Jethro Tull — My God
Album: AqualungAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1201
Length: 7:07
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People, what have you done?
Locked him in his golden cage, golden cage
Made him bend to your religion
Him resurrected from the grave, from the grave
He is the God of nothing
If that's all that you can see
You are the God of everything
He's inside you and me
So lean upon him gently
And don't call on him to save you
From your social graces
And the sins you used to waive, you used to waive
The bloody church of England
In chains of history
Requests your earthly presence
At the vicarage for tea
And the graven image you know who
With his plastic crucifix, he's got him fixed
Confuses me as to who and where and why?
As to how he gets his kicks, he gets his kicks
Confessing to the endless sin
The endless whining sounds
You'll be praying till next Thursday
To all the gods that you can count
Locked him in his golden cage, golden cage
Made him bend to your religion
Him resurrected from the grave, from the grave
He is the God of nothing
If that's all that you can see
You are the God of everything
He's inside you and me
So lean upon him gently
And don't call on him to save you
From your social graces
And the sins you used to waive, you used to waive
The bloody church of England
In chains of history
Requests your earthly presence
At the vicarage for tea
And the graven image you know who
With his plastic crucifix, he's got him fixed
Confuses me as to who and where and why?
As to how he gets his kicks, he gets his kicks
Confessing to the endless sin
The endless whining sounds
You'll be praying till next Thursday
To all the gods that you can count
Comments (86)add comment
Bringing back that OG Bardcore.
fantastic song and album
This song makes it easy to call it a night. The Tull fans will call it awesome but in truth, it is terrible. I could be wrong...
As a kid who grew up with Fear of Nuns, "The Bloody Church of England, in Chains of History, Requests Your Earthly Presence at the Vicarage for Tea" blew my mind and started me on the path I've been on since... AND SO AGAIN WE SEE... MUSIC CAUSING BIG TROUBLE...
I really appreciate RP playing these old JT songs.
Those first 4 albums were masterpieces.
And Thick as a Brick is amazing.
Those first 4 albums were masterpieces.
And Thick as a Brick is amazing.
WHY didn't more great music like this become the 1070's next progression rather than DISCO, even if you can't dance to it
Not to get into it but this song, for me, just points out the poisonous nature of religion. It's a cup you'd best not raise to your lips. It robs you of the gift you have been long given, the ability to perceive and appreciate the beauty and wonder of existence and that totality that brought, and continues to bring, it all into being. The Hermetics have, I suspect, the right perspective on this. But what do I know, I'm just out here along an eternal path, the same as you. So I'll just tip my hat and wish you well along your way.
Highlow
Highlow
One of the very greatest albums of its era - incredible songwriting, playing, arrangements and production.
Had to rate it 10... Godlike.
One of the best songs from Tull. This song helped me free myself from the grip of religion.
The wonderful flute trills in the middle make me happy every time.
I learned to play the flute because of Ian Anderson, although I never achieved his mastery.
The wonderful flute trills in the middle make me happy every time.
I learned to play the flute because of Ian Anderson, although I never achieved his mastery.
Nice religious segue from Patty Griffin's "Wade in the Water."
Their first four albums were magnificent!
Yes...better RnR than Metallica.
Who's that anyway? Another "thud and drone" band?
Yes...better RnR than Metallica.
Who's that anyway? Another "thud and drone" band?
read the lyrics 6>7
My God.... This song is more than 50 years old.
coloradojohn wrote:
Well, I just really dig this group and this album!!
This album truly stands out as valuable social commentary, even or especially now... I've always admired how, particularly in this song but also others from this record, they point out the officially sanctified structure that props up the blatant, self-serving hypocrisy lurking underneath the sham pretext of society's loftiest layers. What's more, they do it with such clever, snarling, satisfying disdain. The bloody Church of England/ in chains of History/ requests your earthly presence at the vicarage for tea... I love it! This still sounds GREAT at full volume!
