Great reaction......This was written by Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson, who has described the character Mary a "schoolgirl prostitute type." She lives a wretched existence offering her services to the dregs of humanity. Anderson says that the important issue in this song and the album as a whole is seeing the spirituality in all people, even a prostitute. Said Anderson, "There are these human types that would be thought to be undesirable and unpleasant, but are all God's creations one way or another, and there must be within these people some very essential humanity, even some good, some good side to their character or personality which was laudable." The "Mary" in this song is a good person reacting to bad circumstances. Anderson has pointed out that she is kind of a Robin Hood prostitute: she takes as much money as she can from her clients who can afford it, but would give away her services to those who can't. The "jack knife barber" is a man who performs abortions.
In the beginning of the album Aqualung is a bum and Crossed Eyed Mary is whore but by the time the album comes to the end. with the last song Wind Up, Aqualung becomes god and Crossed Eyed Mary becomes the Virgin Mary- But there is three different ways you can take this album. , do you know the other two? I do
@@meyou-dv8ns Many people confuse Mary of Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus as being the same woman . Many Biblical text experts/scholars believe Mary of Magdalene was present at the crucifixion along with Christ's mother and even helped to wash and prepare Jesus for burial in the tomb which points to Mary of Magdalene being Jesus's wife according to Jewish traditions of that time. I think this is an amazing song and very creative to integrate a bible story
How the band got its name is interesting: At first they had difficulty getting gigs and the band took to changing its name often in order to play the London club circuit. Early options included Navy Blue, Ian Henderson’s Bag o’ Nails, and Candy Coloured Rain. Band names were often given to the group by their booking agent’s staff. One of those staff members was a history buff and eventually gave the group the moniker, Jethro Tull, which was also the name of an 18th-century agriculturist. That name stuck because, in part, the group used it the first time a club manager liked their show enough to invite them back to play his club.
I'm always interested in where bands get their names. One of the most interesting to me is a band called 3 Doors Down, who had a hit with a song called Kryptonite. While staying in Foley, Alabama, they noticed a sign on the front of their motel that said "Doors Down" with the number torn off. At the time they had three members, which is where the "3" came from.
Lol, remember, Tull did Thick as a Brick in response to people calling Aqualung a concept album. Anderson always said Aqualung was not a concept album and said you want a concept album? Here is Thick As A Brick...
Ian has explained to the critics many times that this album is NOT a concept album. Some of the songs refer to others loosely but not meant to be a concept album. Look t up!
Many will reply that, per Ian, it was NOT a concept album...but it definitely sends a complete message and has an order (it ends with Wind Up after all). So I wouldn't dare take issue with the Master, yet I'll honor this album as an all time excellent piece of art and mesaaging, and always strongly urge one to listen to it in entirety.
Entire "Aqualung" deserves to be heard, Biz. There are certain albums that music lovers of the era had to own, and Aqualung was one of them. If you didn't own Aqualung, you were "Nowhere Man." What a year 1971 was for albums - Who's Next, Zeppelin IV, Tapestry, Imagine, Pearl (Janis). They don't make 'em like those anymore. Other Tull classic tunes - "Livin' in the Past", "Thick as a Brick", "War Child", "With You There to Help Me". I think you got the meaning of the "shlyrics" down all right, Biz. It sucks when great music gets taken down. Let's hope "Cross Eyed Mary" doesn't go down. Ha!
@@lesliedavis2185 I listened to it over and over as well. And then when Thick as a Brick came out, oh my goodness did I play that over and over, trying my best to comprehend all that great music.
Nothing like Jethro Tull muse. Saw them 13 times in concert over a 4 decade period of time and never came away disappointed. Glad you are enjoying the ride. Try My God from this album as well, my personal favorite off the album. Then back up a couple of albums and go song by song thru Stand Up and Benefit and witness more special cuts from this band.
Tull one of my favorite groups and Aqualung is my favorite albumn of theirs. I've had the privilege of seeing them 4 times. The first time in Sept 1973 when they were 0romoting Passion Play. Ian Anderson is a great showman especially when he stands on one foot playing the flute. I would love to see them again as Ian is still producing great music.
The entire Aqualung album is phenomenal. For another great Tull experience listen to the entire Thick as a Brick album - more of a long free form format but full of the same high level musicianship and interesting lyrics as Aqualung.
