Master Jack

"Master Jack" is a song written by David Marks and performed by Four Jacks and a Jill. It reached #1 in South Africa and Canada, #3 on the US adult contemporary chart, and #18 on both the Billboard chart and in Australia in 1968.[1] The song was also released in the United Kingdom as a single, but it did not chart.[2] It also featured on their 1968 album, Master Jack.[3]

"Master Jack"
Single by Four Jacks and a Jill
from the album Master Jack
B-side"I Looked Back"
Released1967 (SA)
February 1968 (US)
GenreFolk rock
Length2:50
LabelRCA Victor 9473
Songwriter(s)David Marks
Producer(s)Ray Walter
Four Jacks and a Jill singles chronology
"Timothy"
(1967)		 "Master Jack"
(1967)		 "Mister Nico"
(1968)

The lyrics assert the right of individuals to their own interpretation of the world as "Master Jack" presents it to them. Upon release they were widely taken as a criticism of pro-Apartheid propaganda promulgated by the white minority ruling party[4]. In this connection the titular "Master Jack" could be interpreted as a reference to a leading politician, B.J. Vorster, who styled himself "John" Vorster and became Prime Minister of the Apartheid regime in 1966. The official origin story, however, is different. As related by their female vocalist [5], "In certain mines the foreman is called 'Master Jack', and the song tells the story of a labourer who works diligently for this master for years and years and then decides to go out on his own and exercise his desires and aspirations as an individual to be something other than a labourer."

The song was produced by Ray Walter.

Other versions
  • Trini Lopez released a version of the song as a single in 1968.[6]
  • Heidi Brühl released a version of the song in German as the B-side to her 1968 single, "La bambola".[7]
  • Laura Lee released a version of the song as the B-side to her 1968 single, "Love in Every Room".[8]
  • Ayshea released a version of the song as a single in 1971.[9]

References
  1. Four Jacks and a Jill, "Master Jack" chart positions Retrieved May 12, 2015
  2. Four Jacks and a Jill, "Master Jack" UK single release Retrieved May 12, 2015
  3. Four Jacks and a Jill, Master Jack Retrieved May 12, 2015
  4. About “Master Jack” Master Jack, Four Jacks and a Jill.
  5. A History of the band 1962-2000. About Us. Retrieved 11 January 2020.
  6. Trini Lopez, "Master Jack" single release Retrieved May 12, 2015
  7. Heidi Brühl, "Master Jack" single release Retrieved May 12, 2015
  8. Laura Lee, "Master Jack" single release Retrieved May 12, 2015
  9. Ayshea, "Master Jack" single release Retrieved May 12, 2015


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