Well, I just really dig this group and this album!!
saw these guys almost as much as the "grateful dead" .
This album truly stands out as valuable social commentary, even or especially now... I've always admired how, particularly in this song but also others from this record, they point out the officially sanctified structure that props up the blatant, self-serving hypocrisy lurking underneath the sham pretext of society's loftiest layers. What's more, they do it with such clever, snarling, satisfying disdain. The bloody Church of England/ in chains of History/ requests your earthly presence at the vicarage for tea... I love it! This still sounds GREAT at full volume!
forgot how good the rest of this album is
GREAT! ICONIC! ...this is the 1st time I have ever heard it in FLAC through great studio phones, amp & DAC! ...Thanx RP!
Amen.
As we used to say, "Whoa, heavy!" Solid 9.
The problem with Jethro Tull, every song had to have a flute solo. You hear them every now and then, its a nice change. An entire album? hmm
This has to be one of JT's best songs, the mellow build up to some great guitar riffs. Mahalo Bill
Still rings true. I always turn it up full blast!
unclehud wrote:
Yes, very true. My recollection, too.
I guess you had to be there .......
This was SUCH a departure from other rock and roll at the time: Rod Stewart, the Doors, James Taylor, America, John Lennon, the Who.
For those of us riding the wave of all things new and exciting, this was the foam at the top. Lyrical, orchestral, ethereal, definitely rock and roll, and so very, very subversive.
"And the graven image You-Know-Who, with his plastic crucifix ..."
I mean, just look at the album cover!
Yes, very true. My recollection, too.
Oh boy! Martin just playing the crap out of his "geek-fiddle"!
One of my favorite guitar players.
One of my favorite guitar players.
I guess you had to be there .......
This was SUCH a departure from other rock and roll at the time: Rod Stewart, the Doors, James Taylor, America, John Lennon, the Who.
For those of us riding the wave of all things new and exciting, this was the foam at the top. Lyrical, orchestral, ethereal, definitely rock and roll, and so very, very subversive.
"And the graven image You-Know-Who, with his plastic crucifix ..."
I mean, just look at the album cover!
This was SUCH a departure from other rock and roll at the time: Rod Stewart, the Doors, James Taylor, America, John Lennon, the Who.
For those of us riding the wave of all things new and exciting, this was the foam at the top. Lyrical, orchestral, ethereal, definitely rock and roll, and so very, very subversive.
"And the graven image You-Know-Who, with his plastic crucifix ..."
I mean, just look at the album cover!
this entire album has been in my heart since 1971 ~*~*~*~
Tomasni wrote:
come next to my rate -- 10o, godllike )))
I change my opinion 8 - Most Excellent
come next to my rate -- 10o, godllike )))
I'm standing on one leg! 
Flute-fest frenzy!
Knocked my socks off when it came out and it still does.
One of my favorite albums of all time...
One of my favorite albums of all time...
hope Bill gets into a Tull binge like he did early this year
Alpha Cloud.
Highlowsel wrote:
Right there with you. I bought this back in the day for the title song, but was captured by the lyrical diversity. Listening to these lyrics now I see how poignant they are... "You are the God of everything, he's inside you and me..."
Oh boy the memories on this one.
This whole album was my door-way drug. What I mean is JT's lyrical hooks started me delving deeper into music; exploring it in ways other than just simply "Hey this has a good beat, etc., etc." I started paying attention to the lyrics. It lead me to a whole slew of lyricists in any number of genres, from Lyle Lovett to John Prine to Death Cab for Cutie. Life has been a musical adventure ever since. But I digress. The lyrics on this album. the ones that first hooked me, a young male at the time....were:
"Sitting on a park bench. Eying little girls with bad intent. "
Say whaaaaa?
That was the lyrically hook that had me.....
"Wait a minute what's going on here?"
This was my initial reaction. Ears perked and listening hard (no pun intended, heh). An introduction (along with Led Zep's Lemon Song) into the more....seamy...
