The lyrics describe a scene where the hair of a cat stands up high, sheepdogs howl, and children play near tall pillars. The narrator compares their return to old ghosts playing on stones, amidst misty colors and silk tapestries.

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Meaning of "Old Ghosts" by Jethro Tull


The imagery in the lyrics paints a picture of a mysterious and eerie atmosphere, where nature and human presence intertwine. The references to wild animals, children playing, and old ghosts suggest a cycle of life and death and the passage of time. The comparison of the narrator to an old dog in pain blown through a hurricane signifies resilience and enduring through hardship. The stones where old ghosts play symbolize memories and past experiences that continue to linger and influence the present. Overall, the lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia, resilience, and the interconnectedness of past and present experiences.