Jethro Tull — Locomotive Breath
Album: AqualungAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3766
Length: 4:33
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In the shuffling madness
Of the locomotive breath
Runs the all-time loser
Headlong to his death
Oh, he feels the pistons screaming
Steam breaking on his brow
Old Charlie stole the handle
And the train. it won't stop going
No way to slow down
He sees his children jumpin' off
At stations, one by one
His woman and his best friend
In bed and having fun
So he's crawling down the corridor
On his hands and knees
Old Charlie stole the handle
And the train, it won't stop going
No way to slow down
He hears the silence howling
Catches angels as they fall
And the all time winner
Has got him by the balls
Oh, he picks up Gideon's Bible
Open at page one
I think God, he stole the handle
And the train, it won't stop going
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
Of the locomotive breath
Runs the all-time loser
Headlong to his death
Oh, he feels the pistons screaming
Steam breaking on his brow
Old Charlie stole the handle
And the train. it won't stop going
No way to slow down
He sees his children jumpin' off
At stations, one by one
His woman and his best friend
In bed and having fun
So he's crawling down the corridor
On his hands and knees
Old Charlie stole the handle
And the train, it won't stop going
No way to slow down
He hears the silence howling
Catches angels as they fall
And the all time winner
Has got him by the balls
Oh, he picks up Gideon's Bible
Open at page one
I think God, he stole the handle
And the train, it won't stop going
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
Comments (275)add comment
They represent the part of rock that proves that all of it only has to be about guitar.
juanmoe wrote:
I hope this oversight is soon corrected!
And they're not in the Hall of Fame ! Disgraceful !
I hope this oversight is soon corrected!
Powerful provocation, then and now. The Children Have Jumped Off
As yet another "10" rated track, the VOLUME must be matched to a "10" as well. By the time Ian's done huffing out his last breath, our ears are so worn out, we forget to turn it back down!
''Broadsword'' and ''Locomotive breath'' are my absolute two favorites from Jethro Tull.
I love Metallica but I was damn pleased at the cheek of JT taking the heavy metal Grammy that metallica thought they deserved!
GREAT TUNE!! I bought the album right after it came out. I was 16yrs old. I never understood the album name. What does it have to do with SCUBA divers? LOL! I recently found out that "aqualung" is a British slang term for a useless drunk.
everettwa wrote:
I'm envious and the Paramount is a great venue even if i have to ferry across the big pond to get there
Several years ago I saw them at the Paramount in Seattle. One of the best shows I've ever seen.
I'm envious and the Paramount is a great venue even if i have to ferry across the big pond to get there
Several years ago I saw them at the Paramount in Seattle. One of the best shows I've ever seen.
juanmoe wrote:
And check out this year's inductees:
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
Duran Duran
Eminem
Eurythmics
Dolly Parton
Lionel Richie
Carly Simon
No offense to any of these folks, but it has become almost farcical.
And they're not in the Hall of Fame ! Disgraceful !
And check out this year's inductees:
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
Duran Duran
Eminem
Eurythmics
Dolly Parton
Lionel Richie
Carly Simon
No offense to any of these folks, but it has become almost farcical.
I would crank this to maximum volume while listening in the car. Afterward, I would shut the radio off so it would stay with me for a while longer.
kbs wrote:
I thought the same thing so many times I purchased 3 different copies of the album over the years. One being a re-release-press just a few years ago.
Now I have 3 copies that buzz.
I'll have to listen to my copy now...!
I thought the same thing so many times I purchased 3 different copies of the album over the years. One being a re-release-press just a few years ago.
Now I have 3 copies that buzz.
Released 51 years ago just days after the Allman Bros at Fillmore East was recorded. Two favorite albums of mine. Couldn't get enough of either album back in the day. Nor now.
Never get tired of this tune, remember stealing the cassette from my older bro when we were younger- led to dozens of live concerts
Saw them during the Thick As A Brick tour. It was a hell of a show. In the middle of one song a telephone that was sitting on the piano starts ringing. The band stopped, Ian went over and answered the phone. Puts the receiver down, goes to the back of the stage and yells something. He comes back out front and the band starts up again. Maybe 30 seconds later someone dressed in full snorkel gear, tank, mask and flippers, etc comes out and picks up the receiver. After a brief conversation he hangs up and goes back off stage. Like it happened all of the time.
Talk about originality…
joejennings wrote:
I agree with both points!
Best tune on the album! ...Benefit is my my favorite Tull album!
I agree with both points!