...aspects of adult behavior and singing (about it)...say what you will about the music, but I've always appreciated those who come along with a point of view to communicate....and sometimes yes, even to preach.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
This whole album was my door-way drug. What I mean is JT's lyrical hooks started me delving deeper into music; exploring it in ways other than just simply "Hey this has a good beat, etc., etc." I started paying attention to the lyrics. It lead me to a whole slew of lyricists in any number of genres, from Lyle Lovett to John Prine to Death Cab for Cutie. Life has been a musical adventure ever since. But I digress. The lyrics on this album. the ones that first hooked me, a young male at the time....were:
"Sitting on a park bench. Eying little girls with bad intent. "
Say whaaaaa?
That was the lyrically hook that had me.....
"Wait a minute what's going on here?"
This was my initial reaction. Ears perked and listening hard (no pun intended, heh). An introduction (along with Led Zep's Lemon Song) into the more....seamy...
...aspects of adult behavior and singing (about it)...say what you will about the music, but I've always appreciated those who come along with a point of view to communicate....and sometimes yes, even to preach. Highlow
American Net'Zen
Right there with you. I bought this back in the day for the title song, but was captured by the lyrical diversity. Listening to these lyrics now I see how poignant they are... "You are the God of everything, he's inside you and me..."
Wow... I never really did get Tull back in the day, and I still don't. Sorry folks.
Oh boy the memories on this one.
This whole album was my door-way drug. What I mean is JT's lyrical hooks started me delving deeper into music; exploring it in ways other than just simply "Hey this has a good beat, etc., etc." I started paying attention to the lyrics. It lead me to a whole slew of lyricists in any number of genres, from Lyle Lovett to John Prine to Death Cab for Cutie. Life has been a musical adventure ever since. But I digress. The lyrics on this album. the ones that first hooked me, a young male at the time....were:
"Sitting on a park bench. Eying little girls with bad intent. "
Say whaaaaa?
That was the lyrically hook that had me.....
"Wait a minute what's going on here?"
This was my initial reaction. Ears perked and listening hard (no pun intended, heh). An introduction (along with Led Zep's Lemon Song) into the more....seamy......aspects of adult behavior and singing (about it)...say what you will about the music, but I've always appreciated those who come along with a point of view to communicate....and sometimes yes, even to preach.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
This whole album was my door-way drug. What I mean is JT's lyrical hooks started me delving deeper into music; exploring it in ways other than just simply "Hey this has a good beat, etc., etc." I started paying attention to the lyrics. It lead me to a whole slew of lyricists in any number of genres, from Lyle Lovett to John Prine to Death Cab for Cutie. Life has been a musical adventure ever since. But I digress. The lyrics on this album. the ones that first hooked me, a young male at the time....were:
"Sitting on a park bench. Eying little girls with bad intent. "
Say whaaaaa?
That was the lyrically hook that had me.....
"Wait a minute what's going on here?"
This was my initial reaction. Ears perked and listening hard (no pun intended, heh). An introduction (along with Led Zep's Lemon Song) into the more....seamy...
...aspects of adult behavior and singing (about it)...say what you will about the music, but I've always appreciated those who come along with a point of view to communicate....and sometimes yes, even to preach. Highlow
American Net'Zen
torino390 wrote:
Pssssst.....be careful what you wish for....I think God is a flute player. Heh!
sorry, I simply don't 'get' Tull. I really want to put that flute somewhere...
Pssssst.....be careful what you wish for....I think God is a flute player. Heh!I recently listened to the Steven Wilson remix/remaster of Aqualung, for JT fans I highly recommend it. It's not your average remaster, it's a big improvement over the original release (vinyl and CD).
One of the songs I recognize from the first 10 seconds
Wow, wishing death on someone cuz u don't like their music? Kinda douche-y.
fiddlechick wrote:
fiddlechick wrote:
Can I give it a zero? Seriously - I keep a mental of list of performers I wish were on the "The Day the Music Died" airplane instead of those who were lost. (My airplane lives outside of the space/time continuum - anyone can be on it). JT - seat 1a. Right next to Porcupine Tree.
