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.
Carnaby Street
The Jam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It don't seem the same
Remember how great it should be
Shops are full of fashion
People told what they want
The street that was a part of the
British monarchy
British monarchy
Who wants cafgans and all that
We don't need them now
Why should we accept the change
And buy clothes of today
Kids repel the change and
Bring back the street
Shops filled by whole nations
Carnaby street
Carnaby street
The street is a mirror
For our country
Reflects the rise and fall
Of our nation
The street that was a legend
Is a mockery
A part of the British tradition
Gone down the drain
You don't need no glass ball
To see its faults
Take a walk along that street
And you'll see what I mean
Carnaby street
Carnaby street
(Not what it used to be)
Carnaby street
(Not what it used to be)
The Jam's "Carnaby Street" reflects on the decline of one of London's most iconic shopping streets. The song opens up by painting a picture of a bustling street that has now gone downhill. The lyrics “Take a look at the great street, it don't seem the same” immediately evoke a sense of nostalgia and sadness. The song continues to point out how the street, which was once a symbol of British fashion and style, has now been reduced to a series of shops selling clothes that are no longer relevant or unique. The Jam's lead singer Paul Weller goes on to criticize the fashions being sold on Carnaby Street, stating “Who wants cafgans and all that, we don’t need them now. Why should we accept the change and buy clothes of today”, which implies that the clothes being sold on Carnaby Street were outdated and that people have moved on.
The song not only highlights the decline of Carnaby Street but also explores the wider picture of how this decline is a reflection of a greater problem in the UK. The lyrics “The street is a mirror for our country, reflects the rise and fall of our nation” implies that Carnaby Street's decline is indicative of a greater decline in British society. The song touches on the idea of tradition and how Britain is losing it, represented by the line “The street that was a legend is a mockery, a part of the British tradition gone down the drain”.
Overall, "Carnaby Street" is a nostalgic and critical reflection on the fall of one of London's most historically significant shopping streets, but it also serves as a commentary on the wider decline of Britain's national identity and traditions.
Line by Line Meaning
Take a look at the great street
The song encourages the listener to observe and evaluate the condition of Carnaby Street, an iconic British street.
It don't seem the same
The street has been altered in ways that have caused the author to question its authenticity and reputation.
Remember how great it should be
The author recalls how the street was once a symbol of prestige, elegance, and British culture.
Shops are full of fashion
The street is filled with shops that are selling the latest fashion trends.
People told what they want
Customers are dictated to by the industry and are made to believe that they want certain products or styles.
The street that was a part of the British monarchy
Carnaby Street has historic and traditional significance in the UK, as it was located close to the residences of the royal family.
Who wants cafgans and all that
The author views the latest fashions as undesirable and unappealing, particularly caftans.
We don't need them now
The author does not believe that these latest fashions are necessary, and feels they are not truly reflective of good taste.
Why should we accept the change
The author is questioning why the public must blindly follow trends even if they do not like or agree with them.
And buy clothes of today
The public should think carefully about what styles they choose to wear, rather than succumbing to the influence of the fashion industry.
Kids repel the change and
The younger generation has an aversion to current trends and fashions, and are seeking to bring back the traditional styles and sensibilities of the past.
Bring back the street
There is a call to action for the public to revive and restore Carnaby Street to its former glory.
Shops filled by whole nations
The shops on the street are diverse in the range of nationalities and cultures that they represent.
The street is a mirror
The condition and reputation of Carnaby Street reflects on the UK as a whole, and acts as a symbol of British identity.
For our country
The street's condition should be viewed as a matter of national pride and concern.
Reflects the rise and fall
As the song's lyrics continue, Carnaby Street begins to offer a commentary on Britain's fortunes and decline as a country.
Of our nation
Carnaby Street is a representation of British society, both in terms of its physical appearance and its cultural identity.
The street that was a legend
The song recognizes Carnaby Street as an icon in its own time, one that represented a particular moment in British history and culture.
Is a mockery
The street has been changed and cheapened, and is therefore no longer deserving of its reputation or its former significance.
A part of the British tradition
Carnaby Street was historically important and was once recognised as an essential part of British culture and heritage.
Gone down the drain
The song laments the decline of the street, which is no longer given the same respect or attention that it once was.
You don't need no glass ball
The author suggests that the problems with Carnaby Street are plain to see and do not require special insight or understanding.
To see its faults
All you need to do to understand Carnaby Street's current state is to simply look and observe.
Take a walk along that street
The author is urging the listener to visit the street in person to see its condition for themselves.
And you'll see what I mean
The song asserts that anyone who sees Carnaby Street as it is today will understand its problems and will agree with the song's perspective.
Carnaby street
The song is referring to the street itself, which is the subject of its critique and analysis.
(Not what it used to be)
The song recognizes that Carnaby Street has changed in ways that make it different and less desirable than the street it once was.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRUCE FOXTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jayrox40
Classic Foxton. The lyrics are even more appropriate now.
Take a look at the great street
It don't seem the same
Remember how great it should be
Shops are full of fashion
People told what they want
The street that was a part of the
British Monarchy
British Monarchy
Who wants cafgans and all that
We don't need them now
Why should we accept the change
And buy clothes of today
Kids repel the change and
Bring back the street
Shops filled by whole nations
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street
The street is a mirror
For our country
Reflects the rise and fall
Of our nation
The street that was a legend
Is a mockery
A part of the British tradition
Gone down the drain
You don't need no glass ball
To see it's faults
Take a walk along that street
And you'll see what I mean
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street
(not what it used to be)
Carnaby Street
(not what it used to be)
@llewesa100
i REMEMBER WHEN POLYDOR REREALEASED ALL THEIR SINGLES AFTER THEY SPLIT IN 82.I REALLY LIKED ALL THE ARTWORK ON THE COVERS ESPECIALLY THIS ONE
@jayrox40
Classic Foxton. The lyrics are even more appropriate now.
Take a look at the great street
It don't seem the same
Remember how great it should be
Shops are full of fashion
People told what they want
The street that was a part of the
British Monarchy
British Monarchy
Who wants cafgans and all that
We don't need them now
Why should we accept the change
And buy clothes of today
Kids repel the change and
Bring back the street
Shops filled by whole nations
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street
The street is a mirror
For our country
Reflects the rise and fall
Of our nation
The street that was a legend
Is a mockery
A part of the British tradition
Gone down the drain
You don't need no glass ball
To see it's faults
Take a walk along that street
And you'll see what I mean
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street
(not what it used to be)
Carnaby Street
(not what it used to be)
@Cloakanddagger200
what the fuck is a cafgan?
@hfrish
Bought the All Around The World picture cover for 30p at Tower Records in Camberley just after it exited the charts and of course found this Bruce Foxton gem on the flip side - those were the days!
@prodigalson56
Great song! Thanks for putting this up!
@masterofscotland
Foxton's songwriting matched Weller's in my opinion. News of the world, this one, class.
@andrewisotope8146
yeah, It could never match Wellers for consistency though?
@bazookajoe6760
lol sure
@frommetoyou1981
I guess foxtons was nowhere near weller, hence him only writing and singing a few
@allyplumb
Prophetic....And this was in 1977! ...CARNABY STREET is now like any other street now JB SPORTS . COFFEE SHOPS ETC....