Jethro Tull — Wond'ring Aloud
Album: AqualungAvg rating:
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Length: 1:45
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Wond'ring aloud --
How we feel today.
Last night sipped the sunset --
My hands in her hair.
We are our own saviours
As we start both our hearts beating life
Into each other.
Wond'ring aloud --
Will the years treat us well.
As she floats in the kitchen,
I'm tasting the smell
Of toast as the butter runs.
Then she comes, spilling crumbs on the bed
And I shake my head.
And it's only the giving
That makes you what you are.
How we feel today.
Last night sipped the sunset --
My hands in her hair.
We are our own saviours
As we start both our hearts beating life
Into each other.
Wond'ring aloud --
Will the years treat us well.
As she floats in the kitchen,
I'm tasting the smell
Of toast as the butter runs.
Then she comes, spilling crumbs on the bed
And I shake my head.
And it's only the giving
That makes you what you are.
Comments (117)add comment
I used to like them more than I do now. I still really like their first album, This Was, with Mick Abrahams on guitar. He left and formed Blodwyn Pig whose first album, Ahead Rings Out, was excellent.
marcloans1 wrote:
If you like those two stanzas, you'll love this version where they combine "Wond'ring Aloud" from Aqualung and "Wond'ring Again" from Living in the Past for over 7 minutes of pure bliss.
https://open.spotify.com/track...
Two stanzas of timeless brilliant beauty
If you like those two stanzas, you'll love this version where they combine "Wond'ring Aloud" from Aqualung and "Wond'ring Again" from Living in the Past for over 7 minutes of pure bliss.
https://open.spotify.com/track...
Trop cool
This sure sounds like a re- or different mix. I'm gonna put my 40+ year old vinyl on and check the bad baby out! 
the more you listen to their first 4 albums,
the more you realize how good and ground breaking they were
the more you realize how good and ground breaking they were
Yes, brief and simply beautiful
I very much enjoy the briefness of this Jethro Tull song.
memoryboxer wrote:
nursie....
I was 11 when Aqualung came out and my next door neighbour (who had older brothers) introduced me to Jethro Tull. Been with them ever since; 14 times in concert and all but the last two albums. While most folk tend to like Tull for the rockers like Aqualung and Locomtive Breath, it's Anderson's softer poetic side that has always resonated best for me, especially their "Country Gentlemen" phase of Songs From The Wood, Heavy Horses, Stormwatch and Broadsword and The Beast. This song remains one of my favourite love songs of all time.
nursie....
and it's only the giving that makes you what you are.....
thewiseking wrote:
That is the great thing about art... not everybody has to enjoy it for it to be amazing!
A Masterpiece. This band remains unrecognized for their brilliance.
That is the great thing about art... not everybody has to enjoy it for it to be amazing!
My vinyl copy of this album had a slight flaw in it and I still hear that scratchy flaw no matter if it is there or not.
idiot_wind wrote:
I Agree! Benefit is my favorite! But I like all of the early albums.
ya know...their first 3-4 albums were quite good
really musically diverse and cool
trippy
I Agree! Benefit is my favorite! But I like all of the early albums.
That was a strange version. It isn’t as lively as the one I’m familiar with I wish I could say where I heard it from.
ya know...their first 3-4 albums were quite good
really musically diverse and cool
trippy
really musically diverse and cool
trippy
Wow - what a memory blast! Brilliant song - thanks, Bill.
ziggytrix wrote:
When you listen to the whole album, it's more like one very long song with many different phases. See this song as a verse in a poem :)
huh.. that was awfully short for a Jethro Tull song. 
When you listen to the whole album, it's more like one very long song with many different phases. See this song as a verse in a poem :)
Beautiful song, beautiful arrangement, beautifully played. A solid 10.
