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Third Stone From the Sun is a song written and originally recorded by Jimi Hendrix and released on the 1967 Are You Experienced? album by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. It is mostly an instrumental, but includes pieces of spoken word, performed by Hendrix, over the music.

Because the song mixes the styles of rock and jazz, it is often cited as one of the earliest examples of fusion. The title Third Stone From the Sun is a direct reference to Earth, which is the third planet away from the Sun in the Solar System.

The song features slowed-down voices and dialogues between Hendrix and his manager Chas Chandler. They wanted to reproduce the spacy sounds from Star Trek. The word Stone in the title was a way to depict the Earth from an alien point of view.

This song, along with "Purple Haze," was frequently covered live by Jaco Pastorius. Part of the guitar chorus melody has been quoted on other records, ranging from The Amboy Dukes ("Baby, Please Don't Go") and Cozy Powell ("Dance With The Devil") to Right Said Fred ("I'm Too Sexy").

With an increased pitch, one can clearly hear what is said, especially at the beginning of the song. The title comes from the 2nd line :

• Hendrix : Star fleet to scout ship, please give your position. Over.
• Chandler : I am in orbit around the third planet from the star called the sun. Over.
• Hendrix : You mean it's the Earth? Over.
• Chandler : Positive. It is known to have some form of intelligent species. Over.
• Hendrix : I think we should take a look.

Towards the end of the song, which was the only instrumental on the album, Jimi, in a taunt to the popular music of the period, says, "may you never hear surf music again."

As per Dick Dale, the line "may you never hear surf music again." was Jimi's way of encouraging Dick Dale while he was undergoing treatment for colon cancer. _{Dick Dale Better Shread Then DeadLiner notes}

• (English) Songfacts

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