When it was released in 1973, Jet by Paul McCartney & Wings quickly became a hit, reaching #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s catchy melody, strong vocals, and rocking guitar riffs were undoubtedly some of the reasons it was so successful.
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But what was the song really about? Here, we explore the meaning of Jet and the story behind its creation.
Jet’s Inspiration
Many have speculated that the song was written about a pet dog, possibly a black Labrador named Jet that McCartney owned. The theory is supported by the lyrics, which reference “Jet” as “a dog with a muzzle,” “a big black dog,” and “the one who’s always been true.”
In a 2010 interview with NME, McCartney seemed to confirm this theory, saying, “Yeah, it is [about a dog]. Sounds a bit daft, but I was looking for words that rhymed with ‘get.’ I thought ‘Jet’ sounded good, so it became a name.”
However, McCartney also acknowledged that the song’s meaning was open to interpretation, stating, “It’s a ridiculous story, really. But there you go.”
The Lyrics
Regardless of its inspiration, Jet’s lyrics are intriguing and poetic. The opening lines set the tone for the song’s upbeat, playful energy:
“Jet, Jet, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Jet, Jet, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Jet, Jet, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Jet, Jet, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh”
The verses describe a relationship between the narrator and Jet, with McCartney singing lines like “Oh, Jet, with the wind in your hair,” “Jet, I can almost remember their funny faces,” and “Jet, you’re the one who’s always been true.”
Interestingly, the chorus offers a more ominous and mystifying perspective:
“Jet, Jet, where did you go?
Oh, we’re halfway there, oh
Jet, Jet, will you be my girl?
Oh, wonder if you’ll come back down?”
The reference to being “halfway there” could be interpreted as a nod to the uncertainty and unpredictability of life, with McCartney wondering where Jet has gone and if they’ll ever be reunited.
The Music
The music of Jet is equally captivating, featuring driving guitar riffs and McCartney’s signature vocal style. The song also includes a catchy piano riff and a saxophone solo by Howie Casey.
According to music journalist Philip Norman, who wrote the McCartney biography “Paul McCartney: The Life,” Jet was originally conceived as a guitar instrumental. McCartney reportedly gave a demo of the song to guitarist Denny Laine, who added the piano riff and convinced McCartney to include vocals.
The result is a dynamic and infectious rock song that has become a staple of McCartney’s live performances.
The Legacy of Jet
Jet remains one of McCartney’s most beloved and popular songs, recognized for its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and upbeat energy. It has been covered by a variety of artists, including The Black Crowes and Ozzy Osbourne, and has been used in several films and TV shows.
In 2020, McCartney released a remastered version of the song as part of a deluxe reissue of his 1973 album “Band on the Run.” The new version features a fresh mix by engineer Steve Orchard that enhances the song’s dynamic and lively sound.
In a press release for the reissue, McCartney stated, “Jet is one my favourite songs from Band On The Run and it was so much fun to record. The song reminds me of summer and I hope people enjoy this new version which I think has a bit more punch.”
Conclusion
While the story of Jet’s creation may seem lighthearted and trivial, the song itself has endured as a classic example of McCartney’s songwriting prowess. Its catchy melody, layered instrumentation, and ambiguous lyrics have resonated with listeners for decades, inspiring cover versions, discussions, and interpretations.
Whether it’s a tribute to a beloved pet or a meditation on life’s unpredictability, Jet continues to capture the imaginations of fans around the world, standing as a testament to the power and beauty of music.
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