BizzzzzMatick,bruh! Your reaction was killer! I love when you take the time to break down the lyrics and interpret them in your own way. Very cool. If I may suggest an absolute EPIC cover of this song, can you please take a run at Iron Maiden's cover of Crossed Eyed Mary, in which they take it to a whole other level,while paying complete homage to one of the great classic Brittish bands! The instrumentation is definitely phoeonamal enough, but when Bruce jumps in and delivers an unbelievable vocal performance, you'll feel the goosebumps from head to toe! Absolute must listen, absolute reaction worthy! I know you're already a Maiden fan, but after you give this a listen, you'll be a fan for life, yeah,it's that good, check it out. Up the Irons! 🤘
YESSSSS YES, GOOD CATCH MY FRIEND! 😊 BECAUSE THE 1ST 2 TRACKS ARE AQUALUNG AND THEN CROSS EYED MARY, YESSSS! 😊 I'M GLAD YOU'RE RECOGNIZING AND LOVING YOU SOME TULL! THESE WERE THE 2 CONCEPT SONGS BUT REMEBERRR THIS WAS NOTTTTT A CONCEPT ALBUM BUT THE FOLLOWING WAS ( THICK AS A BRICK ) 😊 KEEP THIS GOING FOR SURE!
The album "Aqualung" used to be my set-up standard when I moved and had to set up my stereo again. She's a young girl, but it isn't being rich that gets her noticed, it's her way with men, and what she'll do for a dollar, or more. Mr. Ian Anderson tells stories from the streets.
🤣😂🤣 👍 I didn't have the slyrics ever. I spent years singing along the wrong words. Lol One day my brother asked what the hell are you singing? I had to change what I thought was the meaning of the song. Lol. Although I did also believe she gave it up. 🙄 swallowed. You know Ian was a little nasty. When we seen him in concert a woman up front was heckling. He stopped in the middle of the song stuck his flute between his legs doing a lewd gesture with it. Then told her if she didn't like it she could leave. The whole audience busted out laughing and stomping. ✌️🤠🏞️🐂
My brother was 16 when it came out and i was 10 and start translate the lyrics then remember every line ever since One of my beloved every Song stand's out Very unique still today thanks 🙏
Ian Anderson already played drums, piano and guitar but felt that he was a third rate guitarist who would never play as well guys like Clapton, so he taught himself the flute to bring something different to the band. He had only been playing it for a couple of weeks so he pretty much become proficient as the band progressed. Very talented dude! I saw them in '73 and they were freakin' amazing!
It was interesting watching ‘the wheels turn’ as you worked your way through the lyrics. In the end, I think you nailed it as others have described. Completing Cross-Eyed Mary makes hearing Hymn 43 (studio version) more necessary. Here’s a clue from the lyrics: “If Jesus saves, well he better save himself From the gory glory seekers who use his name in death…” What comes before and after is more interesting and thought provoking. You;re doimg a helluva job, Biz. Thank you!
Please do the studio version of Aqualung. This album is an experience! It was so different when it first came out. Locomotive Breath is on my top ten song list. ☮️❤️😎
These are my favorites of his, I think you will like them if you like the two you already did. Locomotive Breath Jethro Tull Aqualung (Special Edition)
4:27 The Witch's Promise Jethro Tull Benefit (Collector's Edition)
3:51 Really Don't Mind / See There a Son Is Born (Steven Wilson Stereo Remix) Jethro Tull Thick as a Brick (40th Anniversary Special Edition)
5:00 See There a Man Is Born / Clear White Circles (Steven Wilson Stereo Remix) Jethro Tull Thick as a Brick (40th Anniversary Special Edition)
5:58 Bungle in the Jungle (2002 Remaster) Jethro Tull War Child
3:37 Only Solitaire (2002 Remaster) Jethro Tull War Child
1:40 One White Duck / 0^10 = Nothing at All (Steven Wilson Stereo Remix) Jethro Tull Minstrel in the Gallery (40th Anniversary Edition)
4:40 Ring Out, Solstice Bells (2003 Remaster) Jethro Tull Songs from the Wood
3:43 Velvet Green (2003 Remaster) Jethro Tull Songs from the Wood
6:02 The Whistler (2003 Remaster) Jethro Tull Songs from the Wood
3:30 Moths (2003 Remaster) Jethro Tull Heavy Horses
3:27 Something's on the Move (2004 Remaster) Jethro Tull
Aqualung is the guy on the album Cover. Inspired by a fotography of an homeless man, made by Andersons wife. The Name comes from the noise thats to hear when there is liquid in the lungs. That Aqualung does deepsea diving on vacation isn't that plausible. Guess the bubbling breathing is the result of Pneumonia or tuberkulosis.
