"We Used to Know" - Jethro Tull
The most experienced melomaniacs will be used to the juxtaposition between "We used to know" by Jethro Tull and "Hotel California" by the Eagles.
In fact, the Eagles' song is very reminiscent of Jethro Tull's, being the chord progression the same. In any case, there is a time difference: '69 for the JT and '77 for the Eagles, so, if there was an influence, it goes in a precise direction.
The Eagles and Jethro Tull toured together in the early 70s and the Eagles got to hear this song. Ian Anderson, however, in an interview, generously excludes plagiarism and speaks rather of a tribute by the Eagles to the song in question.
But let's try to tell something about "We Used to Know", present in the album "Stand Up", a song that, despite its apparent simplicity, hides remarkable lyrical and musical depth. The song, composed by Ian Anderson, has become a classic, praised for its melancholic melody and evocative lyrics.
The lyrics of the song provide clear references to a type of disadvantaged life, common to the members of the band before achieving great success, and there is a clear reference to the old companions who decided to leave the group to return home (Barriemore Barlow, John Evan and the two saxophonists Neil Valentine and Tony Wilkinson), to which Anderson addresses with a friendly greeting and a wish for good luck. As is well known, Barrie and John will later give... a big hand!
But as it happens with lyrics in general (I challenge anyone to reveal the cryptic nature of certain texts in Italian without the help of the author!), it is possible to provide a personal interpretation, which is then the way to interact with those who created. And then the sound impact will be decisive in influencing the general mood and therefore the conclusions.
The first thing that strikes you listening to "We Used to Know" - and this is an objective fact - is the nostalgic atmosphere that pervades the entire song. The melody, characterized by a slow rhythm and a start in a minor chord (E), evokes a sense of spleen linked to the story of a now distant past. Anderson's flute, a distinctive element of Jethro Tull's sound, has here a mainly solo role and a conjunction between the verses.
The lyrics are full of references to the past and childhood.
The use of phrases such as "bad old days" and "shillings
spent" creates a vivid image of a time now lost and the song seems to be a
reflection on growth, the passage of time, and the way we remember the past.
Many fans interpret the song as a simple expression of regret for the now distant childhood, a period of life characterized by lightheartedness and innocence. Others see "We Used to Know" as a deeper reflection on life and mortality. The phrases "Fears of dying, getting old" and "Then to revisit stony grounds" suggest an anxiety about the future and an awareness of the finiteness of existence.
The song could also be interpreted as a regret for a past that cannot be recovered, for a lost friendship or love. In short, there are many food for thought and all of them have been achieved, even if perhaps within the exact scope of the exact objective.
Musically, "We Used to Know" is a song that demonstrates Jethro Tull's versatility. The song combines elements of folk rock with blues and jazz influences, creating a unique and recognizable sound. Anderson's flute role is crucial, as it gives the song a complexity that sets it apart from the more commercial songs of the time.
So what... all that remains is to listen to it!