I recall being in the front yard working on some aspect of a ditch that my father had been digging along the street. Tedious work. Then the local Cleveland station's DJ announced that at that moment they were premiering Aqualung in the US. Whether this is true or not, although not really fan of the band, I still have an emotional response when these songs show up. At the time Cleveland was considered something like the ideal city to break new acts and I understand that a lot of bands were first introduced in that area. Maybe this means that there were benefits to living in that area? Still an open question
My fav JT album. 🥰
Amen, brother!
memoryboxer wrote:
...While most folk tend to like Tull for the rockers like Aqualung and Locomtive Breath, it's Anderson's softer poetic side that has always resonated best for me, especially their "Country Gentlemen" phase of Songs From The Wood, Heavy Horses, Stormwatch and Broadsword and The Beast...
memoryboxer wrote:
...While most folk tend to like Tull for the rockers like Aqualung and Locomtive Breath, it's Anderson's softer poetic side that has always resonated best for me, especially their "Country Gentlemen" phase of Songs From The Wood, Heavy Horses, Stormwatch and Broadsword and The Beast...
xkolibuul wrote:
They have lots of short ones as well as long ones. Just not played on, well, any station but this one.
They have lots of short ones as well as long ones. Just not played on, well, any station but this one.
This is the ONLY place I ever hear J. Tull.
I was 11 when Aqualung came out and my next door neighbour (who had older brothers) introduced me to Jethro Tull. Been with them ever since; 14 times in concert and all but the last two albums. While most folk tend to like Tull for the rockers like Aqualung and Locomtive Breath, it's Anderson's softer poetic side that has always resonated best for me, especially their "Country Gentlemen" phase of Songs From The Wood, Heavy Horses, Stormwatch and Broadsword and The Beast. This song remains one of my favourite love songs of all time.
Two stanzas of timeless brilliant beauty
Papernapkin wrote:
True, but this is not a "rock and roll" station.
This ain't rock and roll.
True, but this is not a "rock and roll" station.
I haven't listened to Aqualung in so long I forgot about this song. Nice to hear it again. Maybe I should play the album just to see what else might be on there.
If you could only ever write one song ..........
A Masterpiece. This band remains unrecognized for their brilliance.
ziggytrix wrote:
They have lots of short ones as well as long ones. Just not played on, well, any station but this one.
huh.. that was awfully short for a Jethro Tull song.
They have lots of short ones as well as long ones. Just not played on, well, any station but this one.
huh.. that was awfully short for a Jethro Tull song.
I to forget this wonderful item.
milesfinn wrote:
Ditto — what a great song, great musician, and lyrics too. No mention of snot.
milesfinn wrote:
Ditto — what a great song, great musician, and lyrics too. No mention of snot.
ScottishWillie wrote:
Ditto — what a great song, great musician, and lyrics too. No mention of snot.
I know this album really well but had inexplicably forgotten about this brilliant little track. Must be my age!
Ditto — what a great song, great musician, and lyrics too. No mention of snot.
ScottishWillie wrote:
Don't be too hard (pun intended) on yourself Willie. It is 46 years ago now.
Being a Jethro Tull number - instant 9
I know this album really well but had inexplicably forgotten about this brilliant little track. Must be my age!
Don't be too hard (pun intended) on yourself Willie. It is 46 years ago now.
Being a Jethro Tull number - instant 9
I know this album really well but had inexplicably forgotten about this brilliant little track. Must be my age!
Sounds very much like "Nursie", my other favourite JT song. Keep up the good work, RP.
Skydog wrote:
A nice image evocative of a wonderful time in my own life. Thanks.
1972, blazing on the interstate
from the Mitten to 'Bama
had to get home fast
8-track looping and looping
sunrise as i roll thru Louisville
with this tape screaming Oh Aqualung!
from the Mitten to 'Bama
had to get home fast
8-track looping and looping
sunrise as i roll thru Louisville
with this tape screaming Oh Aqualung!
A nice image evocative of a wonderful time in my own life. Thanks.
1972, blazing on the interstate
from the Mitten to 'Bama
had to get home fast
8-track looping and looping
sunrise as i roll thru Louisville
with this tape screaming Oh Aqualung!
from the Mitten to 'Bama
had to get home fast
8-track looping and looping
sunrise as i roll thru Louisville
with this tape screaming Oh Aqualung!