Reactors seem to prefer live videos, I suppose so they have something to look at while reviewing. People having music as the primary consideration prefer studio versions as that is the way the artists revealed them to the public. Most people only go to a concert after having heard the artists studio version first. Have you ever thought “Hey! There’s a band I’ve never heard of and know nothing about! I’m GOING to that concert!”?
SO YOU SEE THAT GREAT ALBUM COVER BIZ, THAT'S IAN AS AQUALUNG! 😊IT'S INSANE MY FRIEND. SO AQUALUNG IS A LOOK INTO HOW WE SEE AND TREAT THE HOMELESS THROUGH IAN'S EYES AND THE PHOTOS THAT WERE TAKEN WERE BY HIS WIFE AND HE PUT THE STORY AND WORDS TO THEM! 😊 AQUALUNG IS ALSO A PORTABLE BREATHING UNIT ALSO SO, YOU DEFINITELYYYY HAVE TO DO THE STUDIO TRACK FROM THE ALBUM.
Great great album, react to Locomotive Breath (never mind I just found your reaction), this is one of those albums that should be on everyone playlists
See, Aqualung was done sorta wrong here. I want to say there's also a track where he notices these girls were fixing to commit a crime and THEY were the ones with bad intent.
The song is about the difference between the World you see instantly and make your conclusion and the World that actually is. "Look this digusting subject.... So a massmurder has to Look like" But objektiv theres a men with the load of the bordom and booze of the next 24 and any sexual Thing in mind is more a Thing the reciepient would have to think about.
Great reaction......This was written by Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson, who has described the character Mary a "schoolgirl prostitute type." She lives a wretched existence offering her services to the dregs of humanity. Anderson says that the important issue in this song and the album as a whole is seeing the spirituality in all people, even a prostitute. Said Anderson, "There are these human types that would be thought to be undesirable and unpleasant, but are all God's creations one way or another, and there must be within these people some very essential humanity, even some good, some good side to their character or personality which was laudable."
The "Mary" in this song is a good person reacting to bad circumstances. Anderson has pointed out that she is kind of a Robin Hood prostitute: she takes as much money as she can from her clients who can afford it, but would give away her services to those who can't.
The "jack knife barber" is a man who performs abortions.
Thank you
I just imagined a mini movie. I’ve been listening to this song since it came out and never knew
In the beginning of the album Aqualung is a bum and Crossed Eyed Mary is whore but by the time the album comes to the end. with the last song Wind Up, Aqualung becomes god and Crossed Eyed Mary becomes the Virgin Mary- But there is three different ways you can take this album. , do you know the other two? I do
@@meyou-dv8ns Many people confuse Mary of Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus as being the same woman . Many Biblical text experts/scholars believe Mary of Magdalene was present at the crucifixion along with Christ's mother and even helped to wash and prepare Jesus for burial in the tomb which points to Mary of Magdalene being Jesus's wife according to Jewish traditions of that time. I think this is an amazing song and very creative to integrate a bible story
My God from the same album...my favorite lyrics and music is great
great song, studio version and then Thick as a brick MSG version for live version
YOU HEARING ALLLLLLLLL THOSE BEAUTIFULLLLL RIGHTEOUS SOUNDS IN YOUR EARSBIZ, MY GODDDDD! ( NO PUN ) 😊GUITAR, BASS, PIANO, DRUMS, FLUTE!!! 💯
Best Tull song right here
How the band got its name is interesting: At first they had difficulty getting gigs and the band took to changing its name often in order to play the London club circuit. Early options included Navy Blue, Ian Henderson’s Bag o’ Nails, and Candy Coloured Rain. Band names were often given to the group by their booking agent’s staff. One of those staff members was a history buff and eventually gave the group the moniker, Jethro Tull, which was also the name of an 18th-century agriculturist. That name stuck because, in part, the group used it the first time a club manager liked their show enough to invite them back to play his club.
