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".
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Don't Tell 'em You're Sane
The Jam Lyrics
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At least that's what the doctors say he is
Shut in his room for hours on end
Looks like he's forgotten, but is he
His mind it ticks, more than you know
One day something in his head will click
Warders fill him full of lies, he fights he knows
They'll never convince him that he's mad!
Just a word out of place, he's sent to his room
Don't tell them you're sane
They'll laugh and put you to sleep
Don't tell them you're sane, but you are
Tell me what you did today, was it good
What was it like and who was it with
Don't think I'm prying I'd just like to know
Why it is you do things so slow
Take him to the doctor, see what he says
I don't know why he bothers, he's in for good
The Jam's "Don't Tell 'em You're Sane" is a poignant exploration of mental illness from the perspective of someone who is trapped in a psychiatric institution. The song paints a vivid picture of a young man who is constantly deemed "sick in his head" by the doctors and warders who are responsible for him. The boy's isolation from the outside world is emphasized by the fact that he is "shut in his room for hours on end," seemingly forgotten by those who are supposed to be caring for him. However, the lyrics suggest that there is more to this young man than meets the eye - his mind is active, ticking away, and it is suggested that he might one day find a way to break free from his confinement.
Despite the boy's clear mental anguish, the song takes a cynical view of those who are meant to be helping him. The warders are portrayed as lying and insincere, only interested in falsely convincing the young man that he is "mad" so that they can continue to control him. The chorus ("Don't tell them you're sane, they'll laugh and put you to sleep / Don't tell them you're sane, but you are") is a powerful statement about how the medical establishment can sometimes dismiss people who are struggling with mental illness, treating them as though they are delusional or hallucinating rather than acknowledging their pain and trying to help them overcome it.
Overall, "Don't Tell 'em You're Sane" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged song that still resonates today in a world where mental health is still often stigmatized and misunderstood.
Line by Line Meaning
A boy I know is sick in his head
There's a boy I know who's been declared mentally ill
At least that's what the doctors say he is
This boy is considered mentally ill by medical professionals
Shut in his room for hours on end
He spends extended periods of time in his room, isolated from others
Looks like he's forgotten, but is he
Although he seems lost or confused, he might be fully aware of his situation
His mind it ticks, more than you know
His thought process is more intricate than most people realize
One day something in his head will click
At some point, he might have a realization that changes his current state
Warders fill him full of lies, he fights he knows
The staff tries to manipulate him, but he is aware of their deception and resists
They'll never convince him that he's mad!
He firmly believes that he is not insane, and won't be convinced otherwise
At breakfast he is strapped in a chair (won't go far)
For his own safety, he is restrained during certain times, such as meals
Just a word out of place, he's sent to his room
Even a small mistake or issue can result in him being further isolated
Don't tell them you're sane
He is advised not to declare that he is sane, as others will not believe him
They'll laugh and put you to sleep
If he were to say he is sane, others would ridicule him and possibly force him to take medication
Don't tell them you're sane, but you are
Despite advice to the contrary, he knows that he is not insane
Tell me what you did today, was it good
Someone is trying to connect with him and learn about his day-to-day life
What was it like and who was it with
They want specific details about what he did and with whom
Don't think I'm prying I'd just like to know
They want him to know that they are curious and not trying to intrude on his privacy
Why it is you do things so slow
They inquire about his slow pace or possibly lack of motivation
Take him to the doctor, see what he says
Someone suggests that he be taken to a medical professional for a diagnosis or advice
I don't know why he bothers, he's in for good
The singer does not understand why the boy or any family members bother with seeking medical help, as he may be institutionalized indefinitely
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing
Written by: BRUCE FOXTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
clarenceclutterbuck
Didn't realize this one was written by Bruce Foxton. Good stuff! The energy level makes me tired just listening to it!
Granto 67
Best band ever ❤
TimmyGreenDay
Top track Bruce !
Grithron2
This song has the mark of being chiefly written by a bass-player - it's more harmonically adventurous than any contemporaneous Weller song.
We know the literary inspiration for it - but it's still a matter for debate as to what that coda signifies.
Cormac White
Genius
britney curtis
The angry young man from Staines done good!
jonathan Steadman
If you mean the Jam they're from Woking, Surrey.
Marco Medrano
Very mod.