Love this song. Perfect morning timing. Thanks.
10 with no doubts. Thanks to RP!
Lordy, Lordy what a great album this is, brings back really great memories of a different time.
My favorite Tull song. There's a 'sister song' to this called "Wond'ring Again" on "Living In The Past" (i think). It's longer, but just as lovely.
Edit: 5 min later from above... i see that others have made this same comment...
Edit: 5 min later from above... i see that others have made this same comment...
RIP Glen Comick
Love the obscure Tull tunes... Wond'ring Aloud, Dun Ringall (which I visited when in Scotland last year.. not much left of it I'm afraid), Valhalla, Mother Goose, Mayhem Maybe, and the list goes on. Great live act as well... you can keep the commercial tunes like Aqualung and Living in the Past...
Jethro Tull = Rock Gods
Jethro Tull = Rock Gods
"Another song, "Wond'ring Again" was recorded in early sessions in 1970 and considered for release on the album before Anderson decided to drop it from the final tracklisting. It was subsequently released on the compilation album, Living in the Past, in 1972. However, elements of the song—essentially its coda—were included on Aqualung as "Wond'ring Aloud".
Thank you, Wikipedia. Had to go digging through eyetoons to see which was which ...
Thank you, Wikipedia. Had to go digging through eyetoons to see which was which ...
I went and saw Tull in Asbury Park,NJ right after this album came out.
The following Saturday I went to a party and had too much to drink(and smoke).Someone played this album and when "Oh God" came on.. I grabbed a small stick and started doing my best Ian Anderson imitation.Crowd loved it!
What can I say....I'm a ham!
Beautiful. perfect
I love hearing acoustic Tull. This one especially.
Nice to hear that tune again after many years. Thanks Bill
Very refreshing to hear something other than Aqualung and Bungle in the Jungle. I have a completely different appreciation for Tull after hearing some of these deeper tracks.
Everybody in my church loves this song... and this whole album...
The whole album is exellent!
Templar13 wrote:
My two favorite songs off the album. Really liked how the one flowed to the other...
And now right into Mother Goose?
My two favorite songs off the album. Really liked how the one flowed to the other...
And now right into Mother Goose?
I agree !
NewFee wrote:
NewFee wrote:
I cannot think of a more achingly romantic song. Absolutely beautiful...
I cannot think of a more achingly romantic song. Absolutely beautiful...
Class. It amazes me that the band that created a string of great albums in the late 60's and early 70's could morph into the creators of albums such as 'A'.
Hey ho, at least we have this.
Hey ho, at least we have this.
I can't remember which one, but a Jethro Tull track was playing in a pub (Nice, old-fashioned place with proper timbers and snug little rooms) while on holiday with my dad. We asked the barman what the radio station was.
He told us all about Radio Paradise. Been listening ever since
He told us all about Radio Paradise. Been listening ever since
I saw JT way back when, right after this album first debuted in America. it was at Madison Square Garden, and they played most of Aqualung, then stopped, and Ian said, "we would like to play something new for you, hope you like it..." where upon they launched into the complete rendition of Thick as a Brick, much to my delight. what a show. all these years later i still get gooseflesh thinking about it. go Tull!!
shayde wrote:
My friend, this is the SOUL of rock and roll. If you have not listened to Aqualung from beginning to end, perhaps this won't make sense - educate yourself... run, do not walk, run, and get this album, lock yourself in a room, and listen to it. Return enlightened.
I am not saying that Jethro Tull in general - or this song in particular - are disqualified from being considered "rock 'n' roll", but "the SOUL of rock and roll"? That's a bit of a stretch to me. There are several dozen recording artists who could be deemed that before this band - starting, perhaps, with Chuck Berry. To each his own.
My friend, this is the SOUL of rock and roll. If you have not listened to Aqualung from beginning to end, perhaps this won't make sense - educate yourself... run, do not walk, run, and get this album, lock yourself in a room, and listen to it. Return enlightened.
