Story Behind The Song

Arthur was inspired by an article he read some years ago about the many faces of "Jack" throughout mythology and culture. We set this to a bit more heavy guitar rock sound than usual for us, and we like the high-energy result.

Song Description

Jack Frost, Jack Green, Jack Corn, and Jack Lantern all make their presence known throughout the year's seasons. This song talks of drawing strength from the mythical Jack.

Lyrics

FOUR JACKS
Words and music by Arthur Hinds

When mother is aslumbering beneath her shawl of white
And you wrap your cloak against the wind but still you feel its bite
With many mouths at home to feed this deer must not be lost
When you thank the prey and let the arrow fly
You become Jack frost.

When the maiden slips her samite cloak revealing lilac breasts
And the rising sun climbing high in the sky calls acorns to their quest
When hoof trod earth surrenders to seed and the meadowsweet is queen
When you step the jig of furrow and plow
You celebrate Jack Green

Chorus:
Jack, Jack, dancing round the moonlight
Changing shadows with every stride
Jack, Jack, summer green and Yule white
Hunter, Dancer, Dying One, Guide

When summer oak green wanes scarlet and brown and a carpet of leaves is laid
Mother's kiss has charged the land and staghorns drape the glade
The fields are tall with sacrifice for springtimes still unborn
Raise the crescent high, cut down the grain
and call upon Jack Corn

Chorus

When the riddled fields are gathered and gleaned from the shadow of a killing freeze
And twilights fall to copper moons that dance with barren trees
When comes the final harvest home beneath the silver light
When weary feet tread that dusky road
Jack Lantern walks the night

Chorus

I'm no tawny hunter, no tiller of barley seed
I've never threshed a stalk of wheat but I've still a family to feed
When I feel whelmed over with provider on my back
I tilt my head back, howl his howl
smile his secret grin
and call on Jack
callin' on Jack
I'm callin' on Jack

© Emerald Rose 2005