This song comes from what I can only assume is the artist’s first released single. It was the A-Side, came out in December 1968, and featured the B-Side “I’m at the Head of the Line.” It seems to be sometimes represented under the title “Straight Arrow” and also sometimes has a release date of December 1969. The song appeared on the ‘60s music compilation album, My Mind Goes High.
Jeff Thomas - Straight Aero (1968)
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Lyrics:
Just down the road from James’ Place
I got myself in a whole mess of trouble for being in a loading zone
And I hassled with a man who didn’t understand
That there wasn’t any lootin’ goin’ on
I don’t smoke, I don’t sniff glue
And I don’t hang with the cats that do
Straight aero
Straight aero
I went to a dance at the Palladium
Where a freaked out man that really sounded bad
Threw a rock and
Then in come the pigs and bustin’ up the gig
Took everybody down to city hall
I don’t dance and I don’t sing
Nothing like that kind of thing
Straight aero
Straight aero
Straight aero
It’s for sure
I’m as pure
As the driven snow
Straight aero
Although
Most folks don’t think
So…
Last night I went to the cinema
How was I to know it was that kind of show?
Outside it didn’t look that way
It was filled with perversion
Must have been a French version
‘cause I didn’t dig it anyway
Avant garde and underground
That stuff ain't my scene or sound
Straight aero
Straight aero
Straight aero
It’s for sure
I’m as pure
As the driven snow
Straight aero
Although
Most folks don’t think
So…
Just today, followin’ a parade
Albeit kind of sad, sort of looked like a riot
'cause it happened on the outskirts of town
I'll prob'ly take a ralley
'cause the fight in the alley
And everybody got knocked down
I don’t vote, I don’t protest
I guess you all can figure the rest
Straight aero
Straight aero
Zolland - I think that you might find that the song's title was actually "Straight Aero."
ReplyDeleteThank you for clarifying. I had found accounts referencing both, but couldn't find anything definitive. Might I ask where you were able to find that out?
DeleteYou most certainly may ask ... and I will even answer. A mate of mine used to have an album of various artists performing songs of a psychedelic ilk and that was one of the songs I remember from it. I think he also had a single version of the song, but I can't recall what album it appeared on (but I guess I could do some googling and hope for the best). I do remember that the album was called something like "Hallucinations" and had one of those spin you out covers of swirling colours.
ReplyDeleteAnd now, after the googling has been completed, I also managed to find the following info. The album was indeed "Hallucinations" and there's a bit of info on it here and I also managed to find a snapshot of info about the single here. Hope that helps you out a bit.
ReplyDeleteExcellent sources! Thank you very much for sharing. =)
DeleteHi:
ReplyDeleteJeff Thomas was also the author of "Don't Try to Lay No Boogie Woogie On the King of Rock and Roll," that was made fairly popular by Long John Baldry. I think both releases came out in 1971? Check out 45scat web site for more (not many) of his releases.
Thank you for that information! I just checked out a Wikipedia page that confirms everything you said. Thanks for the input! If only Jeff Thomas had his own entry or website somewhere...
Delete