He started off learning to play the violin but soon switched to piano. From the age of 16 he played in bars, and won a scholarship to study musical composition at London's Royal Academy of Music. Jackson did not like the prospect of being a serious composer, and moved towards pop and rock.
His first band was Arms and Legs which collapsed after two unsuccessful singles. He then spent some time in the cabaret circuit to make money to record his own demos.
In 1978 a producer heard his tape, and got him signed to A&M Records. The album Look Sharp! was recorded straight away, and was released in 1979, quickly followed by I'm the Man and Beat Crazy in 1980. He also collaborated with Lincoln Thompson in reggae crossover.
The Joe Jackson Band was very successful and toured extensively. After the breakup of the band, Joe took a break and recorded an album of old-style swing and blues tunes, Jumpin' Jive, featuring songs of Cab Calloway, Lester Young, Glenn Miller, and most prominently, Louis Jordan. He went on to record Night and Day, an album that paid tribute to the wit and style of Cole Porter (and less directly, to New York City) and was his last album to hit the Top 10, peaking at #4.
He recorded another record that was heavily influenced by jazz, pop and jazz standards, and salsa, Body and Soul, which hit #20, containing the hit You Can't Get What You Want ('Til You Know What You Want).
Jackson followed with Big World, a three-sided double record (the fourth side consisted of a single centring groove and a label stating "there is no music on this side"). The instrumental Will Power set the stage for things to come later, but before he left pop behind he put out two more cerebral and celebratory albums, Blaze of Glory and Laughter and Lust. For some years he drifted away from the pop style, going on to be signed by Sony Classical in 1997, which released his Symphony No. 1 in 1999 for which he received a Grammy award.
Night and Day II in 2000 lacked strong pop hooks though, as usual with Jackson, displayed fine lyrics and some elegant songwriting. Volume 4 in 2003 reunited the original band and was well received. A promotional CD, bundled with the initial release, of the 'live' band playing some of Jackson's strongest material was widely admired.
Jackson is also an author, having written A Cure for Gravity, published in 1999, which Jackson has described as a "book about music, thinly disguised as a memoir". It traces his early musical life from childhood until his 24th birthday. Life as a pop star, he suggested, was hardly worth writing about.
In 2004 Jackson performed a cover of Common People with William Shatner for Shatner's album Has Been.
He has actively campaigned against smoking bans in both the USA and the UK, writing a 2005 pamphlet The Smoking Issue and issuing a satirical song (In 20-0-3) on the subject.
In 2008 the album Rain was released by Joe Jackson. Like its predecessor Volume 4, it featured members of the 'Joe Jackson Band', this time minus guitarist Gary Sanford.
Currently he lives in Kreuzberg, Germany.
Discography:
1979 - Look Sharp!
1979 - I'm The Man
1980 - Beat Crazy
1981 - Jumpin' Jive
1982 - Night and Day
1983 - Mike’s Murder, (Soundtrack)
1984 - Body and Soul
1986 - Big World
1987 - Will Power
1988 - Live 1980/86
1988 - Tucker, (Soundtrack)
1989 - Blaze of Glory
1991 - Laughter & Lust
1994 - Night Music
1997 - Heaven and Hell
1999 - Symphony No. 1
2000 - Summer in the City: Live in New York
2000 - Night and Day II
2002 - Two Rainy Nights, (Live)
2004 - Volume 4
2004 - Afterlife, (Live)
2008 - Rain
2011 - Live Music, (Live)
2012 - The Duke
Oh Well
Joe Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
Oh well
Now, when I talked to God I knew he'd understand
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to"
Oh well
The lyrics of Joe Jackson's song "Oh Well" are a testament to the singer's acceptance of his own flaws and imperfections. From the opening lines, the singer acknowledges that he is not conventionally attractive or talented, but still asserts his worth and independence. The refrain "oh well" echoes this sentiment, suggesting that while he may not be perfect, he is comfortable in his own skin and unashamed of who he is.
The second half of the song takes a more spiritual turn, with the singer addressing God directly. He sees his faith as a source of comfort and strength, with the deity promising to guide him through whatever struggles he may face. However, the final lines of the refrain again remind us that he is ultimately his own person and not beholden to anyone else's expectations.
Overall, the lyrics of "Oh Well" are a celebration of self-acceptance and individuality. The singer embraces his flaws and celebrates his uniqueness, while also recognizing the importance of faith and spirituality in overcoming life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't help about the shape I'm in
I cannot control the circumstances that have led me to where I am currently in life
I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin
I do not possess the traditional and superficial qualities that are typically considered attractive or successful
But don't ask me what I think of you
While I may have an opinion about you, I am not obligated to share it with you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
Even if asked, I cannot guarantee that my response will align with your expectations or desires
Oh well
Despite the preceding sentiments and potential consequences, I am resigned to accept the situation as it is
Now, when I talked to God I knew he'd understand
In my own personal beliefs and convictions, I have faith that a higher power comprehends my challenges and struggles
He said, "Stick by my side and I'll be your guiding hand
Through this dialogue with God, I received comfort and reassurance that if I remain faithful and committed, I will receive divine assistance
But don't ask me what I think of you
Despite this spiritual guidance, I still maintain my autonomy and independence in how I perceive and relate to others
I might not give the answer that you want me to"
Even in situations where I seek spiritual intervention, I cannot guarantee that my response to your inquiry will satisfy your wishes or demands
Oh well
Despite my conviction and guidance from my beliefs, I understand that not everyone shares my perspective or experiences, and I must accept this fact
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: David Ian Jackson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
trfesok
Love the percussion attack in this version. In my Jackson playlist. Thanks for the upload!
ldolphin34
He kills this. Why this isn't one of the more featured songs he's done..oh, wait, he's got a BUNCH of 'em.
Nick Winiarski
Amazing. Joe has done it again! :D
Paco Fernández
Peter Green's composition!!!!! Who would have thought JJ would cover it.... I got the album in the 90's. Forgot this album and became great Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac's fan and here we go....
That Alaska Guy
Yes! Finally found this song, thanks for posting!!
That Alaska Guy
Finally!!! I've been looking for this song for years and years off Groove Requiem.
shrew972
joe the great
Jane Doe
Graham Maby. That is all.
Rockula Bacchus
'Oh Well'. Fleetwood Mac. 1969.
Annette Conroy
That one was a surprise. Tapped on it not knowing what to expect