Jail Bait

Album: Pilgrimage (1971)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In our interview with Andy Powell, who wrote this song with his bandmates Martin Turner, Steve Upton and Ted Turner, he explained: "It was our first tour of America and we weren't really accustomed to American girls. They were far more, should we say, mature, I suppose, in the way they looked. And you had to be careful, because these young girls would just throw themselves at bands, especially English bands. And if you were from a foreign country like England, you didn't really know the laws and you have to very careful. And this one particular girl inspired that song."

    The girl in question was named Linda.

Comments: 2

  • Roger from WisconsinJail Bait & Blowin' Free were the B-side to a non-album track, Phoenix, in early 1977 (UK single). Jail Bait was also released as a Decca US single A-side in 1971, & in Germany on MCA in 1972.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn June 15th 1973, Wishbone Ash performed "Jail Bait" on the NBC-TV program 'The Midnight Special'...
    The song was not released as a single; it was track three of side one on the British quartet's second studio album, 'Pilgrimage', and the album peaked at #14 on the United Kingdom's Albums chart and #174 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

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.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.