TerryS wrote:
Whether you agree or disagree with your assertion, that is a damn funny statement.
According to Erasmus, "In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king"
But I say, " in the country of the lame, the one-legged flautist is king"
But I say, " in the country of the lame, the one-legged flautist is king"
Whether you agree or disagree with your assertion, that is a damn funny statement.
According to Erasmus, "In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king"
But I say, " in the country of the lame, the one-legged flautist is king"
But I say, " in the country of the lame, the one-legged flautist is king"
The middle section - with its discordant malign meant - makes me feel the same way that religion in general does.
My God indeed.
So, the song has been successful in that way but I hope it doesn't come up on PSD again. Ever.
My God indeed.
So, the song has been successful in that way but I hope it doesn't come up on PSD again. Ever.
Can I give it a zero? Seriously - I keep a mental of list of performers I wish were on the "The Day the Music Died" airplane instead of those who were lost. (My airplane lives outside of the space/time continuum - anyone can be on it). JT - seat 1a. Right next to Porcupine Tree.
Skydog wrote:
Yep. . . I like it. Its like a mini revival :)
I really like the fact Bill and Rebecca has a desire to play a load of something in particular. . . then just do it!
Also has anyone else noticed all the Jethro Tull RP has been playing the past month?
Yep. . . I like it. Its like a mini revival :)
I really like the fact Bill and Rebecca has a desire to play a load of something in particular. . . then just do it!
torino390 wrote:
Well I guess everyone needs a hobby..............
sorry, I simply don't 'get' Tull. I really want to put that flute somewhere...
Well I guess everyone needs a hobby..............
Like this one a lot, great playing and arrangement. The entire Aqualung album is very strong, one of the best of it's era, although I can see how it could sound a bit Spinal Tap today for the uninitiated.
Skydog wrote:
Was just thinking the same yesterday.
I can name that tune in,....
Seriously I knew what it was at the first guitar string pluck
Also has anyone else noticed all the Jethro Tull RP has been playing the past month?
Seriously I knew what it was at the first guitar string pluck
Also has anyone else noticed all the Jethro Tull RP has been playing the past month?
Was just thinking the same yesterday.
I can name that tune in,....
Seriously I knew what it was at the first guitar string pluck
Also has anyone else noticed all the Jethro Tull RP has been playing the past month?
Seriously I knew what it was at the first guitar string pluck
Also has anyone else noticed all the Jethro Tull RP has been playing the past month?
Megavolt wrote:
yes, it does.............. on............ and on................ and on.................. thankfully, there is the PSD button! lol!
OMG does this song just drag on and on and on...
yes, it does.............. on............ and on................ and on.................. thankfully, there is the PSD button! lol!
sorry, I simply don't 'get' Tull. I really want to put that flute somewhere...
Bill, have you been watching the Atheist Experience? XTC's Dear God, now this!! Not that I'm complaining as a good "liberal" Canadian.
Pwb6769 wrote:
And as timely now as it has ever been!
Ian has taken a lot of heat for this one. Remember, it is a commentary on ORGANIZED religion(......have fun and enjoy!
And as timely now as it has ever been!
An era of music that I am so happy I was able to experience first hand!!
My God ! Paradise..
GODLIKE... literally!!
Thanks, was in a soporific swoon after Boxing day cocktails, beers, Champagne, leftover bird and Mortlach.
This brought me back into the land of the living.
This brought me back into the land of the living.
cinzia1026 wrote:
Way back in the 70's the best concerts were all performed by English artists - Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull, Moody Blues, et al. They had a flair for the dramatic and their musicianship was awesome.
Love JT! First concert in 1970 - they played opening for Black Sabbath in Jax FL.