Best tune on the album! ...Benefit is my my favorite Tull album!
philbertr wrote:
Due to the differing musical genres they used and the non traditional use of instruments I always considered JT to be on the periphery of prog rock. You'll find flute on early Genesis and King Crimson also.
Who would ever have thought of a flute in heavy rock.
Due to the differing musical genres they used and the non traditional use of instruments I always considered JT to be on the periphery of prog rock. You'll find flute on early Genesis and King Crimson also.
Somewhere around 1981 the music teacher at my fifth-grade classroom played our class Jethro Tull and then asked the flute players if they would ever like to learn to play the flute that well. They were all astonished at the flute playing and said they definitely would like to learn to play like that. Looking back, he was a pretty cool music teacher. 
Still good 
I was looking for the flute version of this but couldn't find it
I was looking for the flute version of this but couldn't find it
Madness1954 wrote:
Give it another fifty years - it'll sink in.
I never got Jethro Tull when their albums were first released. And listening to this track again I still don't.
Give it another fifty years - it'll sink in.
Madness1954 wrote:
Brilliant. Thanks for letting everybody know
I never got Jethro Tull when their albums were first released. And listening to this track again I still don't.
Brilliant. Thanks for letting everybody know
pinto wrote:
I'm thinking Spinal Tap.
Opening song of their 1977 concert - lovely young lady comes on stage and acts as orchestra conductor to piped in classical music. Music stops. She bows. BANG! Martin Barre emerges from explosion and smoke and starts cranking some killer guitar. BANG! Barriemore Barlow on drums. BANG! Bass, piano, then the biggest BANG and explosion of all and Ian Anderson drops in from above. Music continues frantically, changing to opening riffs of Locomotive Breath, and we're in mid-concert form just a couple of minutes in. Those English groups were high on theatrics in concert and they could always pull it off. Outstanding.
I'm thinking Spinal Tap.
Propayne wrote:
With gas!
That tune cooks man....
With gas!
ai63 wrote:
Yes, and then the end is so opposite-so powerful
Oh but that opening build with keys and guitar.......shivers
Yes, and then the end is so opposite-so powerful
I never got Jethro Tull when their albums were first released. And listening to this track again I still don't.
A heartbreaking, crunching song for when everything goes south in your life
kbs wrote:
IA has mentioned there is no way he could write such non-PC lyrics in this day and age, implying that they would certainly be misinterpreted by the whingers
I guess you have a problem with the news then: it happens! I don't think JT are promoting or glorifying it it, just commenting on and holding up a mirror to life, the universe and everything...
IA has mentioned there is no way he could write such non-PC lyrics in this day and age, implying that they would certainly be misinterpreted by the whingers
DuranAir wrote:
I guess you have a problem with the news then: it happens! I don't think JT are promoting or glorifying it it, just commenting on and holding up a mirror to life, the universe and everything...
I have a problem with the under age molestation in some of JT's tunes
ThePoose wrote:
I'll have to listen to my copy now...!
I just don't get the buzzing sound that appears after the flute solo...
I just don't get the buzzing sound that appears after the flute solo...
hayduke2 wrote:
Is that what he has under his coat?
Always loved the cover painting of scruffy Ian hiding his flute!!! 
Is that what he has under his coat?
Sloggydog wrote:
Are there other people who feel this could be a perfectly acceptable song if it didn't have the flute?
Or Ian's "singing."Can we just have a day without Jethro? Please?
Are there other people who feel this could be a perfectly acceptable song if it didn't have the flute?
Who would ever have thought of a flute in heavy rock.
RP plays some amazing stuff but too much Jethro Tull isn't good for anyone.
Absolutely one of the greatest (and probably most influential) rock songs of all ages! 
adrain6 wrote:
"I'll make you stop, mister!"
The poster's legal council advises that no harm, real or imagined, shall befall any person or thing as a result of this exclusively mirthful song comment. ; )
just make it stop......
"I'll make you stop, mister!"
The poster's legal council advises that no harm, real or imagined, shall befall any person or thing as a result of this exclusively mirthful song comment. ; )
Always loved the cover painting of scruffy Ian hiding his flute!!!
juanmoe wrote:
We remember them. That is what matters.
And they're not in the Hall of Fame ! Disgraceful !
We remember them. That is what matters.
Janet Jackson is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Jethro Tull is not.
Nuff said. Cancel your visit
Jethro Tull is not.
Nuff said. Cancel your visit
When Jethro Tull nails one.....God like....have to give it a "10"..
