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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London Girl
The Jam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Streets of gold, fame and fortune?
You didn't fancy working in a factory
But your mum and dad didn't agree
You slept on Waterloo station at first
But now you've moved to a posher squat
You wonder where your next meal will come from
You're looking tired 'cause it's been three weeks
Since you changed your clothes or washed your feet
But you're learning fast all the time
How to cadge cigarettes and pills
I don't condemn what you done
I know what it is to be young
You're only searching for today
To see the answers about yesterday -
And I hope you find
The Jam's song "London Girl" is a poetic commentary on the struggles of a young woman who moves to London in search of a better life. The lyrics describe the girl's hopes and dreams, as well as the harsh reality of her situation. The song suggests that this young woman is "only searching for today," and that she is looking for answers about her past.
The first verse describes the girl's aspirations for a better life. The streets of gold, fame, and fortune are a metaphor for the young woman's desire to escape her current situation and achieve success. However, her parents do not agree with her dreams, and she must make her own way. The second verse depicts the girl's struggles as she navigates life in London. She is homeless, living in a squat, and must find ways to support herself. The third verse is a commentary on the girl's lifestyle. She is dirty and tired, but she is learning how to survive in the city.
The chorus of the song is a message of understanding and empathy for the young woman. The singer of the song does not judge her, but instead recognizes that she is searching for answers about her past. He hopes that she finds what she is looking for.
Overall, "London Girl" is a powerful commentary on the struggles of young people who move to the city in search of a better life. The song recognizes the challenges and hardships they face, but also offers a message of hope and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you know what you're looking for?
Are you aware of what exactly you wish to achieve or find?
Streets of gold, fame and fortune?
Do you desire the lavish lifestyle of fame, wealth and luxury?
You didn't fancy working in a factory
But your mum and dad didn't agree
You didn't want to work in a factory, however, your parents did not approve of your decision.
You slept on Waterloo station at first
But now you've moved to a posher squat
Initially, you used to sleep at Waterloo station, but you have now shifted to a comparatively better place.
You wonder where your next meal will come from
Still it's better than living at home
You are unsure about where your next food will come from, but you still consider it better to be away from your home.
You're looking tired 'cause it's been three weeks
Since you changed your clothes or washed your feet
You appear exhausted since you haven't changed clothes or washed feet in three weeks.
But you're learning fast all the time
How to cadge cigarettes and pills
You are quickly learning how to obtain cigarettes and pills through begging or other means.
I don't condemn what you done
I know what it is to be young
I do not blame you for your actions, as I understand that it is natural to be reckless and adventurous when young.
You're only searching for today
To see the answers about yesterday -
You are just trying to explore the current day to find explanations about your past.
And I hope you find
I wish for your success and happiness.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Corinne Hansen
This is absolutely superb.. Love Wellers teenage angst.