Jack-In-The-Green

Words & Music:

Ian Anderson

[capo 2]      G    D

 

Bb       F        Cadd9       G     Bb       F                 G

Have you seen the Jack-in-the-Green with his long tail hanging down?

He quietly sits under every tree in the folds of his velvet gown.

He drinks from the empty acorn cup the dew that dawn sweetly bestows.

And he taps his cane upon the ground to signal the snowdrops, it's time to grow.

 

G    D

 

It's no fun being Jack-in-the-Green;

No place to dance, no time for song.

He wears the colours of the summer soldier,

Carries the green flag all winter long.

 

G    D

 

Am                        D                    G

Jack, do you ever sleep?  Does the green still run in your heart?

Or will these changing times, motorways, powerlines, keep us apart?

D             G

Well, I don't think so.

D                        G

I saw some grass growing through the pavement today.

 

HUMMED HALF-VERSE:

Bb             F            Cadd9 G

The Rowan, the Oak, and the Holly tree

Bb              F               G

Are the changes left for him to groom.

 

G    D

 

Each blade of grass whispers, "Jack-in-the-Green!

Oh, Jack, please help me through my winters night!”

And, "We are the berries the on the Holly tree.

Oh, the Mistlethrush is coming.  Jack, put out the light!"