I am not saying that Jethro Tull in general - or this song in particular - are disqualified from being considered "rock 'n' roll", but "the SOUL of rock and roll"? That's a bit of a stretch to me. There are several dozen recording artists who could be deemed that before this band - starting, perhaps, with Chuck Berry. To each his own.
Papernapkin wrote:
Why would you expose your limited taste in such a way as that statement? Notice the similarities to "Skating Away?"
This ain't rock and roll.
Why would you expose your limited taste in such a way as that statement? Notice the similarities to "Skating Away?"
shayde wrote:
My friend, this is the SOUL of rock and roll. If you have not listened to Aqualung from beginning to end, perhaps this won't make sense - educate yourself... run, do not walk, run, and get this album, lock yourself in a room, and listen to it. Return enlightened.
cheers.
My friend, this is the SOUL of rock and roll. If you have not listened to Aqualung from beginning to end, perhaps this won't make sense - educate yourself... run, do not walk, run, and get this album, lock yourself in a room, and listen to it. Return enlightened.
cheers.
I'm always wond'ring aloud when I hear this song. So goooood.
shayde wrote:
My friend, this is the SOUL of rock and roll. If you have not listened to Aqualung from beginning to end, perhaps this won't make sense - educate yourself... run, do not walk, run, and get this album, lock yourself in a room, and listen to it. Return enlightened.
Could not say it better! This is it!
My friend, this is the SOUL of rock and roll. If you have not listened to Aqualung from beginning to end, perhaps this won't make sense - educate yourself... run, do not walk, run, and get this album, lock yourself in a room, and listen to it. Return enlightened.
Could not say it better! This is it!
Papernapkin wrote:
My friend, this is the SOUL of rock and roll. If you have not listened to Aqualung from beginning to end, perhaps this won't make sense - educate yourself... run, do not walk, run, and get this album, lock yourself in a room, and listen to it. Return enlightened.
This ain't rock and roll.
My friend, this is the SOUL of rock and roll. If you have not listened to Aqualung from beginning to end, perhaps this won't make sense - educate yourself... run, do not walk, run, and get this album, lock yourself in a room, and listen to it. Return enlightened.
Go see them live, they seem to get better and better. Their gig in Paignton (UK) was a sell out, and they were superb.
Great tune, solid 9.
Great tune, solid 9.
More Tull please, Bill.
Jethro Tull - 3 by ~MrSyn
Patryk Pigeon ©2007-2010 ~MrSyn
Jethro Tull @ La Place des Arts de Montréal - 2007
Photo: Patryk Pigeon©2007
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parrothead wrote:
JT is on tour this year and I'm on a mission to see them. Even if I must catch a plane to meet up with them.
I'm sure I will need to catch a plane - but I really should try to see them as well. This record is all 10's in my book.
JT is on tour this year and I'm on a mission to see them. Even if I must catch a plane to meet up with them.
I'm sure I will need to catch a plane - but I really should try to see them as well. This record is all 10's in my book.
This ain't rock and roll.
starcloud wrote:
IMO that's one of the weak ones. I have most of his stuff and there's alot out there but I have not totally connected with "Minstrel In The Gallery". Check out the CD "A Night Cap", there are outtakes on there from the "Minstrel of the Gallery" sessions.
still nothing (on RP) from "Minstrel In The Gallery" (the pinnacle of Ian Anderson's career)
IMO that's one of the weak ones. I have most of his stuff and there's alot out there but I have not totally connected with "Minstrel In The Gallery". Check out the CD "A Night Cap", there are outtakes on there from the "Minstrel of the Gallery" sessions.
Jonh_Cooper wrote:
I understand your point, modern music releases in the catagory of "Rock and Roll" is hit and miss, mostly miss. There are some hiden jewels outhere. That's why I tune in to RP. I also love the classics like this one. JT is on tour this year and I'm on a mission to see them. Even if I must catch a plane to meet up with them.
I sometimes think " why is Ian still touring" he sure does not need the money. I need to see them before he says "the hell with it" I'm going to one of my country estates.
