“Ears of Tin” is from Rock Island, their 17th studio album, released in 1989. The album continued the hard rock direction the band took on the previous effort, Crest of a Knave (1987). The line-up now included Ian Anderson, Martin Barre, Dave Pegg and drummer Doane Perry in his first full recording with the band, although he was already a member of Jethro Tull since 1984. Without a permanent keyboard player, the role was shared by Fairport Convention’s Maartin Allcock and former Tull member Peter Vettese.
Source: wikipedia
In the late hours of a sunset rendezvous —
Chill breeze against tide, that carries me from you.
Got a job in a southern city — got some lead-free in my tank.
Now I must whisper goodbye — I’m bound for the mainland.
Island in the city, Cut by a cold sea.
People moving on an ocean. Groundswell of humanity.
Now the sun breaks through rain as I climb Glen Shiel
On the trail of those old cattlemen who drove their bargain south again.
And in the eyes of those five sisters of Kintail
There’s a wink of seduction from the mainland.
Island in the city. Cut by a cold sea.
People moving on an ocean. Groundswell of humanity.
Storm-lashed on the high-rise — their words are spray to the wind.
Blown like silent laughter. Falling on ears of tin.
Take my heart and take my brawn.
Take by stealth or take by storm —
Set my brain to cruise.
I can see the glow of the suburb lights.
I’m fresh from the out-world —
Singing the mainland blues.
There was a girl where I came from.
Seems a long time, long time gone by.
Wears the west wind in her hair.
She calls from the hill — yeah, she calls
In my mainland blues.
There’s a coast road that winds to heaven’s door
Where a fat ferry floats on muted diesel roar.
And there’s a light on the hillside — and there’s a flame in her
Eyes, but how cold the lights burn on the mainland.
Island in the city. Cut by a cold sea.
People moving on an ocean. Groundswell of humanity.
Storm-lashed on the high-rise — their words are spray to the wind.
Blown like silent laughter. Falling on ears of tin
In my mainland blues.
Songwriter: Ian Anderson
Tao Talk 
Ah, wonderful, wonderful.
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Glad you like the song 🙂
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Not a song I’m familiar with but I really enjoyed listening to it while following the lyrics. Another hidden gem!
Here’s my E!
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Keith, you probably know some of the places he’s talking about don’t you. I love the pictures he paints and he does such a good job with this one.
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Nice laid back song…a good one for traveling….
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I agree it would be a good traveling song!
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Interesting song with some interesting sounds. I feel like there is more to this story, a road not taken but visited time to time.
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I get that same feel from the song, Anne. A place he likes to visit from time to time if only in his memory.
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I hadn’t heard that tune. Of course, the thing is I probably only know 6 to 10 Jethro Tull songs! 😆
Your series is a nice way to expand my horizon.
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Christian, I’m doing the same expansion for myself in the process of writing the posts. I know a few more than 6-10 songs but you get the gist.
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The flute immediately made me think of the sea. (K)
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I’ve noticed in a lot of their live performances he stands on one leg. I’m imagining a Sea Pirate with a Flute 🙂
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That’s a great image.
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There seems to be much sadness in this song, or maybe regret for the rapid pace of society. A relaxing melody, though.
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It does have that feel to it, Gail. Thanks for listening and commenting.
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“Island in the city. Cut by a cold sea.
People moving on an ocean. Groundswell of humanity.” Brilliant. Really digging these songs you’ve picked… this one is great.
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So glad you’re digging it, J.
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I like this one, and it’s new to me, so thanks!
Black and White: F for Faerie
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It was new to me until I looked for an “E” Tull song.
Anne, when I clicked on your F for Faerie link it said no page existed. You might want to check that link.
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Lisa,
WOW, I’m still amazed I haven’t heard even this late 80s song of Jethro Tull. I have no idea why they have gone unnoticed for so long. I like how they used a flute in Ears of Tin from Rock Island. Nice!
If you haven’t already, I invite you to check out my Looney Tunes Art Sketch of Elmer Fudd! Happy A2Zing, my friends!
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Glad you like it and thanks for listening/reading!
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Like the sound and vibe on this. Plus Ian’s vocals.
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