I'm always interested in where bands get their names. One of the most interesting to me is a band called 3 Doors Down, who had a hit with a song called Kryptonite. While staying in Foley, Alabama, they noticed a sign on the front of their motel that said "Doors Down" with the number torn off. At the time they had three members, which is where the "3" came from.
One of those songs that will never get old. Just like the entire record.
The album is a concept album meant to be heard in its entirety
Lol, remember, Tull did Thick as a Brick in response to people calling Aqualung a concept album. Anderson always said Aqualung was not a concept album and said you want a concept album? Here is Thick As A Brick...
nice screen name - goes with the song, lol
Ian has explained to the critics many times that this album is NOT a concept album. Some of the songs refer to others loosely but not meant to be a concept album. Look t up!
@@budhalbr True! I love that story, and OMG what a Concept album they eventually made!😊👍
Many will reply that, per Ian, it was NOT a concept album...but it definitely sends a complete message and has an order (it ends with Wind Up after all). So I wouldn't dare take issue with the Master, yet I'll honor this album as an all time excellent piece of art and mesaaging, and always strongly urge one to listen to it in entirety.
Entire "Aqualung" deserves to be heard, Biz. There are certain albums that music lovers of the era had to own, and Aqualung was one of them. If you didn't own Aqualung, you were "Nowhere Man." What a year 1971 was for albums - Who's Next, Zeppelin IV, Tapestry, Imagine, Pearl (Janis). They don't make 'em like those anymore. Other Tull classic tunes - "Livin' in the Past", "Thick as a Brick", "War Child", "With You There to Help Me". I think you got the meaning of the "shlyrics" down all right, Biz. It sucks when great music gets taken down. Let's hope "Cross Eyed Mary" doesn't go down. Ha!
I stilll remember when my copy of aqua
Lung arrived and i listened to it avidly
@@lesliedavis2185 I listened to it over and over as well. And then when Thick as a Brick came out, oh my goodness did I play that over and over, trying my best to comprehend all that great music.
Great list of must-haves. Ah, the 70s.
@@marybalestraci6157 It was a golden age for rock music, Mary.
Great jam! Whole album is good
Nothing like Jethro Tull muse. Saw them 13 times in concert over a 4 decade period of time and never came away disappointed. Glad you are enjoying the ride. Try My God from this album as well, my personal favorite off the album. Then back up a couple of albums and go song by song thru Stand Up and Benefit and witness more special cuts from this band.
Tull one of my favorite groups and Aqualung is my favorite albumn of theirs. I've had the privilege of seeing them 4 times. The first time in Sept 1973 when they were 0romoting Passion Play. Ian Anderson is a great showman especially when he stands on one foot playing the flute. I would love to see them again as Ian is still producing great music.
The entire Aqualung album is phenomenal. For another great Tull experience listen to the entire Thick as a Brick album - more of a long free form format but full of the same high level musicianship and interesting lyrics as Aqualung.
CALL GIRL, YESSSSS, YOU'RE GETTING IT!!! 😊 FAVORS!
That rocked
BizzzzzMatick,bruh! Your reaction was killer! I love when you take the time to break down the lyrics and interpret them in your own way. Very cool. If I may suggest an absolute EPIC cover of this song, can you please take a run at Iron Maiden's cover of Crossed Eyed Mary, in which they take it to a whole other level,while paying complete homage to one of the great classic Brittish bands! The instrumentation is definitely phoeonamal enough, but when Bruce jumps in and delivers an unbelievable vocal performance, you'll feel the goosebumps from head to toe! Absolute must listen, absolute reaction worthy! I know you're already a Maiden fan, but after you give this a listen, you'll be a fan for life, yeah,it's that good, check it out. Up the Irons! 🤘
This was the first album that I bought in '72. Saw them several times in the 70's. It's one of my favorite Prog bands. Great choice.....
I saw them in concert not long after this album was released,in the mid 70's. They were as great as you would expect...been a fan ever since.
So did l ,1974' 👍🥰✌️
@@emilymartinez6961 Awesome! I saw them when I was stationed in San Antonio in the Air Force. I saw many great concerts over the 8 years I was there.
