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 Jamβs 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 bandβs 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.
Mr. Clean
The Jam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A piece of toast from the one you love most, and you leave
You get your bus in the eight o'clock rush
And catch your train in the morning rain
Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean
If you see me in the street, look away
'Cause I don't ever want to catch you looking at me, Mr. Clean
And if I get the chance I'll fuck up your life
Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean
Is that seen?
Surround yourself with dreams
Of pretty young girls, and anyone you want, but
Please don't forget me or any of my kind
'Cause I'll make you think again
When I stick your face in the grind
Getting pissed at the annual office do
Smart blue suit and you went to Cambridge too
You miss page three, but the Times is right for you
And mum and dad are very proud of you
Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean
Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean
The song "Mr. Clean" by The Jam is a commentary on societal expectations and societal norms, particularly in regards to class and the way we see ourselves and others. The song begins with the mundane routine of waking up and leaving for work, repeating the chorus of "Mr. Clean" as if this is the expected norm and identity for the singer. However, the mood completely changes in the second verse, as the singer shows disgust towards those who he sees as conforming to societal expectations, particularly those who are "Mr. Clean". He sees himself as a rebel against the norm and is not afraid to let others know it. The singer surrounds himself with dreams of pretty young girls and fantasizes about disrupting the lives of those who he deems unworthy.
Line by Line Meaning
Daylights dawns, you wake up and yawn, Mr. Clean
You start your day with a typical morning routine and you are referred to as Mr. Clean.
A piece of toast from the one you love most, and you leave
Your loved one gives you breakfast before you head out for the day.
You get your bus in the eight o'clock rush
And catch your train in the morning rain
Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean
You take public transportation to get to work and this has become your daily routine.
If you see me in the street, look away
'Cause I don't ever want to catch you looking at me, Mr. Clean
'Cause I hate you and your wife
And if I get the chance I'll fuck up your life
Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean
Is that seen?
If you cross paths with me, I want you to ignore me since I despise you and your wife. I would even cause harm to you if given the opportunity.
Surround yourself with dreams
Of pretty young girls, and anyone you want, but
Please don't forget me or any of my kind
'Cause I'll make you think again
When I stick your face in the grind
You can have whatever fantasies you desire, but don't overlook people like me. If you do, you'll regret it and face the consequences.
Getting pissed at the annual office do
Smart blue suit and you went to Cambridge too
You miss page three, but the Times is right for you
And mum and dad are very proud of you
Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean
Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean
You attend the yearly office party and dress to impress, having even attended an ivy league university. You read the Times instead of page three and your parents take great pride in your achievements.
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@buzby303
βDaylight dawns
You wake up and yawn
Mr. Clean
A piece of toast
From the one you love most
And you leave
You catch your bus
In the eight o'clock rush
And catch your train
In the morning rain
Mr. Clean
Mr. Clean
If you see me
In the street
Look away
'Cause I don't ever want to catch you
Looking at me
Mr. Clean
'Cause I hate you
And your wife
And if I get the chance
I'll fuck up your life
Mr. Clean
Mr. Clean
Is that seen?
Surround yourself with dreams
Of pretty young girls
And anyone you want, but
Please don't forget me
Or any of my kind
'Cause I'll make you think again
When I stick your face in the grind
Getting pissed
At the annual office do
A smart blue suit
And you went to Cambridge too
You miss Page 3
But The Times is right for you
And Mum and Dad
Are very proud of you
Mr. Clean
Mr. Clean
Mr. Clean
Mr. Cleanβ
Weller
ππΌ
@TheMusicalElitist
One of the reasons why I love The Jam's music so much is because it's incredibly relatable - case in point: I'm sure we all know a Mr. Clean. On the surface: a well respected, educated man. On the inside: a sleazy, vulgar character who despises anyone from the working class.
@buzby303
We are all a βMr Cleanβ at stages of our life
@Adonis1884
No you know you're young when you still listen to this!! Good music never gets old!!
@lobbhill
I loved The Jam, what a great band, mid to late 70s & early 80s were brilliant their were some awesome bands
@lolbones737
One of my favourite Jam tracks weller at his finest π
@maleproz
I've grown up listening to weller since i was 8 (1978), the guy is a genius!
@graemepae100
Same age. Been a fan since. Must add that Dig the New Breed has always been a favourite of mine and Noel Gallagher's cover of "To Be Someone" is near perfect!
@Dodgerzden
I was 20 or 21 and this song was actually played on a progressive rock station in New Jersey which led me to discover The Jam. All my friends and my brother made fun of me for being a fan until they heard the music.
@Dodgerzden
This song is the one that was played on the radio on WNEW in New York or New Jersey that led me to discover The Jam.
@justinobrien3593
Love this song π΅ it takes me back to being a very young child I was about 6 when I first heard my older brother playing this on vinyl! It seems like yesterday the jam πΈ was one of the best 70s 80s uk bands of that period I think!!! I listen to this song regularly as it takes me back to so many majical happy memories ππ₯³π₯³π₯³