6552. Jethro Tull - The Chequered Flag (Dead or Alive)

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https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81KLtwfqMvL._SX522_.jpg
From: Too Old To Rock 'N' Roll: Too Young To Die!; Year: 1976; Genre: Progressive Rock
It is surprising when I find songs that I have not chosen yet; this one in particular. Not only is this my favourite from this record, but amongst my top 10 favourites from Jethro Tull, which is one of my top five favourite bands. So, yes, I am taken aback that being almost 18 years into my song-a-day blog that this one hasn't been picked yet.
Anyway, musically this song is amongst their best as 'Tull was at one of their musical crests and in my opinion most of their best work came from this period. I can remember learning this song's bass line, playing it note-for-note along with the late-great John Glascock, and he was just one piece of the musical equation.
For this one though, the lyrics are just as great of a draw. Whilst some might find the subject matter a bit morbid, that of completion of one's life symbolically as crossing the finish line and reviling in the adulation of a crowd, in both actual and after passing on. I really like how he penned it from not only the motorcycle racer's perspective, but that of a deaf composer, an old man towards the end of his life as well as a still born child crossing the line as the chequered flag waves not only them but all of the "lemming-hearted hordes running ever faster to the shore."
"Isn't it grand to be playing to the stand, dead or alive?" 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
My song pick 6 years ago today: ZZ Top - Sharp Dressed Man

My song pick 7 years ago today: Midnight Oil - Put Down That Weapon

My song pick 8 years ago today: Dayton Sidewinders - Funky Chicken Stew

My song pick 9 years ago today: The Kinks - Tired of Waiting for You

My song pick 10 years ago today: Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dani California

My song pick 11 years ago today: Porcupine Tree - Don't Hate Me

My song pick 12 years ago today: Jacques Offenbach - La belle Hélène (Overture)

My song pick 13 years ago today: Brave Belt - Another Way Out

My song pick 14 years ago today: 3 Doors Down - Kryptonite

My song pick 15 years ago today: Joachim Witt - Krieger Des Licht

My song pick 16 years ago today: Jimi Hendrix - Angel

My song pick 17 years ago today: Béla Fleck and the Flecktones - Sunset Road
 
 

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