YESSSSS YES, GOOD CATCH MY FRIEND! 😊 BECAUSE THE 1ST 2 TRACKS ARE AQUALUNG AND THEN CROSS EYED MARY, YESSSS! 😊 I'M GLAD YOU'RE RECOGNIZING AND LOVING YOU SOME TULL! THESE WERE THE 2 CONCEPT SONGS BUT REMEBERRR THIS WAS NOTTTTT A CONCEPT ALBUM BUT THE FOLLOWING WAS ( THICK AS A BRICK ) 😊 KEEP THIS GOING FOR SURE!
Next from Tull?
Teacher
Skating Away
My God
We Used to Know
The album "Aqualung" used to be my set-up standard when I moved and had to set up my stereo again. She's a young girl, but it isn't being rich that gets her noticed, it's her way with men, and what she'll do for a dollar, or more. Mr. Ian Anderson tells stories from the streets.
Great pick again Biz. A rocker.
One of the truest comments I've ever heard in my life enjoy it immensely thank you.
🤣😂🤣 👍
I didn't have the slyrics ever. I spent years singing along the wrong words. Lol
One day my brother asked what the hell are you singing? I had to change what I thought was the meaning of the song. Lol.
Although I did also believe she gave it up.
🙄 swallowed.
You know Ian was a little nasty. When we seen him in concert a woman up front was heckling. He stopped in the middle of the song stuck his flute between his legs doing a lewd gesture with it. Then told her if she didn't like it she could leave. The whole audience busted out laughing and stomping.
✌️🤠🏞️🐂
😂😂😂
not mentioned near enough amongst the greatest of their time!
great front man and awesome band
My brother was 16 when it came out and i was 10 and start translate the lyrics then remember every line ever since
One of my beloved every Song stand's out
Very unique still today thanks 🙏
The "Benefit" album of his is one of his best. Every song is good.
Yes! But l also love their "Stand up " album, saw them back in the 70', l'm old😩✌️
The songs of this album describe different people in his neighborhood. Cross eyed Mary was just another person he encountered in his daily life.
It's just art. Don't think about it too much
Try "Hymn 43 " or " My God" from the same album :)
My God. studio version and Thick as a Brick live MSG
I've heard this song a thousand times and I still can't make out most of the words!
Lol 🤣🤣🤣 now I feek better
Ian Anderson already played drums, piano and guitar but felt that he was a third rate guitarist who would never play as well guys like Clapton, so he taught himself the flute to bring something different to the band. He had only been playing it for a couple of weeks so he pretty much become proficient as the band progressed. Very talented dude! I saw them in '73 and they were freakin' amazing!
Right on man, you're killing it with the greatest music every made!
All time great album alert.
Thanx 4 doing :) was thinking I was alone on this
THATTT'SSSSS THE ALBUM COVER BIZ, ONE OF THE TOP 50 ROCK ALBUMS ( AQUALUNG ) OF ALLLLLL TIME BABY! FYRRRRRRR! 😊
My "Deep Dive Required" meter is going off , Biz .
You are the first person that has indicated that you listen to the words
It was interesting watching ‘the wheels turn’ as you worked your way through the lyrics. In the end, I think you nailed it as others have described. Completing Cross-Eyed Mary makes hearing Hymn 43 (studio version) more necessary. Here’s a clue from the lyrics:
“If Jesus saves, well he better save himself
From the gory glory seekers who use his name in death…” What comes before and after is more interesting and thought provoking. You;re doimg a helluva job, Biz. Thank you!
Awesome!! Hard core!! 🙋♀️✌
At a slight tangent to this song, from the "Songs from the wood "album... Velvet Green is about a secret lover's meeting. Worth a listen.
☮️💙💙💙😍been a fan since 1969!!
Another tremendous tune. Ian has such a way with lyrics!
I know every nuance of this album.
Lead flute instead of lead guitar!!!! Killer bass!!!
Oh man, I laughed my ass off about Jethro watching this and your simplification of the story being why he takes your songs down. 🤣🤣
😂😂😂😂😂 that’s how I pictured it
Once again, Ian is a fucking genius.
Please do the studio version of Aqualung. This album is an experience! It was so different when it first came out. Locomotive Breath is on my top ten song list. ☮️❤️😎
All the other commenters got it. I love this music. Savage. But elegant.
