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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Move On Up
The Jam Lyrics
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Your folks might understand you by and by
Move on up towards your destination
You may find from time to time
Complications
Bight your lip and take a trip
Though there may be wet road ahead
You cannot slip
Into the steeple of beautiful people
Where there's only one kind
So hush now child and don't you cry
Your folks might understand you by and by
Just move on up and keep on wishing
Remember your dreams are your only schemes
So keep on pushing
Take nothing less - not even second best
And do not obey - you must have your say
You can past the test
Move on up!
The lyrics to "Move On Up" by The Jam convey a message of hope, perseverance, and resilience. The song encourages the listener to not give up and to keep striving towards their goals despite the obstacles they may face along the way. The opening lines, "Hush now child and don't you cry. Your folks might understand you by and by," suggest that the listener may feel misunderstood or unsupported by those around them, but reassures them that things will improve in due time. The following lines, "Move on up towards your destination. You may find from time to time complications. Bite your lip and take a trip though there may be wet road ahead. You cannot slip," emphasize the importance of pushing through difficulties and staying focused on the end goal.
The song also highlights the idea that success is attainable through hard work and determination. The lines "Take nothing less - not even second best. And do not obey - you must have your say. You can pass the test" urge the listener to strive for excellence and to assert their own agency in their lives. The message of the song ultimately culminates in the chorus, "Move on up," which encourages the listener to keep climbing higher and higher.
Line by Line Meaning
Hush now child and don't you cry
Quiet down now, child, there's no need to cry
Your folks might understand you by and by
Your parents may come to understand you in time
Move on up towards your destination
Keep progressing towards your goal
You may find from time to time Complications
There may be difficulties along the way
Bight your lip and take a trip
Grind your teeth and keep moving forward
Though there may be wet road ahead
Even if the road ahead is slippery
You cannot slip
Don't give up or let obstacles stop you
So move on up and peace you will find
So keep going and eventually you'll find serenity
Into the steeple of beautiful people
Among the delightful and like-minded individuals
Where there's only one kind
Belonging and acceptance is universal
Just move on up and keep on wishing
Don't hesitate or doubt your aspirations
Remember your dreams are your only schemes
Remind yourself that your goals are entirely up to you
So keep on pushing
So keep striving and working hard
Take nothing less - not even second best
Don't settle for less than you truly deserve
And do not obey - you must have your say
Forge your own path and make your own choices
You can past the test
You have what it takes to succeed
Move on up!
Keep moving upwards and onwards
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Curtis L. Mayfield
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Because the Internet
The way this blends Mayfield's smooth soulfulness with a bit of the frenetic post punk energy is just chef's kiss
Targeted Individual 808
Takes me back to my youth. Got to see the Jam in SF. It was assigned seating, but the very second The Jam hit the stage we all went nuts and rushed the stage. One of the best shows ever.
Kevin Bird
Still one of the best bands ever. Saw them live. Amazing. Weller and Co are legends
Rob McAleer
This is gold on so many levels. Can't believe I had not seen this. Thank you for making my day.
jonathan Steadman
first saw the Jam in '79 , Setting Sons tour, became a fan for all the power and intensity of the live shows. watching this shows what a superb band they were !
stinking polecat
best band that ever lived...........
Steve Bowness
Great Band but best band that ever lived???🤔
harpothehealer
Yeah for me here is Paul and the jam at their very best. Great delivery
PX125E
I had this whole gig on vhs. It was my first taste of seeing the styles of Rick, Bruce and Mr Weller. After that I was hooked.
j femonanon
This is such a fucking great full sound with the horns and backing vocals and BRUCE just kills this!! >> but, of course, they are all playing off of Paul's energy....damn great rendition of this song