Jethro Tull - Wondring Aloud with String Quartet

[@waynelynch25]

This is one of those little songs that described perfectly my future wife and I hanging out in her apartment while I was going to college in the mid 70's. Over the years, we would reflect on how the lyrics and its warm, loving feel, fit so well with those years, when we heard it again, from time to time. She passed in 2013 (only 61). Now I'm learning it, note by note, singing to her portrait, getting that great warm vibe of years gone by. Will the years treat us well? I guess it didn't for us. And it's only the giving that makes you what you are; still certainly true.

[@09lounis]

Reflections of a time long past. Rarely the best you can witness but too often the

[@jphb7730]

Wayne Lynch ...Wow, I’m glad I saw your comment. I’m 43 and my fiancé passed away in 2014 when she was 31. She wasn’t exactly a fan of my musical tastes, as she was more in tune with a younger “party scene bartender’s jams”, ....but she loved when I’d play guitar for her and became a fan of classic rock music, that was before her time...and much of mine as well. This song paints a picture in my mind of how beautiful she was and no other song lyrics have ever described how I felt about her when she entered or left a room like this song. Thanks for commenting on your own experience. It got me crying a bit but mostly in remembrance of a beautiful reality I’ve had

[@waynelynch25]

@@jphb7730 JP - Remarkable of how the same passages found the two of us in exactly the same way from similar experiences. Thanks for reaching out and sharing. My feeling is the song and those specific words, allows us to re-live that experience, momentarily; we're there, young and together again. The tears are the return to reality. I love playing this song. I still see her mischievous smile "as she floats from the kitchen" ....." spilling crumbs on the bed" and also my grin as "I shake my head". Beautiful, perfect.

[@jphb7730]

Wayne Lynch thanks for the reply man

[@ljsites]

I’m so glad I came across this. I can relate. Thank you so much.

[@ceramicmug8500]

This song hasn’t lost a bit of its magic, over the many years.

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

It surprises me how little people appreciate the musical knowledge and skill embedded in Jethro tull music. This is not something you can just wing along. This is academic level musicology.

[@tixximmi1]

That's why it's been Zappa, Gentle Giant and Ian for 52 years for me. I've only added one since then and that's Neal Morse.

[@ArtFlowersBeeze8815]

As a prog rock fan, I didn't appreciate this group's ability until I got a music streaming service as was able to afford to listen to all of their albums.

[@sanddab]

One of the best songs Ian ever wrote, and he wrote a lot of them.

[@thisistheworldtoday]

My favorite one of his

[@knowhere60]

IMHO it's the embodiment of a couples love ❤️

[@sanddab]

@@knowhere60 So true 🥰

[@jakollee]

@@knowhere60yes, it’s a love song that’s neither cloying nor trite.

[@knowhere60]

@@jakollee Exactly! Almost matter of fact, which is its beauty.

[@alvincash3230]

I've probably listened to this song hundreds of times over the decades. Never made it through once without crying.

[@eberhardg.6204]

Alvin, I feel the same way. And it's only the giving that makes you, what you are. My credo, since I was 16. One half century meanwhile.

[@aqua0lung]

Same here. And I still cry. But the credo screwed up my life. I have always been asked for more, what was given has never been enough. So just a suggestion, go with the second part of the song in Living in the Past.

[@hidan4703]

what are you guys saying lmao@@aqua0lung

[@macchinastella2307]

I see I'm not alone. The imagery in this masterpiece is so vivid to me. I am reminded of this song when I find myself looking at my wife when she is preoccupied with something else and doesn't notice me watching her. I tear up and think of this song and how much I love and adore her. Ian Anderson had a way of painting an accurate picture of whatever he's singing about, genius!

[@knowhere60]

Sane here 😊

[@nunyabusnus3740]

Is it just me, or do masterpieces like this make anyone else tear up a bit? I would have loved to sit in that room for that performance.

[@leapingjoseph8462]

Makes me tear up every time. Peace.

[@Heretic_Hero]

Fucking same man it’s just so beautiful

[@genegibson1690]

Same for me every time after a million years

[@tomspafford5368]

the older I get the more this song affects me, maybe because the years are slipping away. I tear up too

[@tomgleckler5069]

Yup,tears.

