Hymn

Jethro Tull

About Hymn

"Hymn 43" is a song by British progressive rock group Jethro Tull. It is off their Aqualung album and was released as a single by Reprise Records. The song reached No. 91 on the Billboard Hot 100. Songwriter Ian Anderson described the song as "a blues for Jesus, about the gory, glory seekers who use his name as an excuse for a lot of unsavoury things. You know, 'Hey Dad, it's not my fault — the missionaries lied.'" Sean Murphy of PopMatters wrote that, "For “Hymn 43” Anderson sets his sights on the US and in quick order sets about decimating the hypocrisy and myth-making of religion and the new religion, entertainment. "According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, the song is set in the time signature of common time. It is composed in the key of D Major with Anderson's vocal range spanning from G4 to Eb6. The song was later included in the video game Rock Band 4 as downloadable content. 


Year:
1971
3:17
116 
#2

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Our father high in heaven, smile down upon your son
Who's 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 then he 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

If Jesus saves, well He'd better save Himself
From the gory glory seekers who use His name in death
Oh Jesus save me

Well, I saw Him in the city and on the mountains of the moon 
His cross was rather bloody 
He could hardly roll His stone
Oh Jesus save me

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Jethro Tull

Jethro Tull are a British progressive rock group formed in Luton, Bedfordshire, in December 1967. Their music is characterised by the vocals, acoustic guitar, and flute playing of Ian Anderson, who has led the band since its founding, and the guitar work of Martin Barre, who has been with the band since 1969, after he replaced original guitarist Mick Abrahams. more »

11 fans

Written by: IAN ANDERSON

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Classification
"Hymn" is one of the songs from Jethro Tull's 1975 album titled "Minstrel in the Gallery."
Genre Classification
Jethro Tull is known for its unique blend of rock, folk, and jazz music, and the song "Hymn" falls predominantly under the genre of progressive rock and folk rock.
Song Theme
With lyrics referencing Bible stories, "Hymn" can be interpreted as a critique or examination of religious faith.
Song Duration
"Hymn" is one of the shorter songs on the album "Minstrel in the Gallery," with a running time of approximately 2 minutes and 42 seconds.
Band Member Contribution
As with many of Jethro Tull's songs, lead vocalist and flutist Ian Anderson is credited with writing "Hymn."
Song Influence
Jethro Tull's "Hymn" continues to influence rock and folk musicians today, owing to its unique blend of genres and compelling lyrical composition.
Performance Feat
Known for their theatrical live performances, Jethro Tull brought unique energy to "Hymn" when performing it on stage, featuring prominent flute work from Anderson.
Song Structure
Unlike many other rock songs, "Hymn" has a fairly unconventional structure, jumping between different musical motifs and constructions.
Album Success
"Minstrel in the Gallery," the album on which "Hymn" appears, was popular enough to enter the Billboard 200 in America and peaked at number 7 in the UK Albums Chart.
Unique Sound
Known for their heavy use of the flute in their compositions, Jethro Tull’s “Hymn” also showcases this distinctive trait.

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