The band drew upon a variety of stylistic influences over the course of their career, including 1960s beat music, soul, rhythm and blues and psychedelic rock, as well as 1970s punk and new wave. The trio was known for its melodic pop songs, its distinctly English flavour and its mod image. The band launched the career of Paul Weller, who went on to form The Style Council and later had a successful solo career. Weller wrote and sang most of The Jamβs original compositions, and he played lead guitar, using a Rickenbacker. Bruce Foxton provided backing vocals and prominent basslines, which were the foundation of many of the bandβs songs, including the hits "Down in the Tube Station at Midnight", "The Eton Rifles", "Going Underground" and "Town Called Malice".
For artists called "Jam", please see http://www.last.fm/music/+noredirect/Jam.
All Mod Cons )
The Jam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You think the world awaits your every breath
You'll be my friend, or so you say
You'll help me out when the time comes
And all the time we're getting rich
You hang around to help me out
You drop us like hot bricks
Artistic freedom. Do what you want
But just make sure that the money ain't gone
I'll tell you what, I got you sussed
You'll waste my time, when my time comes
The above lyrics to The Jam's song "All Mod Cons" are a commentary on the fickleness of some people and their supposed friendship. The singer acknowledges that they have encountered this type of person before and that they believe they are someone who thinks the world revolves around them. This person may offer to be a friend and lend a hand when things are going well, but when things turn tough, they drop the singer like "hot bricks."
The chorus of the song is a warning to this person that the singer has them "sussed" and understands their true motivations. The advice given is to pursue artistic freedom and do what they want but to make sure they don't waste other people's time and money. The overall sentiment of the song is one of skepticism and disappointment in people who only seem to be around during the good times.
Interestingly, the title of the song "All Mod Cons" is short for "all modern conveniences," a phrase commonly used in the UK to refer to houses that have all the latest technology and features. The term was used here to refer to the modern world and the people who inhabit it. The song was released in 1978 and was included in the album of the same name. It was written by Paul Weller, who was the lead singer and songwriter for The Jam.
Line by Line Meaning
Seen you before, I know your sort
I recognize your type. You have an inflated sense of self-importance.
You think the world awaits your every breath
You believe the world revolves around you and that your every move is significant.
You'll be my friend, or so you say
You claim to be my friend and offer to help me.
You'll help me out when the time comes
You promise to assist me in the future if I ever need it.
And all the time we're getting rich
As we continue to succeed financially,
You hang around to help me out
You stick by my side and provide support.
But when we're skint, oh God forbid!
However, if we ever fall on hard times,
You drop us like hot bricks
You abandon us quickly and without hesitation.
Artistic freedom. Do what you want
You have the freedom to express yourself however you choose,
But just make sure that the money ain't gone
but be careful not to waste all your financial resources in the process.
I'll tell you what, I got you sussed
I have you figured out.
You'll waste my time, when my time comes
You will take advantage of me and my resources when I am vulnerable.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
feefers3
Best Jam album. No argument. Thanks for posting this.
dinmc808
Emits all the vibrancy of the punk era. Unashamed street rock, youthful sound, short and hard-hitting, leaving you wanting to hear more. Like another commenter wrote, almost sounds weird not immediately breaking into "To be Someone" but what a fantastic entrance to an album!
flashtheoriginal
What an opening to a truly seismic album
privatehelluk
What an opening to an album!
Stefano Rusconi
this sound will live forever
Max-Fennell
my dad used to play this all the time in the car and I finally found it again :D
Andrew
Your dad is a fine individual!!!
kippax1971
Sheer class mate ...remember the day i bought this album. Shit im getting old. But im glad i was around for real innovative music like the jam and other bands from that time. Thanks for uploading....your a star.
MightySpoiler
I grew up in the punk era, sort of. And this is the best. punk. song. evar.
Russ Haywood
Still one of my favourites