That piano intro always always makes me smile
I have a problem with the under age molestation in some of JT's tunes
Oh but that opening build with keys and guitar.......shivers
This is one of those songs where the volume seems to go louder all by itself. When my wife gives me that "you're going to wake up the neighborhood" look, I can only shrug and say, "it wasn't me, it was Ian." 
The most iconic gulp of air during a flute solo in the history of flute solos.
memoryboxer wrote:
I beg to differ. I've been listening to Tull since I was 11 in 1971, and have seen Tull 14 times (starting with Stormwatch tour in '79; last was Toronto about 8 years ago) and one of the things that fascinates me about their concerts is the age spread. While 98% men in the audience, and yes, the majority being an increasingly grey/bald over 50(60... 70...) crowd, there is ALWAYS a broad scattering of teenage boys in Zepplin t-shirts and RUSH baseball caps. It's somehow still a rite of passage that boys from 14-18 will need a solid dose of classic rock before they move on to whatever the current age-appropriate noise is, and Tull, especially Aqualung, seems to continue to be required listening.
I just saw "Ian Anderson presents Jethro Tull" last week in Saratoga (California), and I took my 14-year-old son, who liked the show very much. And of course they played this song.
I beg to differ. I've been listening to Tull since I was 11 in 1971, and have seen Tull 14 times (starting with Stormwatch tour in '79; last was Toronto about 8 years ago) and one of the things that fascinates me about their concerts is the age spread. While 98% men in the audience, and yes, the majority being an increasingly grey/bald over 50(60... 70...) crowd, there is ALWAYS a broad scattering of teenage boys in Zepplin t-shirts and RUSH baseball caps. It's somehow still a rite of passage that boys from 14-18 will need a solid dose of classic rock before they move on to whatever the current age-appropriate noise is, and Tull, especially Aqualung, seems to continue to be required listening.
I just saw "Ian Anderson presents Jethro Tull" last week in Saratoga (California), and I took my 14-year-old son, who liked the show very much. And of course they played this song.
Tull are playing at the Kunstrazen in Bonn, DE this July. A very cozy outdoor temporary summer stage. Greatly looking forward to seeing them again, the first time being at the Hammy O in London ‘95 I think. A rite of passage for sure, driving at high speed through the dales of the Peak District Derbyshire from cave to climb to pub, recover, repeat with my mucker Fuzz.
Proclivities wrote:
Believe it or not, other than over-50 listeners tuning into this station and listeners of classic rock stations, there probably really aren't very many people still listening to this. Fun tune, regardless of who's listening.
I beg to differ. I've been listening to Tull since I was 11 in 1971, and have seen Tull 14 times (starting with Stormwatch tour in '79; last was Toronto about 8 years ago) and one of the things that fascinates me about their concerts is the age spread. While 98% men in the audience, and yes, the majority being an increasingly grey/bald over 50(60... 70...) crowd, there is ALWAYS a broad scattering of teenage boys in Zepplin t-shirts and RUSH baseball caps. It's somehow still a rite of passage that boys from 14-18 will need a solid dose of classic rock before they move on to whatever the current age-appropriate noise is, and Tull, especially Aqualung, seems to continue to be required listening.
Believe it or not, other than over-50 listeners tuning into this station and listeners of classic rock stations, there probably really aren't very many people still listening to this. Fun tune, regardless of who's listening.
I beg to differ. I've been listening to Tull since I was 11 in 1971, and have seen Tull 14 times (starting with Stormwatch tour in '79; last was Toronto about 8 years ago) and one of the things that fascinates me about their concerts is the age spread. While 98% men in the audience, and yes, the majority being an increasingly grey/bald over 50(60... 70...) crowd, there is ALWAYS a broad scattering of teenage boys in Zepplin t-shirts and RUSH baseball caps. It's somehow still a rite of passage that boys from 14-18 will need a solid dose of classic rock before they move on to whatever the current age-appropriate noise is, and Tull, especially Aqualung, seems to continue to be required listening.
SeriousLee wrote:
I'm not hearing any of that. Just an FYI. Crazy Train was an Ozzy song. Not Sabbath. Tony Iommi had nothing to do with it.
I hear Crazy Train from Black Sabbath, which came about 9 years later. Subtle, but it's there.
After a bit of research (because i'm not familiar with either band much) turns out that Tony Lommi, who formed Black Sabbath in 1968, left them for Jethro Tull for about a year before returning.
Interesting.
I'm not hearing any of that. Just an FYI. Crazy Train was an Ozzy song. Not Sabbath. Tony Iommi had nothing to do with it.
And they're not in the Hall of Fame ! Disgraceful !
