Medicine Jar

Album: Venus And Mars (1975)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Medicine Jar" was one of the first songs recorded by Paul McCartney's group Wings to feature a another member on all the lead vocals. It is an anti-drug opus sung by lead guitarist Jimmy McCulloch (ex-Thunderclap Newman). Colin Allen, who is a drummer that was in the band Stone The Crows with McCulloch, wrote the lyrics, and McCulloch wrote the music. Stone The Crows recorded the song in 1973, but broke up before they could release it; McCulloch joined Wings the next year. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mark - Sedalia, MO
  • This is an anti-drug song, with the "medicine jar" representing pills, particularly barbiturates (the "blues and reds") that many musician of the era took, often with deadly consequences.

Comments: 11

  • Jimbo from Portland MeJimmy's lead on Jr's farm...
  • Thack57 from Westbrook, CtSomeone said, it's not ironic the song's not about Jimmy. Well, that has nothing to do w/it being ironic or not ironic. It's ironic because IT IS a drug song and he ends up dead BECAUSE of drugs. Do you understand the MEANING of Ironic?
  • Bungalow Bill from ScotlandMedicine Jar was wrote by Jimmy McCulloch lead guitarist at Wings height & my schoolchum. Along with Wino Junko Jimmy's other composition it is so rare to be allowed on any Beatles solo albums. And Paul too who hogs his album territory. Wives don't count. Denny Laine may have had one. Jimmy's song titles tells his story & his demise sadly.
  • Bob-o from Ny"GO NOW" is NOT a Wings song, its a Moody Blues song. Denny Laine was in Moody Blues. it was only on "Wings Over America" (as was "Richard Cory, a Paul Simon composition).
  • Lori I from New York, New YorkJay from Auburn...nothing ironic . Song was NOT about Jimmy
  • Andrew from Miami, FlThis was not the first song wings recorded with another member on lead vocal. It’s like the 10th. They had already done Say You Don’t Mind, I Lie Around, I Would Only Smile, Go Now, No Words, Luxy, and Send Me the Heart with Denny Laine on lead, Henry’s Blues with Henry McCullough on lead, and Seaside Woman and Wide Prairie with Linda. Plus Paul shared vocals with Denny on Picasso’s Last Words and duets with Linda on I Am Your Singer.
  • Buddy from Branford, CtJimmy was a excellent guitarist! He wrote (2) fantastic songs while in Wings as noted by Barry. It is ironic that he had a drug overdose?
    I love is guitar solo in "Maybe I'm Amazed.
  • Ian from Lethbridge, CanadaWings would definitely have a better reputation if this had been one of their most famous hits.
  • Barry from New York, NyJimmy McCulloch contributed one other song to the Wings catalogue, also drug related, the tune "Wino Junko" that was featured on the "Wings at the Speed of Sound" LP.
  • Pete from Ny, NyA great song, certainly the hardest Wings ever rocked. Highly recommended for those kids unfamiliar with Paul's harder edge.
  • Jay from Auburn , CaThe ironic truth is that later - Jimmy McCulloch
    died of a drug overdose.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.