix used a Wah-Wah pedal in reverse for "Up from the Skies". This innovative approach to the use of guitar pedals created a unique swirling sound effect, showcasing Hendrix's creativity and his penchant for experimentation in his music.
Chart Performance
The song was released as a single in the United States in February 1968 and peaked at number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite its modest chart performance, it has been praised by critics for its unique sound and lyricism.
Different Versions
An alternate recording of "Up from the Skies" is available on the posthumous album "South Saturn Delta". This version differs slightly from the one found on "Axis: Bold as Love".
Live Performances
While "Up from the Skies" is not as widely recognized as some of Hendrix's other great hits, it is known for some memorable live performances, including the one at the Fillmore East with the band Gypsy Sun and Rainbows.
Pop Culture
Chris Squire from the band Yes covered "Up from the Skies" on his solo album "Fish Out of Water" in 1975, illustrating its influence on other popular musicians.
Recognition
Despite its low chart presence, the song is recognized as an important part of Hendrix's discography, shedding light on his creative blending of multiple musical genres and his experimentation with sound effects.
Vocals
Unlike much of Hendrix's work, “Up from the Skies” features a less intense, laid-back vocal performance. This different approach showcases Hendrix's versatility as a vocalist.

Discuss the Up from the Skies Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Up from the Skies Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/18983640/Jimi+Hendrix/Up+from+the+Skies>.

    Missing lyrics by Jimi Hendrix?

    Know any other songs by Jimi Hendrix? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Up from the Skies

    17,349
    153     2

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1968

    Billboard #82


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who made a hit cover for "In the Army Now" by Bolland & Bolland
    A Slade
    B The Beach Boys
    C Status Quo
    D The Spectres

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Jimi Hendrix tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!