[@zman4539]

The pure genius of Ian Anderson still rings out. How can one improve a 50 year old masterpiece; -Put a string quartet behind the parlor guitar and piano. The song is so simple and pure that every man who has ever listened to it relates it directly to a woman he loved!

[@schlirf]

Oh wow, I'm fifteen again; discovering Tull, Floyd, Yes and so many more great bands on WPLR. Thanks Kirby!

[@royavichl3822]

Allons!

[@eamonnmorris5331]

Ian has a whopping great musical legacy, and this song seems to sum up the melodic, harmonic and rhythmic elements that define that legacy.

[@sndwnr111]

Still...after all these years...forever the showman...forever the genius that us Tull fans have come to love. Are you listening Rock and Roll Hall of Fame voters???

[@roberts1924]

Beautiful arrangement. Great version.

[@johnfurda5007]

Wow, just amazing. And I always thought I was the only man in the world that heard this song and immediately got that feeling, my heart just melting at the thought of my wife. Thank you Wayne

[@waynelynch25]

I am humbled by the sincere, broad, influence this song has had on so many people. Love is often hard to define, this is certainly part of the definition. Peace and happiness to you, John.

[@lydiasmith3143]

I well up every time I hear this song. Wish it went on for hours !

[@crankyticket6061]

I'm just re-discovered Jethro Tull now that my kids have grown up and left home. I always knew they were awesome. Apparently all my old vinyl is worth something now! Good luck getting that off me!

[@George_D777]

Thanks so much for the upload! Wondring Aloud, Again (full Morgan Version, Steven Wilson stereo remix), which runs a bit over 7 minutes is likely one of the greatest masterpieces ever written, I think. Though this video of the shorter version with a string quartet sounds amazing. Pure, beautiful genius. Ian Anderson must certainly be counted among the most unique & original of artists of all time (at least that I know of). His latest material, 2022's The Zealot Gene and 2023's RökFlöte, also outstanding.

[@sbg911]

Probably the finest emotive song I have ever heard, and I have heard a LOT of music in my life. The melody, the words, the serenity Ian puts into it with his singing... just beautiful. I don't cry when I hear it anymore, but if it went for a minute longer...

[@billnickey5048]

Another verse would have me reaching for tissues. Gladly.

[@sinusiridum551]

Beh, di tutte le cover....questa sara ' sempre e comunque la n.1 !! Grande Ian, grazie per le emozioni che ci hai regalato con i Jethro Tull ( Varese,febbraio 1972, Roma marzo 1973), indimenticabile!

[@rodgerbane3825]

Saw 3 Tull concerts, all in the 70's. They were never less than 100% on.

[@tracybarber2737]

And it's only the giving that makes you what you are. Love that.

[@WV591]

the most original sound and characters and showmanship musicians that came out of 60s. Nothing like them ever. the ultimate best.still have the stubs from all their concerts in 70s at Madison square.

[@waynelynch25]

The first date with the woman who would become my wife was ELP at Madison Square Garden 10/17/77. Still have the stubs!

[@wjniemi]

[@zeppelinmexicano]

My admiration for Ian just keeps growing.

[@axlsime7092]

I call this beauty. Pure beauty.

[@paulmanero6448]

Brilliant then... And even more so today. Just how I remember it back in 72. Thank you.

[@peteronoel]

Ian Anderson forever. Jethro Tull forever.

[@marceloarce882]

the big genius of one different rock music ...& the best poet

[@briankorbelik2873]

This is a beautiful often overlooked gem. And Tull lineup is just about my favorite.

[@roderickhager8154]

I remember it like yesterday, my big brothers brought this album home and as a child I was absolutely captivated. I had a joint of Acapulco gold in one hand and a GI Joe in the other. My grip slipped and GI Joe hit the floor.🔱🍻👍💪🎸

[@thisistheworldtoday]

One of my favorite songs of his ...

[@shubbymanila]

I could listen to that guitar sound on a loop for hours…

[@howardcandell6329]

They are coming to Sweden (Uppsala) in September. I've got my tickets already. First time since I listened to Jethro Tull in the 70's in my country Ecuador. AWESOME!!!!!

[@stevenkimsey7039]

That was beautiful

[@davidsuttie4192]

What an absolute genius. He still after all these years wants to give the surprised eye expressions in order to emphasis the music. And changing key in the last line as if it were a bridge is just extrodinary.