First band I ever saw - this concert - set me up for every concert since!! Always been hard to beat - few have!
skuzzfud wrote:
all time great guitar lead intro : >
Cod piece at the ready....
all time great guitar lead intro : >
"
and...the all time winner has got him by the balls''
and...the all time winner has got him by the balls''Cod piece at the ready....
Thumping rock. It's the first time I listened to the words...and read them.. thanks
ps thx to Sam for the coke reference. it makes more sense that way, rather than trying to figure out some directly suicidal thing.
ps thx to Sam for the coke reference. it makes more sense that way, rather than trying to figure out some directly suicidal thing.
SchoepTone wrote:
So what? The Pistols ostentively gave a flying fuck about being there when they were inducted.
How is it that Tull is not in the R&RHOF?
So what? The Pistols ostentively gave a flying fuck about being there when they were inducted.
I hear Crazy Train from Black Sabbath, which came about 9 years later. Subtle, but it's there.
After a bit of research (because i'm not familiar with either band much) turns out that Tony Lommi, who formed Black Sabbath in 1968, left them for Jethro Tull for about a year before returning.
Interesting.
10 is too low
Propayne wrote:
"...the rest of book: To Serve Man, it's a cookbook!!!"
That tune cooks man....
"...the rest of book: To Serve Man, it's a cookbook!!!"
That tune cooks man....
just make it stop......
SchoepTone wrote:
The HOF is a private scam and it doesn't mean anything. It may be actually better not to be in it.
How is it that Tull is not in the R&RHOF?
The HOF is a private scam and it doesn't mean anything. It may be actually better not to be in it.
Excellent drummer, excellent guitarist and the special Ian Anderson.
I didn't realise at the time how good they were and with the benefit of hindsight I see why they just had to be one of the all time greats.
Same applies to Led Zeppelin (the only difference was I knew they were great at the time).
I didn't realise at the time how good they were and with the benefit of hindsight I see why they just had to be one of the all time greats.
Same applies to Led Zeppelin (the only difference was I knew they were great at the time).
How is it that Tull is not in the R&RHOF?
10 X10!
Sam_Chucklestone wrote:
Old Charlie is cocaine, Charlie in British slang means cocaine. Old Charlie stole the handle, he can't slow down. It's about a coke addict.
If you read the lyrics in this light, you can see the all time loser letting things slip away, his family his wife, his mind. He can't slow down.
Just sayin'.
It always was one of my favourite Tull tracks, even when I never used to pay attention to the lyrics. It sounds even better now.
There but for the Grace ... walks every man.
Yes to all of the above.If you read the lyrics in this light, you can see the all time loser letting things slip away, his family his wife, his mind. He can't slow down.
Just sayin'.
It always was one of my favourite Tull tracks, even when I never used to pay attention to the lyrics. It sounds even better now.
There but for the Grace ... walks every man.
Opening song of their 1977 concert - lovely young lady comes on stage and acts as orchestra conductor to piped in classical music. Music stops. She bows. BANG! Martin Barre emerges from explosion and smoke and starts cranking some killer guitar. BANG! Barriemore Barlow on drums. BANG! Bass, piano, then the biggest BANG and explosion of all and Ian Anderson drops in from above. Music continues frantically, changing to opening riffs of Locomotive Breath, and we're in mid-concert form just a couple of minutes in. Those English groups were high on theatrics in concert and they could always pull it off. Outstanding.
I give it an 11 - its one better!
Cranked the piss outa it.
Chew chew!
ottovonb wrote:
Believe it or not, other than over-50 listeners tuning into this station and listeners of classic rock stations, there probably really aren't very many people still listening to this. Fun tune, regardless of who's listening.
42 years old and still smokin' hot. What music from today will they still be listening to in the year 2055?
Believe it or not, other than over-50 listeners tuning into this station and listeners of classic rock stations, there probably really aren't very many people still listening to this. Fun tune, regardless of who's listening.
semolinapilchard wrote:
Now to work on that emboucher........
Most excellent, I'm standing on one foot dancing!
Now to work on that emboucher........
ten ten ten
I was watching Fargo the FX series last night and they played this song, it fit the storyline pretty well.
10. All that history!
Most excellent, I'm standing on one foot dancing!
turning speakers way up
speakers way up As I pack my gear for a mountain bike ride this is just stokage "And no way to slow down... uhhhh!".
And this isn't even the best song on this album. Try to new remastered version on vinyl.
And this isn't even the best song on this album. Try to new remastered version on vinyl.
One of the only songs that made KLH 9s and Audio Research seem lacking. Just wouldn't safely go loud enough.
Lazarus wrote:
Man, what a great album... still have this original vinyl... love this song...
