what does this song mean ? It's a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack.?

Question

here are the words

It's a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack.
You taught me all I know and I never look back.
It's a very strange world and I thank you, Master Jack.

You took a current ribbon from out of the sky,
and taught me how to use it as the years went by.
To tie up all your problems and make them believe.
And then to sell them to the people in the street.

It's a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack.
You taught me all I know and I never look back.
It's a very strange world and I thank you, Master Jack.

I saw right thru the way you started teaching me now.
So someday soon you could get to use me somehow.
I thank you very much you know you've been very kind.
But, I'd better move along before you change my mind

It's a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack
No hard feelings if I never come back
It's a very strange world and I thank you, Master Jack

You taught me all the things the way you'd like 'em to be.
But I'd like to see if better people agree.
It's all very interesting the way you disguise.
But I'd like to see the world thru my own eyes.

It's a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack.
No hard feelings if I never come back
You're a very strange man and I thank you, Master Jack.
You're a very strange man and I thank you, Master Jack.
You're a very strange man, aren't you, Master Jack

Answer 1

to me, it represented the era of the times, the drug scene, performers who in a way felt fake, that they offered their performances to the public and the public accepted it, and liked it, while they may not of accepted or liked theirselves
here is another view on it, which i agree in part with, it was a very odd song

http://www.chromehorse.net/rants/rants2006/20060311_jack.htm

Answer 2

Master Jack

Answer 3

I always thought it was about a guru of some kind - maybe the Maharishi? - who took a few core values or practices, rehashed them into a new "religion" that manipulated needy young people in the 60's, took their money, and made them feel grateful for being shafted. The tone of the song is just as important as the lyrics. You can hear a slight hint of sarcasm, especially in the last line - "aren't you, Master Jack?"

Answer 4

As I recall it Master Jack is the Union Jack the flag of England.
Bilin, world we live in, .... and Rhodesia by the uk aka Master (Union) Jack and how they were moving ... orange, blue and white; synomomous with the rsa flag from the 1920's-1994. Link was no longer active or I would give credit.

Answer 5

Most commentators seem to be unaware or overlook the fact that this was written by a South African group. It has nothing to do with gurus or American pop groups.

An article on a South African music website confirms that it was inspired by the assassination of Hendrik Verwoerd. The PM's assassination affected people in South Africa very deeply, and that sense of loss is reflected in the song lyrics.

Answer 6

If you read the lyrics carefully and think about the affair one of the girls (Michelle) of the Mama's and Papa's had with her dad, they fit very well. As a teen she had sex with daddy then realized when she got older that she could be her own person and not her daddy's gal pal or bed toy.

Answer 7

its about growing up.its a very pretty song indeed.