Just wonderful.Rock is rock.I love Ac/Dc,(the good Bon Scott era).I love Led Zepelin.But listening J Tull,Cohen,and others,brings me peace of mind.From A to Z,we find the human adventure on Earth,on the rocn n roll universe.Everything is there.These guys had the God gift of creation.They left us masterpieces,that will remain for eternity.Can we compare this music,with the new Lady Gaga `s stuff,and so on ?.In this rocn n roll times,we find "kind of magic",that is slowly deseapairing.Forgive me,my bad english,but,important is made myself clear,and if someone read this,really understand what i m talking about.Rock is magic.
I understand your point, modern music releases in the catagory of "Rock and Roll" is hit and miss, mostly miss. There are some hiden jewels outhere. That's why I tune in to RP. I also love the classics like this one. JT is on tour this year and I'm on a mission to see them. Even if I must catch a plane to meet up with them.
I sometimes think " why is Ian still touring" he sure does not need the money. I need to see them before he says "the hell with it" I'm going to one of my country estates.
Just wonderful.Rock is rock.I love Ac/Dc,(the good Bon Scott era).I love Led Zepelin.But listening J Tull,Cohen,and others,brings me peace of mind.From A to Z,we find the human adventure on Earth,on the rocn n roll universe.Everything is there.These guys had the God gift of creation.They left us masterpieces,that will remain for eternity.Can we compare this music,with the new Lady Gaga `s stuff,and so on ?.In this rocn n roll times,we find "kind of magic",that is slowly deseapairing.Forgive me,my bad english,but,important is made myself clear,and if someone read this,really understand what i m talking about.Rock is magic.
hopper99 wrote:
I rarely give a 1, but here it seems to be justified.
I rarely give a 10. This is one of the few cases.
I rarely give a 1, but here it seems to be justified.
Still my favorite song by the Tull.
Wonderful.
Wonderful.
Maz127 wrote:
Then why you'd only give them a measly 8 for this?!!?
Jethro Tull is amazing.
Then why you'd only give them a measly 8 for this?!!?
Jethro Tull is amazing.
I rarely give a 10. This is one of the few cases.
SuzenJueL wrote:
Jethro Tull has done many songs of this type. How far have you actually explored their library?
I'm not a huge fan of Jethro Tull, but I like this....it has a certain twist of dylan or something I can't quite put my finger on....
Jethro Tull has done many songs of this type. How far have you actually explored their library?
SuzenJueL wrote:
I propose a toast!
I think you're just tasting the smell (as the butter runs).
Hear here!
I'm not a huge fan of Jethro Tull, but I like this....it has a certain twist of dylan or something I can't quite put my finger on....
I propose a toast!
I think you're just tasting the smell (as the butter runs).
Hear here!
Such beautiful guitarwork.
daveesh wrote:
nothing like a bit of the ole menstrual show sound...
bronorb wrote:
BTW, Did you mean "Minstral" maybe?
If not, it's way funnier.
actually it's minstrel, but you're right, menstrual is hilarious (my brother calls John Mellencamp, who ruined a Who/Tull show for us, John Menstrual Cramp...)
nothing like a bit of the ole menstrual show sound...
bronorb wrote:
BTW, Did you mean "Minstral" maybe?
If not, it's way funnier.
actually it's minstrel, but you're right, menstrual is hilarious (my brother calls John Mellencamp, who ruined a Who/Tull show for us, John Menstrual Cramp...)
Wond'ring aloud —
how we feel today.
Last night sipped the sunset —
my hands in her hair.
We are our own saviours
as we start both our hearts beating life
into each other.
Wond'ring aloud —
will the years treat us well.
As she floats in the kitchen,
I'm tasting the smell
of toast as the butter runs.
Then she comes, spilling crumbs on the bed
and I shake my head.
And it's only the giving
that makes you what you are.
Word.
how we feel today.
Last night sipped the sunset —
my hands in her hair.
We are our own saviours
as we start both our hearts beating life
into each other.
Wond'ring aloud —
will the years treat us well.
