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.
David Watts
The Jam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa
I am a dull and simple lad
Cannot tell water from champagne
And I have never met the Queen
And I wish I could have all he has got
Wish I could be like David Watts
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa
And when I lie on my pillow at night
I dream I could fight like David Watts
And lead the school team to victory
Take my exams and pass the lot
Wish I could be like David Watts (wish I could be like)
Wish I could be like David Watts (wish I could be like)
Pump up my life like David Watts (wish I could be like)
Wish I could be like David Watts (wish I could be like)
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa
He is the head boy at the school
He is the captain of the team
He is so gay and fancy-free
And I wish I could have all he has got
Wish I could be like David Watts
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa
And all the girls in the neighborhood
Try to go out with David Watts
They try their best but can't succeed
'Cause he is of pure and noble creed
Wish I could be like David Watts (wish I could be like)
Wish I could be like David Watts (wish I could be like)
Wish I could be like David Watts (wish I could be like)
Wish I could be like David Watts (wish I could be like)
Wish I could be like, wish I could be like
Wish I could be like, wish I could be like (wish, wish)
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa (David Watts)
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa (David Watts)
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa (David Watts)
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa (David Watts)
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa (David Watts)
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa (David Watts)
The Jam's song David Watts is a tribute to a school boy named David Watts, who is well-respected and admired by the singer for possessing qualities that he himself lacks. The song is a reflection of the singer's longing to be like David Watts. The use of repetitive "fa, fa, fa" throughout the song gives it a catchy and upbeat tone.
The first verse sets the tone for the song by describing the singer as a "dull and simple lad" who cannot differentiate between water and champagne. He wishes he could have everything that David Watts has, including leadership qualities, popularity, and the ability to win battles. The second verse describes his desires to be more like David Watts, who is not only the head boy at the school but also the captain of the team. The singer wishes he could take his exams and pass like David Watts.
In the last verse, the song turns slightly melancholic. The singer mentions that all the girls in the neighborhood want to go out with David Watts, but they can't succeed because he is "of pure and noble creed." The song ends with the singer wishing that he could be like David Watts.
Line by Line Meaning
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa
Repetitive musical refrain
I am a dull and simple lad
I have a plain and unremarkable personality
Cannot tell water from champagne
I lack the sophistication to distinguish between two very different things
And I have never met the Queen
I have never had a high-profile or prestigious encounter
And I wish I could have all he has got
I envy the possessions and achievements of David Watts
Wish I could be like David Watts
I aspire to have the same qualities that David Watts has
And when I lie on my pillow at night
I daydream of being someone different
I dream I could fight like David Watts
I wish I had David Watts' physical abilities
And lead the school team to victory
I wish I could lead a successful team like David Watts
Take my exams and pass the lot
I wish I could be as intelligent and successful in school as David Watts
He is the head boy at the school
David Watts is an important figure at the school
He is the captain of the team
David Watts is the leader of the sports team
He is so gay and fancy-free
David Watts is carefree and happy
And all the girls in the neighborhood
All the girls around David Watts
Try to go out with David Watts
Wish to date David Watts
They try their best but can't succeed
Despite their attempts, they are unsuccessful in winning his affections
'Cause he is of pure and noble creed
David Watts has an admirable and honorable personality
Wish I could be like, wish I could be like
I really wish to become like David Watts
Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa
Repetitive musical refrain
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Raymond Douglas Davies
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Animationgatecom
Its funny cos my name is David Watts
@philt1771
Thanks for all the great songs Sir Ray Davies!
@Genghis-Khan121
Exactly ✍️👌
@wideernie
Probably the best ever cover version.
@davegibbs6423
They meant it.
The Kinks were being funny.
@johnord684
Better i think
@t.c.bramblett617
@@davegibbs6423 exactly... the irony is much more bitter in the Jam's song, to the point where it clearly becomes yearning and anger instead of just mockery
@littlenicola6726
Going listen to kinks now I'm compare I bet the jam wins x
@happentodie
god i miss the jam !!!
@JoeMasonBCFC
One of the best songs ive heard. Such a cool song!