Song meaning of Mrs. Tibbets by Jethro Tull

The song "Mrs. Tibbets" by Jethro Tull uses biblical references, specifically to Genesis 19: 24-28, to convey a message about the consequences of human actions and the choices we make.

The lyrics reflect on the events surrounding the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, with the mention of Mrs. Tibbets' little boy, referring to Paul Tibbets, the pilot of the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the atom bomb on Hiroshima. The song suggests that decisions made in the past have led to devastating consequences, and the lyrics question the intentions and morality behind these decisions.

The lines "Don't feel bad, they said, about the numbers" and "Tell yourself thank God what's done is done" convey a sense of denial and justification, urging listeners not to dwell on the immense loss of life caused by the bombings. The song also alludes to the biblical story of Lot and Peter, suggesting that if they had made different choices, the devastating events might have been avoided. 

Overall, the song's message revolves around the idea of reflecting on past actions, questioning their consequences, and promoting a sense of responsibility and accountability. It urges listeners to be mindful of the lasting impact of our choices and to learn from the mistakes of the past instead of repeating them.