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.
Shopping
The Jam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With clothes at the top of my list
You could steal things from the jewelry department
But you can't take kind or steal a kiss
As I flit from shop window to window
I'm trying to pick up a friendly bargin
But its not like the adverts all make out
And there's no one to greet you as a friend
I dress myself for the part
I smile but it just don't work
Something about my face - must just be the wrong shape
I better try another brand pretty quick
I'm haunted by the colours and holding a reminder that I must be inadequate
High town - high street connection
With clothes at the top of my list
The Jam's "Shopping" is a commentary on consumerism and the disillusionment that comes with it. The opening lines describe the connection between high society and the high street, hinting at the idea that social status and material possessions go hand in hand. The singer then lists clothes at the top of their shopping list, indicating that these physical objects are of utmost importance to them. However, the lyrics juxtapose this desire with the idea of stealing - that while objects can be taken, true human connection or affection cannot be stolen in the same way.
Line by Line Meaning
High town - high street connections
I am in an area with upscale shops and a busy shopping district
With clothes at the top of my list
I am focused on buying new clothes above all other things
You could steal things from the jewelry department
It's possible to steal items from the fancy jewelry section, but it's not right
But you can't take kind or steal a kiss
Stealing things doesn't bring happiness or love
As I flit from shop window to window
I am quickly moving from one store to another, browsing their displays
I'm trying to pick up a friendly bargin
I'm hoping to find a good deal and make a friendly connection with a salesperson
But its not like the adverts all make out
The commercials and ads for these stores are deceiving and not reflective of reality
And there's no one to greet you as a friend
Salespeople are not genuinely friendly and don't form real connections with shoppers
I dress myself for the part
I dress up to fit in with the fashionable crowd at the shops
I smile but it just don't work
I try to appear happy and confident, but it's not genuine
Something about my face - must just be the wrong shape
I feel insecure about my appearance and think it's holding me back
I better try another brand pretty quick
I decide to try shopping at a different store to see if it makes a difference
I'm haunted by the colours and holding a reminder that I must be inadequate
The bright colors and trendy styles remind me that I'm not good enough or stylish enough
High town - high street connection
Despite all this, I am still drawn to this upscale shopping area and the latest fashion trends
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@genki2genki
Can't believe people are debating who is on vocals here. It's Paul.
@Philmod68
Yeah.....like a big DUHHHHH hahaha!
@mikepitts3130
Beautiful. One of my favorite songs ever. Lovely melancholic rapsody with definitely Paul on vocals.
@gazriley624
very Kinks ish lyrics love it
@nickphiggins
My only wish in this short life is that The Jam came back for a one off tour - a guaranteed sell out for sure and closure for so many fans who missed seeing them live when they had the chance……I would pay anything they asked to see this…….
@Philmod68
Listen to the first Style Council record "Cafe Bleu"....DEFINITELY without question....Paul singing!
@lizardking067
My favorite by the Jam and it was a B side, fantastic!
@TheFakeyCakeMaker
No, it was on All Mod Cons.
@ernestotoccalino4683
Awesome!!
@mrlowry6359
Shopping is An A-side. Nothing besides that. Creative Musician's. Never mind today's mannequins. This Is Real Music.