Hymn 43

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Hymn 43" by Jethro Tull from their iconic album Aqualung, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this track’s biting commentary and raw energy. Written by Ian Anderson, the song is described as a "blues for Jesus," tackling the hypocrisy of those who misuse religion for unsavory purposes. Anderson himself explained it as a critique of "gory, glory seekers who use [Jesus’s] name as an excuse for a lot of unsavoury things," pointing to a cultural tendency to justify questionable actions with religious rhetoric. PopMatters critic Sean Murphy noted that Anderson specifically targeted the U.S. in this song, dismantling the "hypocrisy and myth-making of religion and the new religion, entertainment." Released as a single in 1971, "Hymn 43" reached No. 91 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking it as one of Jethro Tull’s early chart entries in America.

Musically, "Hymn 43" stands out for its fusion of bluesy grit and progressive rock flair, with Anderson’s vocal range stretching from G4 to Eb6 in the key of D major, according to sheet music published by Sony/ATV. The song’s lyrics, like “If Jesus saves, well He’d better save Himself / From the gory glory seekers who use His name in death,” sparked controversy, contributing to Aqualung being banned or censored in some regions. Classic Rock History ranked "Hymn 43" as Jethro Tull’s second-best song, just behind "Thick as a Brick," highlighting its enduring impact over more popular tracks like "Aqualung" or "Locomotive Breath." The song’s relevance persists, with covers by artists like Morse/Portnoy/George in 2020 and Alabama Thunderpussy on a 1970s tribute compilation, showing its influence across generations.

Jethro Tull began in Blackpool, Lancashire, in 1967, led by the enigmatic Ian Anderson, a multi-instrumentalist known for his flute and acoustic guitar prowess. Initially rooted in blues rock and jazz fusion, the band—named after an 18th-century agriculturalist—evolved by blending English folk, hard rock, and classical elements into a distinctive progressive rock sound. Their early days saw them playing local gigs under various names before settling on Jethro Tull. The band’s first album, This Was (1968), leaned heavily on blues, but by their second release, Stand Up (1969), they hit No. 1 in the UK, marking their shift toward a folk-tinged progressive style. Aqualung in 1971 catapulted them to international fame, selling over seven million copies and establishing them as a major act, with Anderson’s flute and theatrical stage presence becoming their trademark.

Over the decades, Jethro Tull has seen numerous lineup changes, with Anderson as the only constant member. Guitarist Martin Barre, who joined in 1969, was another long-standing contributor until 2011. The band’s versatility allowed them to explore genres from folk rock in the late 1970s to electronic rock in the 1980s, earning a Grammy for their 1987 album Crest of a Knave. Despite critical ups and downs, they’ve sold an estimated 60 million albums worldwide. Anderson’s leadership and eclectic vision kept Tull relevant, with recent albums like Curious Ruminant in 2025 showing their continued creativity. Fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities offer vibrant spaces to celebrate Jethro Tull’s legacy. The Jethro Tull Forum is a hub for discussions, from album trivia to concert plans, with posts about recent shows like a 2024 Christmas performance in Bristol. Fan-created content, like a 50-question Jethro Tull music quiz shared on the forum, keeps the community engaged. While no official Facebook groups were noted, fans frequently share memories and updates on the band’s Facebook page, reflecting Tull’s enduring appeal. Whether you’re grooving to "Hymn 43" or exploring their vast discography, Jethro Tull’s blend of wit, rebellion, and musical innovation remains a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic vibe.