[@RaulVega-s6o]

Beautiful song...the best. High feelings!

[@taco2947]

Ian sounds fantastic here!!!!

[@yhurebrito]

and after 2000 he sounds like he's dying whitout air while singing

[@jphb7730]

Yhure Sobreira notice how she says “here”

[@artemesaulkov2010]

@@yhurebrito yeah indeed. I am saying this as a person who’s favourite band is Tull and ian is my musical idol

[@jimhopkins1557]

We change...but the beautiful music, stays the same... " Life's a long song..but the tune ends too soon for us all "

[@hakimderrazi2264]

Reste toujours adorable et grand monsieur de l histoire musical incroyable

[@francoishynes7739]

A beautiful Masterpiece. The "French Parlour Guitar", which he masterfully plays, is a very underrated instrument which I feel every Acoustic Guitarist should own and learn to play with all its subtleties. (EX: Martin O-18 pre 1960).

[@galianoschuelervieira8937]

A Masterpiece!

[@araobarros2611]

Ian Anderson é simplesmente o maior talento musical de todos os tempos.

[@NelsonMontana1234]

This is amazingly lovely. It's apparent that Ian's voice is already in its final stages at this point, (2015?) but the soft labored effort actually adds to to the melancholy of the song. This would have been the perfect swan song to an astonishing career.

[@jasomkovac9115]

Tull is still one of my top bands to listen to. But I tend to agree with you. ( I don't listen to much after Minstrel by the by).

[@joannehack7588]

??? NO APOLOGIES NECESSARY FOR PERFECTION

[@joannehack7588]

💖

[@joannehack7588]

It does not get any finer (in my opinion)

[@marielevine7757]

There's a lot of great music after Minstrel. Open up your heart a little bit. You're missing out on half a dozen great albums. @@jasomkovac9115

[@JACK_TheAllSeeingEye]

This is part of my acoustic tull set.....nice playing along with them👍

[@rickritacca3258]

Just beautiful......and endless. Love it.

[@tompelham7035]

Damn, those strings are utterly fantastic!!

[@gabrieljoseramirezvergara4985]

It's a great sound for my soul to hear these musicians and Ian Anderson this theme too.

[@marytoutloff2838]

Favorite band of all time.

[@obi234]

The description says "Wond'ring Aloud" was released on "Living in the Past", but it was actually released on "Aqualung".. There is a song on Living in the Past called "Wond'ring Again", which was an unreleased and a much more progressive song whos second part is an early version of wond'ring aloud, that didn't make the cut in it's entirety ... They opted for only the simpler Wondrin Aloud part, tuned down the lyrics to be more of a classic romantic song which served as a nice intermission to the prog album. Both versions make up "one" of my favorite songs from Jethro Tull :)

[@obi234]

To extrapolate, the "Wond'ring Again" version ends in a similar, yet, stark contrasting way; instead of "And it's only the giving that makes you what you are." its: "And it's only the taking that makes you what you are." with an additional stanza that follows.. Just a remarkably different lyrical substance set to the same rhythm, melody and harmony.

[@jonathansmith3742]

I saw Orchestral Tull, Warner Theater, Torrington, CT. It was absolutely wonderful.

[@keithmanning5279]

Beautiful !!!

[@clacclackerson3678]

I've just fallen in love. I sought this song.

[@ecasastolosana]

Sublime!

[@robsonf6683]

My favorite song ever. I sing this song everyday while working

[@garylabita8843]

Been a fan for over fifty years

[@muxux4]

A poem/song of life.

[@DSchig]

Wondring Aloud first appeared on the Aqualung album, one year previous to the Living in the past album.

[@alinemancuzo4585]

what a Beautiful music ❤

[@leapingjoseph8462]

Every version sooths my soul.

[@basiastasicka7480]

thanks for sharing!He is my very first and lifetime beloved vocalist.

[@olafsrensen9578]

Not only a fenonomal song, But (as in so many other Tullsongs) the arengement are outstanding great.

[@luvlypnut1106]

It's such a beautiful song.

[@thisistheworldtoday]

There are a few love songs that are genius in their simplicity.. The Beach Boys... God only knows... and Ian’s Wondering Aloud..

[@mandrian8707]

All my life along, Ian Anderson's songs.

