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 Jam’s 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 band’s 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
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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
You'll waste my time, when my time comes
You'll waste my time, when my time comes
The song "All Mod Cons" by The Jam is a scathing critique of those who pretend to be friends with someone for their own benefit. The opening verse is directed at a particular type of person who believes that the world revolves around them and their every action. The singer has seen this person before and knows their type all too well. However, the person in question pretends to be a good friend, offering to help out whenever needed. The singer is skeptical of this offer, knowing that it may come at a price later.
The following verse reveals that the singer and the person in question are making money together, but the person is only sticking around for their own gain. When times are good, they offer their assistance, but when things turn sour, they abandon the singer. The chorus then delves into the idea of artistic freedom and doing what you want with your life, as long as you're not left with nothing in the end. The final verse essentially tells the person off, stating that they won't waste any more of the singer's time once their usefulness has run out.
Line by Line Meaning
Seen you before, I know your sort
I am familiar with people like you
You think the world awaits your every breath
You have a sense of entitlement and believe the world owes you something
You'll be my friend, or so you say
You claim to be my friend
You'll help me out when the time comes
You promise to assist me when I need it
And all the time we're getting rich
We are becoming wealthy over time
You hang around to help me out
You stick around to lend a hand
But when we're skint, oh God forbid
But when we're broke, heaven forbid
You drop us like hot bricks
You abandon us quickly and easily
Artistic freedom
The ability to create freely
Do what you want
Do as you please
But just make sure that the money ain't gone
But be certain that you don't squander the money
I'll tell you what, I got you sussed
Let me level with you, I understand your true nature
You'll waste my time, when my time comes
You'll needlessly consume my time when I'm in need
You'll waste my time, when my time comes
You'll needlessly consume my time when I'm in need
You'll waste my time, when my time comes
You'll needlessly consume my time when I'm in need
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Paul John Weller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind