1589 Jethro Tull - Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow

1589 Jethro Tull - Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow

From: Broadsword and the Beast, Year: 1982
Genre: Progressive Rock/Folk Rock

I'm picking yet another seasonal song today. This is one of many songs released by Jethro Tull that are fitting around Christmas time; it's because of that you actually hear the band quite a bit more this time of year on the radio.
This one was recorded at the same time as the other songs on the Broadsword album, but didn't get released on it; it appeared as a b-side of the Coronach single and was part of the 20 Years of 'Tull boxed set. Later it was reunited with its counterparts on the remastered version of the Broadsword album; it was also rerecorded for their Christmas Album as well.
Anyway, this song is sung from an unfortunate person's point of view and how they are looked upon scornfully by the more fortunate. I absolutely love how this song goes from light and folkish acoustic to rock and everything in between. My favourite part is the third verse, which is sung a-cappella; it only adds to the grim warning in the lyrics:

"As holly pricks and ivy clings, your fate is none too clear.
The Lord may find you wanting, let your good fortune disappear.
All homely comforts blown away and all that's left to show
is to share your joy at Christmas time
with Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow."

Hear the studio version on YouTube.
Hear the version from The Christmas Album on YouTube.



My song pick a year ago today: Nightwish - Wishmaster

My song pick two years ago today: The Violent Femmes - Color Me Once

My song pick three years ago today: The Who - Eminence Front

My song pick four years ago today: John Fogerty - Almost Saturday Night

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