Home | Songs By Year | Songs from 1967


Master Jack

Buy Master Jack now from Amazon

First, read the Wikipedia article. Then, scroll down to see what other TopShelfReviews readers thought about the song. And once you've experienced the song, tell everyone what you thought about it.

Wikipedia article




"'Master Jack'" is a song written by David Marks and performed by Four Jacks and a Jill. It reached #1 in South Africa and Canada, #3 on the US adult contemporary chart, and #18 on both the 'Billboard' chart and in Australia in 1968.[http://musicvf.com/song.php?title=Master+Jack+by+Four+Jacks+and+a+Jill&id=15965 Four Jacks and a Jill, "Master Jack" chart positions] Retrieved May 12, 2015 The song was also released in the United Kingdom as a single, but it did not chart.[http://www.45cat.com/record/rca1669 Four Jacks and a Jill, "Master Jack" UK single release] Retrieved May 12, 2015 It also featured on the group's 1968 album, 'Master Jack'.[http://www.discogs.com/Four-Jacks-And-A-Jill-Master-Jack/release/2105409 Four Jacks and a Jill, 'Master Jack'] Retrieved May 12, 2015

The lyrics assert the right of individuals to their own interpretation of the world as "Master Jack" presents it to them. Upon release the track was widely taken as a criticism of pro-Apartheid propaganda promulgated by the white minority ruling party.[https://genius.com/Four-jacks-and-a-jill-master-jack-lyrics About Master Jack] Master Jack,

Four Jacks and a Jill.
In this connection the titular "Master Jack" could be interpreted as a reference to a leading politician, B.J. Vorster, who styled himself "John" Vorster and became Prime Minister of the Apartheid regime in 1966. The official origin story, however, is different. As related by their female vocalist,[http://www.4jacksandajill.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/History-of-4-Jacks-and-a-Jill.pdf?x68892 A History of the band 1962-2000]. 'About Us'. Retrieved 11 January 2020.

"In certain mines the foreman is called 'Master Jack', and the song tells the story of a labourer who works diligently for this master for years and years and then decides to go out on his own and exercise his desires and aspirations as an individual to be something other than a labourer."

The song was produced by Ray Walter.

Other versions



*Trini Lopez, as a single in 1968.[http://www.45cat.com/record/rs23251 Trini Lopez, "Master Jack" single release] Retrieved May 12, 2015

*Heidi Brhl, in German, as the B-side to her 1968 single, "La bambola".[http://www.45cat.com/record/384557pf Heidi Brhl, "Master Jack" single release] Retrieved May 12, 2015

*Laura Lee, as the B-side to her 1968 single, "Love in Every Room".[http://www.45cat.com/record/db8495 Laura Lee, "Master Jack" single release] Retrieved May 12, 2015

*Ayshea, as a single in 1971.[http://www.45cat.com/record/rca2105 Ayshea, "Master Jack" single release] Retrieved May 12, 2015

*Ann Tholsted, as a single in 1968

References



Category:1967 songs

Category:1967 singles

Category:1968 singles

Category:1971 singles

Category:Four Jacks and a Jill songs

Category:RCA Victor singles

Category:Reprise Records singles


Buy Master Jack now from Amazon

<-- Return to songs from 1967



This work is released under CC-BY-SA. Some or all of this content attributed to http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1104995304.