As she floats in the kitchen,
I'm tasting the smell
of toast as the butter runs.
Then she comes, spilling crumbs on the bed
and I shake my head.
And it's only the giving
that makes you what you are.
Word.
Bleyfusz wrote:
SNOT running down his nose...
Each time I see this cover it brings one line from the title track forth of my memory: "....eying little girls with bad intent...."
SNOT running down his nose...
I'm not a huge fan of Jethro Tull, but I like this....it has a certain twist of dylan or something I can't quite put my finger on....
daveesh wrote:
BTW, Did you mean "Minstral" maybe?
If not, it's way funnier.
nothing like a bit of the ole menstrual show sound...
BTW, Did you mean "Minstral" maybe?
If not, it's way funnier.
One of my favorites off this album.
A true masterpiece.
Especially the last line...
A true masterpiece.
Especially the last line...
Brilliant... goose bumps all over!
still nothing (on RP) from "Minstrel In The Gallery" (the pinnacle of Ian Anderson's career)
TimothyC wrote:
He does! Try some of Ian's solo work... Well-crafted, tuneful, with a folkish bent throughout.
It's that folkish bent that I find regrettable - This sounds much more authentic.
He does! Try some of Ian's solo work... Well-crafted, tuneful, with a folkish bent throughout.
I learned to play the flute as a child because of Jethro Tull. My dad has a couple of Jethro Tull albums, and I can remember being amazed by their sound when I was a child. I still am.
Another even shorter song on 'Aqualung" called 'Slipstream' has been like a mantra to me, a constant reminder to go-with-the-flow instead of trying to push-the-river. Saved my sanity many-a-time! Is it true that Ian Anderson's sister was the lyricist? Perhaps it was/is a time-and-place thing, perhaps music moves some of us in profound ways but this album changed the direction of my life and I've never looked back.. Bla bla bla zzzzzz This Album gets my highest vote/accolades 11-out-of-10
Peace
Each time I see this cover it brings one line from the title track forth of my memory: "....eying little girls with bad intent...."
A great song that was lost in the shuffle and bustle of Aqualung.
Such a beautiful song! Short but sweet!
Probably my all time favorite Tull tune.
This album is a classic and blows all else by Tull out of the water.
nigelr wrote:
Godlike song, godlike album, godlike band!!!!!!!!
"it's only the giving that makes you what you are"
Wayyyyy to short..........
Need I say more? NO! You said it all...
Godlike indeed.
Awesome !!! 
Godlike song, godlike album, godlike band!!!!!!!!
"it's only the giving that makes you what you are"
Wayyyyy to short..........
Great song, great album.
Without having looked at the playlist, I thought "Man, this sounds like that one song by Jethro Tull." Then I looked. "Oh."
Such a wonderfully domestic song-talking about the simple joys.
I hope we all age as well as this song has!
CCinSB wrote:
Love this song.
Me too, just wish it was longer.
Love this song.
Wonderful stuff!
MinMan wrote:
Exquisit! Why couldn't he just continue writing / performing tunes like this one?
He does! Try some of Ian's solo work. For example, The Secret Language of Birds. Well-crafted, tuneful, with a folkish bent throughout.
Exquisit! Why couldn't he just continue writing / performing tunes like this one?
What a time it was.
From the days when the dream of a better world was still alive. Great tune, great album!
A band that really opened the door of "progressive rock"; Imagine, a silly man playing a flute and producing Rock n' Roll?!?!?!?!?!
Saw them three times at the old Boston Garden.... Nothing like it.
This is a wonderful tune. Lost in the shadow of "Aqualung".
MikeCloud wrote:
Nice to hear some Tull after all these years... 
Nice to hear some Tull after all these years...- Definitely one of the best. Absolutely survivors! Saw them twice back in the day, and look forward to seeing them again.
nothing like a bit of the ole menstrual show sound...
Nice to hear some Tull after all these years...
Yes definetly a very different version! The piano much more prominent and the strings are completly missing. I actually like the played version more, first time I heard it.