Burning Sky
The Jam Lyrics

How are things in your little world?
Asking about the person's life and how things are going for them.

I hope they're going well, and you are too
Expressing well wishes for the person and their situation.

Do you still see the same old crowd?
Inquiring whether the person is still in contact with their mutual friends.

The ones who used to meet every Friday
Referring to the group of friends who used to gather every week.

I'm really sorry that I can't be there
Expressing regret over not being able to attend the gathering.

But work comes first, I'm sure you'll understand
Prioritizing work responsibilities over personal ones and hoping they will comprehend.

Things are really taking off for me
Speaking about how business is thriving and success is on the rise.

Business is thriving, and I'm showing a profit
Elaborating on the fact that profits are being made and success is being achieved.

And in any case, it wouldn't be the same
Explaining that even if they went back, things would be different.

'Cause we've all grown up, and we've got our lives
Describing how everyone has matured and moved on in their own ways.

And the values that we had once upon a time
Acknowledging the ideals and values that the group shared in the past.

Seem stupid now, 'cause the rent must be paid
Indicating that those values seem foolish in the present, where practical matters like paying rent take priority.

And some bonds severed, and others made
Recognizing that some relationships have been broken while new ones have been formed instead.

Now I don't want you to get me wrong
Prefacing that the following statement should not be taken the wrong way.

Ideals are fine when you are young
Stating that youthful idealism is acceptable but not as practical in adulthood.

And I must admit we had a laugh
Acknowledging that there were fun times in the past.

But that's all it was and ever will be
Suggesting that it was just a moment in time and will never be repeated.

'Cause the burning sky keeps burning bright
Referring to the reality of the world and how it keeps turning.

And as long as it does (and it always will)
Implying that things will always continue in the same way they have before.

There's no time for dreams when commerce calls
Noting that dreams and idealism must take a back seat to practical matters like business and making money.

And the taxman's shouting, 'cause he wants his dough
Commenting on how taxes need to be paid and how the government demands their money.

And the wheels of finance won't begin to slow
Describing how the business world is always moving and never stops.

And it's only us realists who are gonna come through
Acknowledging that only those who deal with reality will succeed in the business world.

'Cause there's only one power higher than that of truth
Implying that the power to get ahead in the business world is centered on telling the right story (not necessarily the truth).

And that's the burning sky
Hypothesizing that the power that enables success is the ability to control market conditions.

Oh and by the way, I must tell you
Digressing before touching on a new topic.

Before I sign off, that I've got a meeting next week
Announcing a forthcoming meeting.

With the head of a big corporate
Revealing that there will be a meeting with an important corporate figure (without providing a name).

I can't disclose who, but I'm sure you'll know it
Implying that the individual the lyrics describe is confident that the other party will guess the company name being discussed.

And the burning sky keeps burning bright
Reiterating the idea that the world continues to revolve and turn irregardless.

And it won't turn off till it's had enough
Indicating that the world does not stop until it decides to.

It's the greedy bastard who won't give up
Attributing the way capitalism works to greedy individuals who refuse to relinquish control.

And you're just a dreamer if you don't realize
Indicating that anyone who is not a realist and denies the current state of things is simply a dreamer.

And the sooner you do will be the better for you
Suggesting that accepting reality earlier on would benefit you more in the long run.

Then we'll all be happy, and we'll all be wise
Stating that if everyone accepts reality, they will feel more content and knowledgeable in the long run.

And all bow down to the burning sky
Suggesting that everyone must accept the status quo and surrender to the powers of the market and capitalism.

Then we'll all be happy, and we'll all be wise
Repeating the earlier line to emphasize the idea that accepting reality is beneficial in the long run.

And together we will live beneath the burning sky
Closing the song by emphasizing that everyone must accept their role and place in the system that governs the world.