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Released in 1975

Medicine Jar

Written by Jimmy McCulloch • Colin Allen

Last updated on January 6, 2024

Album This song officially appears on the Venus and Mars Official album.

Timeline This song was officially released in 1975

Master album

Related sessions

This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:

Other Wings songs composed by Jimmy McCulloch

From Jimmy McCulloch – Facebook:

Medicine Jar was originally called ‘Itchy Fingers’ and dated back to the Stone the Crows era. Written by Colin Allen and Jimmy McCulloch, the first advanced version of the song was recorded in 1973 at a community center in London with Jimmy, Jack, Ronnie Leahy and Andy Fraser.

Read all about the origins of Medicine Jar in Little Wing: The Jimmy McCulloch Story.

Medicine Jar was born out of my frustration, caused by Jeanette’s constant use of Mandies. The song’s line I know how you feel now your friends are dead, related to friends who had died because of drugs.

Colin Allen – From “Little Wing : The Jimmy McCulloch Story“
From Jimmy McCulloch – Facebook – Colin Allen’s handwritten lyrics with notes/chords written in by Jimmy. Courtesy of the McCulloch Family and these lyrics appear in Little Wing.
Jeanette Jacobs was the inspiration for “Medicine Jar” – From Facebook – McCarthy/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Lyrics

What's wrong with you?

I wish I knew

You say time will tell

I hope that’s true

There's more to life

Than blues and reds

I say, I know how you feel

now your friends are dead.

Dead on your feet

you won't get far

If you keep on sticking your hand

In the medicine jar.

Now don't give up

Whatever you do

You say time will tell

I hope that's true

If you go down and lose your head

I say, I know how you feel

now your friends are dead….

Dead on your feet

you won't get far

If you keep on sticking your hand

In the medicine jar.

Dead on your feet

you won't get far

If you keep on sticking your hand

In the medicine jar.

What can I do?

I can't let go

You say time will heal

but very slow

So don't forget the things you said

I say I know how you feel

Now your friends are dead.

Dead on your feet,

you won't go far

If you keep on sticking your hand

in the medicine jar.

Dead on your feet

you won't get far

If you keep on sticking your hand

In the medicine jar…[Repeat]

Officially appears on

Bootlegs

See all bootlegs containing “Medicine Jar”

Live performances

“Medicine Jar” has been played in 60 concerts.

Latest concerts where “Medicine Jar” has been played

See all concerts where “Medicine Jar” has been played

Going further

Paul McCartney: Music Is Ideas. The Stories Behind the Songs (Vol. 1) 1970-1989

With 25 albums of pop music, 5 of classical – a total of around 500 songs – released over the course of more than half a century, Paul McCartney's career, on his own and with Wings, boasts an incredible catalogue that's always striving to free itself from the shadow of The Beatles. The stories behind the songs, demos and studio recordings, unreleased tracks, recording dates, musicians, live performances and tours, covers, events: Music Is Ideas Volume 1 traces McCartney's post-Beatles output from 1970 to 1989 in the form of 346 song sheets, filled with details of the recordings and stories behind the sessions. Accompanied by photos, and drawing on interviews and contemporary reviews, this reference book draws the portrait of a musical craftsman who has elevated popular song to an art-form.

Buy on Amazon

Paul McCartney writing

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Notice any inaccuracies on this page? Have additional insights or ideas for new content? Or just want to share your thoughts? We value your feedback! Please use the form below to get in touch with us.

Peter • 3 years ago

I have a strong memory of hearing this song done by the band Free in 1972 or 73, but can’t find any references.

The PaulMcCartney Project • 3 years ago

Doesn't tell me anything Peter, I'm afraid

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