Way back in the 70's the best concerts were all performed by English artists - Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull, Moody Blues, et al. They had a flair for the dramatic and their musicianship was awesome.
Golden song from the classic LP rock music !!!
My grandfather was a college professor and the second floor of the large, old home that my grandparents lived in served as student housing.
When we would visit in the summer, all the students were gone and the grandkids could take their pick of the 6 bedrooms on the second floor.
But when we were there for any holidays, all the college student's personal belongings were still in the rooms while they were away.
I'll never forget when, just barely into my teens, I broke my grandmother's rules and went into one of the student's bedrooms and had a look around.
I took a look at the albums and, being intrigued by the cover, cranked up the turntable and listened to Aqualung for the very first time.
Holy crap - this was WAY different than the Monkees, Three Dog Night and The 1910 Fruit Gum Co.!
When we would visit in the summer, all the students were gone and the grandkids could take their pick of the 6 bedrooms on the second floor.
But when we were there for any holidays, all the college student's personal belongings were still in the rooms while they were away.
I'll never forget when, just barely into my teens, I broke my grandmother's rules and went into one of the student's bedrooms and had a look around.
I took a look at the albums and, being intrigued by the cover, cranked up the turntable and listened to Aqualung for the very first time.
Holy crap - this was WAY different than the Monkees, Three Dog Night and The 1910 Fruit Gum Co.!
I just can't help laughing whenever I hear that stupid flute in any Tull song. I immediately think of Ron Burgundy.
25demayo wrote:
I am envious. May I join you?
Time to fire up the turntable, put the vinyl on and listen to the whole album. Be back in an hour.
I am envious. May I join you?
One of the most scathing and dead-on concept albums ever; it absolutely blew our minds — and thoroughly shocked our parents and teachers. It was well ahead of its time, and helped us to wake up — an essential part of growing up — and gave us some solid jams!
Still like this as a concept album, takes the genius of the first three records and set you up for all the rest to come; good and bad.
Time to fire up the turntable, put the vinyl on and listen to the whole album. Be back in an hour.
OMG does this song just drag on and on and on...
Make this excrement flush back down to the sewers where it came from!
bobcanna1 wrote:
Nice .... i almost forgot about this gem!
Nice .... i almost forgot about this gem!
Love JT! First concert in 1970 - they played opening for Black Sabbath in Jax FL.
ozzie1313 wrote:
Outstanding creative tune! thank you RP!
Always grateful for the playing time given to Jethro Tull.
Outstanding creative tune! thank you RP!
Always grateful for the playing time given to Jethro Tull.
Brilliant track off a monumental album
I was in junior high school playing in a band. This band and album made such a huge impact on my generation. Amazing!!
Ian has taken a lot of heat for this one. Remember, it is a commentary on ORGANIZED religion(......have fun and enjoy!
Just as with this whole morning's choices, great blend of unique vocals, instrumentation, and creativity. Thanks Bill.
DaidyBoy wrote:
I'd say they need to get a grip on reality and stop believing in ancient fairy tales. They'd be better off reading Aesop's Fables.
I couldn't play this at home, my family would laugh me out of the building. Within a day or so I'd look like the guy on the cover.
I'd say they need to get a grip on reality and stop believing in ancient fairy tales. They'd be better off reading Aesop's Fables.
moodfood wrote:
AGREED
to be less than godlike is justifiably unfathomable.. 
AGREED
to be less than godlike is justifiably unfathomable..
ten!
This is TEN. Sorry, I have no more to say.
I couldn't play this at home, my family would laugh me out of the building. Within a day or so I'd look like the guy on the cover.
Well said somebod...
somboed wrote:
somboed wrote:
Where the heck has this song been? Haven't heard it for decades - how refreshing Radio Paradise is in the audio numbness that is 21st century radio.
Hey man, this is GODLIKE
Where the heck has this song been? Haven't heard it for decades - how refreshing Radio Paradise is in the audio numbness that is 21st century radio.