[@jamesmonahanmusic]

WONDERFUL VIDEO. 😊

[@boutchie06]

I wish this would go on forever!

[@federicovazquez7367]

When l heard that aqualong lp. My memory goes to my sweet ex. It feels,makes me feel all right.

[@lukequigley121]

That's what music does, makes our mind hit the "rewind" an love n feel all over again..I'm doin it too..

[@blowersp]

Further proof that Ian Anderson is a musical genius.

[@marielevine7757]

I like the word "Savant"

[@citizengoodman8023]

Magnificent arrangement. Bravo!

[@BManTyler]

Beautiful Ian.

[@chrisblenkinsopp8588]

BEAUTIFUL......................

[@tracyanddankuch3242]

Wow! How beautiful was THAT song? Very! Love Jethro Tull. Mr. Ian Anderson is an srtist. Surrounds himself with other artists. SO GLAD I've gotten to see him live a couple times. I'm from the 70's and saw A LOT of great bands. None were better!

[@ramziarab7709]

Takes you back in time Rocket song

[@danross5510]

love it. why isn't he in the HOF. I have been a big fan of him for 50 years

[@scottmatznick3140]

why doesn't anyone care that he doesn't want to be in it?

[@sixstrings1490]

You've still 'got it' Ian !🎵

[@thovex]

gorgeous

[@hnnymn]

No one - not even James Taylor - has gotten more mileage out of the lowly D major chord shape.

[@heavnnnsent]

My two favorite JT's. Love them both

[@kevinconville9258]

Neil Young's done OK with it as well. Oh yeah, Pete Townsend also.

[@lisadc4681]

They will always be the GOAT, imo!!

[@veloman59]

Ian Anderson what can one say? Incredible ❤️

[@remoskins1437]

The way it should have been recorded. Sounds great!

[@beccafirebird]

The most perfect love song 🎵 ❤

[@garrington120]

Beautiful

[@stonesinmyblood27]

I love that guy ♥️

[@williamfranz9872]

Still think ," It's only the giving that makes you, what you are," is so good you could write a gospel around it

[@waynelynch25]

You certainly couldn't go wrong by making it your life's credo.

[@johnkemp9835]

My dear new friend, that IS the gospel . If I may, check out Ben Harper's Power of the Gospel. Very powerful!

[@auburn7697]

Musica commovente 💗

[@hakimderrazi2264]

Reste toujours adorable grand monsieur de l histoire

[@maryalquist2828]

Love it

[@ibrahimklc7561]

"Wondring Aloud" is not originally from "Living in the Past" album but from "Aqualung" album released in 1971.

[@gabrieli4734]

Ok I have to say as a 50 year fan of JT, Ian's guitar prowess is ... yes I dare say every bit or better than Eric's.... Ian once said that he'd never match Eric Clapton's guitar skills...well yes you did Ian of JT...

[@olafsrensen9578]

Absolutly !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@LaMusicade4]

Like watching a NASA rocket take off. So many moving parts dedicated to 1 mission. Musicianship at its finest

[@arsenelupin6784]

superbe !

[@williamallen3715]

Will the years treat us well?

[@hakimderrazi2264]

Yan Reste grand incomparable adorable de music suiver pour la relieves

[@waynelatham4281]

Absolutely love this song.....always have. Anderson's lyrics haunt me....always have. A lot of Christian allusions.....not sure what to make of them. Like in this song, e.g., "We are our own saviors". He must be kidding. If that's the case, we're in trouble.

[@matthewkyle3793]

AMEN

[@waynelynch25]

My impression is that the underlying theme of Aqualung is that religion, like life, is what you make of it, practice the way that comforts you. The last lines on the album are: "I don't believe you You had the whole damn thing all wrong. He's not the kind you have to wind up on Sundays." Give the whole LP a listen from that perspective and see if you "see" the colorfully described everyday characters observed by the presenter (Ian?) and his skepticism that you need to follow "rules" to properly worship "My God".

[@constantincarstea4870]

Amazing...

[@oscarruizzea3806]

Wooow ❤

[@f.d.7190]

Love me some TULLAGE, man!

[@VigilantMind.]

Song starts @ 1:45

[@joannehack7588]

💘

[@joannehack7588]

💐

[@michiibi2955]

Celestiale

[@andrestull]

genius

[@Killercrown]

YEP... Love that too...!!