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

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Timothy B. Schmit

Timothy B. SchmitSongwriter Interviews

The longtime Eagle talks about soaring back to his solo career, and what he learned about songwriting in the group.

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?