Old comment from the always renamed one but I also have this and and a good number of others on vinyl. Including the Genesis just played.
Man, what a great album... still have this original vinyl... love this song...
Old comment from the always renamed one but I also have this and and a good number of others on vinyl. Including the Genesis just played.
10 - Godlike : ) party on
kcar wrote:
The good ol' days!
Back In The Day Seque: Genesis "The Carpet Crawlers" —> Jethro Tull "Locomotive Breath."
The good ol' days!
Pretty sure that this song alone, is responsible for about 10% of my hearing loss.
Still won't go loud enough.
Still won't go loud enough.
Back In The Day Seque: Genesis "The Carpet Crawlers" —> Jethro Tull "Locomotive Breath."
raga wrote:
10, no way to slow down
Me too. All I have is Thick as a Brick.
And this is great. High school daze.
Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
And this is great. High school daze.
Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
I'm not sure why I like Tull so much but ever time I hear one of their songs I think I should own more. Thanks for reminding me. 
GeorgeMWoods wrote:
8.2 lol stick that in your sophomoric pipe and smoke it,
Sophomoric
8.2 lol stick that in your sophomoric pipe and smoke it,
10, no way to slow down
Huge Tull fan but mostly like the folk-type tunes. This, however, is one of the few exceptions. Love it!
Was never one of my fave cuts off this record, but still a '6'.
Sophomoric
I'm not sure why I like Tull so much but ever time I hear one of their songs I think I should own more. Thanks for reminding me.
Wooo Hooo
Great Track. This is another we used to cover in one of my old bands.
Used to love playing it - we had some fun with it too(!) & hearing it always makes me smile!!
Maybe give the live Jethro Tull version a spin sometime perhaps? that really rocks!
cheers.
Great Track. This is another we used to cover in one of my old bands.
Used to love playing it - we had some fun with it too(!) & hearing it always makes me smile!!
Maybe give the live Jethro Tull version a spin sometime perhaps? that really rocks!
cheers.
Ian gives a little tull to jeff the brotherhood! https://www.stereogum.com/1739564/jeff-the-brotherhood-black-cherry-pie/mp3s/
Oh yes he had him by the balls.
High school Art class — the teacher's out of the room, and we're talking about Music. I'd played it on the way to school; so did 2 others!
On_The_Beach wrote:
The song so great it needs an intro for its intro.
Nice piano intro, followed by one of the catchiest guitar riffs ever.
The song so great it needs an intro for its intro.
ottovonb wrote:
Not much - Porcupine Tree perhaps?
42 years old and still smokin' hot. What music from today will they still be listening to in the year 2055?
Not much - Porcupine Tree perhaps?
Steve_Mcl wrote:
Snap!
This was the second album I purchased and this track has always been my favourite.
Snap!
CMax wrote:
Beautiful Girls? A fine cast, with perhaps Ms. Portman's breakout role portraying an adult.
At Tommy's surprise birthday party, Paul says he's going to be in charge of the music, and Gina yells to him, "No Jethro Tull!" Three guesses as to what plays in the next scene... what film?
Beautiful Girls? A fine cast, with perhaps Ms. Portman's breakout role portraying an adult.
GodLike !
oldfart48 wrote:
Agreed 100%
allways time for TULL
Agreed 100%
allways time for TULL
I'll hear this one live (again) this Tuesday... 10.
Simple licks, played LOUD. A teenager's dream, and still one of my favorites.
This was the second album I purchased and this track has always been my favourite.
It's a good one. Unforgetable!
OH YEA!! 
42 years old and still smokin' hot. What music from today will they still be listening to in the year 2055?
Man, what a great album... still have this original vinyl... love this song...
At Tommy's surprise birthday party, Paul says he's going to be in charge of the music, and Gina yells to him, "No Jethro Tull!" Three guesses as to what plays in the next scene... what film?
This is a classic, like it or not! Never really got the credit they deserved in my view...
Never really got the credit they deserved in my view...Good Lord, I'd forgotten just how good this song was...
overplayed
joelbb wrote:
Gee, thanks Joe. Aren't you the milk of human kindness. Perish the thought that folk could post honest comments without having death wished upon them by other listeners. Well, just go blow, Joe
Drop dead, Fred.
Gee, thanks Joe. Aren't you the milk of human kindness. Perish the thought that folk could post honest comments without having death wished upon them by other listeners. Well, just go blow, Joe
And they're not in the Hall of Fame ! Disgraceful !
The Hall of Fame is useless but I did enjoy Rick Wakeman's acceptance speech.