Jethro Tull's Thick as a Brick and A Passion Play: Inside Two Long Songs

Appendix 2. The Complete Lyrics to A Passion Play

195 Thelyricsareshownwithregularizedscansion,timings,andapproximate song forms. “Passion Play” Words and Music by Ian Anderson. Copyright ©1973 Chrysalis Music Ltd. Copyright Renewed. All Rights for the U.S. and Canada Administered by Chrysalis Music. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation. Side 1 Instrumental passage 1 (0:00–3:28) Vocal 1 Part 1 : strophic (3:28–4:36) “Do you still see me even here?” (The silver cord lies on the ground.) “And so I’m dead,” the young man said– Over the hill (not a wish away). My friends (as one) all stand aligned, Although their taxis came too late. There was a rush along the Fulham Road. There was a hush in the Passion Play. The Complete Lyrics to A Passion Play Appendix two 196 Appendix 2 Vocal 1 Part 2 : strophic/through-composed (4:36–5:52) Such a sense of glowing in the aftermath Ripe with rich attainments all imagined Sad misdeeds in disarray The sore thumb screams aloud, Echoing out of the Passion Play. All the old familiar choruses come crowding in a different key: Melodies decaying in sweet dissonance. There was a rush along the Fulham Road Into the Ever-passion Play. Instrumental passage 2 (5:52–6:50) Vocal 1 Part 3 : strophic (6:50–7:55) And who comes here to wish me well? A sweetly-scented angel fell. She laid her head upon my disbelief And bathed me with her ever-smile. And with a howl across the sand I go escorted by a band Of gentlemen in leather bound– no-one (but someone to be found). Instrumental passage 3 (7:55–9:06) Vocal 2 : strophic (9:06–10:30) All along the icy wastes there are faces smiling in the gloom. Roll up roll down, feeling unwound? Step into the viewing room. The cameras were all around. We’ve got you taped–you’re in the play. Here’s your I.D. (Ideal for identifying one and all.) Invest your life in the memory bank– Ours the interest and we thank you. The Complete Lyrics to A Passion Play 197 The ice-cream lady wet her drawers, To see you in the Passion Play: Instrumental passage 4 (10:30–13:00) Vocal 3 : through-composed (13:00–13:26) Take the prize for instant pleasure Captain of the cricket team Public speaking in all weathers A knighthood from a queen. Vocal 4 : strophic (13:26–14:51) All of your best friends’ telephones never cooled from the heat of your hand. There’s a line in a front-page story, 13 horses that also-ran. Climb in your old umbrella. Does it have a nasty tear in the dome? But the rain only gets in sometimes and the sun never leaves you alone. Instrumental passage 5 (14:51–15:41) Vocal 5 Part 1 : strophic/through-composed (15:41–17:09) Lover of the black and white–it’s your first night. The Passion Play goes all the way, spoils your insight. Tell me, how the baby’s made, how the lady’s laid, Why the old dog howls in sadness. And your little sister’s immaculate virginity wings away On the bony shoulder of a young horse named George Who stole surreptitiously into her geography revision. (The examining body examined her body.) Actor of the low-high Q , let’s hear your view. Peek at the lines upon your sleeve since your memory won’t do. Tell me, how the baby’s graded, why the lady’s faded, Why the old dog howls with madness. Instrumental passage 6 (17:09–17:58) 198 Appendix 2 Vocal 5 Part 2 : reprise of the music of Vocal 2 (17:58–18:47) All of this and some of that’s the only way to skin the cat. And now you’ve lost a skin or two– Where you’re for us and we for you. The dressing room is right behind. We’ve got you taped–you’re in the play. How does it feel to be in the play? How does it feel to play the play? How does it feel to be the play?1 Vocal 5 Part 3 : strophic/through-composed (18:47–19:33) Man of passion rise again, we won’t cross you out– For we do love you like a son–of that there’s no...