These are my favorites of his, I think you will like them if you like the two you already did.
Locomotive Breath
Jethro Tull
Aqualung (Special Edition)
4:27
The Witch's Promise
Jethro Tull
Benefit (Collector's Edition)
3:51
Really Don't Mind / See There a Son Is Born (Steven Wilson Stereo Remix)
Jethro Tull
Thick as a Brick (40th Anniversary Special Edition)
5:00
See There a Man Is Born / Clear White Circles (Steven Wilson Stereo Remix)
Jethro Tull
Thick as a Brick (40th Anniversary Special Edition)
5:58
Bungle in the Jungle (2002 Remaster)
Jethro Tull
War Child
3:37
Only Solitaire (2002 Remaster)
Jethro Tull
War Child
1:40
One White Duck / 0^10 = Nothing at All (Steven Wilson Stereo Remix)
Jethro Tull
Minstrel in the Gallery (40th Anniversary Edition)
4:40
Ring Out, Solstice Bells (2003 Remaster)
Jethro Tull
Songs from the Wood
3:43
Velvet Green (2003 Remaster)
Jethro Tull
Songs from the Wood
6:02
The Whistler (2003 Remaster)
Jethro Tull
Songs from the Wood
3:30
Moths (2003 Remaster)
Jethro Tull
Heavy Horses
3:27
Something's on the Move (2004 Remaster)
Jethro Tull
Yo biz. Anotha one. Glad to see you digging Tull. Maiden does a good copy of this song. Rock on 🤘
Thick as a brick is a great song, there's a live version from Madison square garden 1977 or '78. You should check that one out.
Aqualung is the guy on the album Cover.
Inspired by a fotography of an homeless man, made by Andersons wife.
The Name comes from the noise thats to hear when there is liquid in the lungs. That Aqualung does deepsea diving on vacation isn't that plausible. Guess the bubbling breathing is the result of Pneumonia or tuberkulosis.
Reactors seem to prefer live videos, I suppose so they have something to look at while reviewing. People having music as the primary consideration prefer studio versions as that is the way the artists revealed them to the public. Most people only go to a concert after having heard the artists studio version first. Have you ever thought “Hey! There’s a band I’ve never heard of and know nothing about! I’m GOING to that concert!”?
SO YOU SEE THAT GREAT ALBUM COVER BIZ, THAT'S IAN AS AQUALUNG! 😊IT'S INSANE MY FRIEND. SO AQUALUNG IS A LOOK INTO HOW WE SEE AND TREAT THE HOMELESS THROUGH IAN'S EYES AND THE PHOTOS THAT WERE TAKEN WERE BY HIS WIFE AND HE PUT THE STORY AND WORDS TO THEM! 😊 AQUALUNG IS ALSO A PORTABLE BREATHING UNIT ALSO SO, YOU DEFINITELYYYY HAVE TO DO THE STUDIO TRACK FROM THE ALBUM.
The greatest English band, second only to Led Zeppelin! PEACE!!!!!
Hey Biz, check out a lesser known roster from that album Slipstream, it’s great
Iron Maiden did a cover of this tune that’s really good. Check it out!
Great great album, react to Locomotive Breath (never mind I just found your reaction), this is one of those albums that should be on everyone playlists
👍
Biz. Give to old to rock and roll a listen. By jethro tull. And def have the lryics 🤘❤️
I would suggest you watch any live performance of .. Thick As A Brick
Cross-eyed Mary reminds me of my 4th grade girlfriend :D
Iron Maiden did an interesting cover of this song…
❤Aqualung is the homeless man with wet lung. Social commentary.
See, Aqualung was done sorta wrong here.
I want to say there's also a track where he notices these girls were fixing to commit a crime and THEY were the ones with bad intent.
shit ,took ya long enough, lol
😂😂😂🤷🏿♂️
I second that 👍
The song is about the difference between the World you see instantly and make your conclusion and the World that actually is.
"Look this digusting subject.... So a massmurder has to Look like"
But objektiv theres a men with the load of the bordom and booze of the next 24 and any sexual Thing in mind is more a Thing the reciepient would have to think about.
What specific part of the rich man, Mary may have in her Hand? 🤔😳🫣