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".
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Start!
The Jam Lyrics
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Nor I to know yours
If we communicate for two minutes only
It will be enough
For knowing that someone in this world
Feels as desperate as me
And what you give is what you get
What we have said will always remain
If we get through for two minutes only
It will be a start
For knowing that someone in this life
Loves with a passion called hate
And what you give is what you get
If I never-ever see you (if I never-ever see you)
If I never-ever see you (if I never-ever see you)
If I never-ever see you again
If I never-ever see you (see you, see you)
If I never-ever see you (see you, see you)
If I never-ever see you again
And what you give is what you get
And what you give is what you get
And what you give is what you get
And what you give is what you get
The Jam's song "Start!" is a call to action for human connection and understanding. The lyrics are an appeal to empathy; the idea that two strangers can briefly converse and feel a deep connection just by recognizing the shared human experience. Lead singer, Paul Weller, sings "It's not important for you to know my name, Nor I to know yours", emphasizing that social and cultural backgrounds are not essential to establish a bond with others. The song suggests that two minutes of communication between two strangers can be enough to recognize that someone else may feel the same emotions, such as desperation or love.
The lyrics express the idea that every interaction, no matter how brief, could be the start of a deeper, meaningful conversation, relationship or connection. The song's title, "Start!", reinforces this sentiment. The song encourages the listener to put aside their reservations and start connecting with others, even if it means stepping out of their comfort zone. Weller sings, "If we get through for two minutes only, It will be a start", highlighting that the connection between two people needs to start somewhere.
Overall, the song can be interpreted as a message to acknowledge and appreciate our shared humanity. It is a reminder that every person we meet may be struggling with their own feelings of desperation or love, and that every conversation, no matter how brief, can make a difference.
Line by Line Meaning
It's not important for you to know my name
My identity is insignificant in this moment and doesn't determine the value of our exchange.
Nor I to know yours
Similarly, your name means nothing to me and doesn't affect our interaction.
If we communicate for two minutes only
Even a brief connection can have meaning and impact on our lives.
It will be enough
Two minutes of conversation is all that's needed to establish a connection between two human beings.
For knowing that someone in this world
This interaction brings awareness that there is someone else in the world feeling similar emotions.
Feels as desperate as me
The desperation I feel in this moment is shared by others.
And what you give is what you get
The energy and emotion we bring to our interactions influences what we receive in return.
It doesn't matter if we never meet again
The connection we established is valuable, even if it never happens again.
What we have said will always remain
Our words and emotions will be remembered even if we never have another interaction.
For knowing that someone in this life
This moment of connection helps us realize that others are experiencing life alongside us.
Loves with a passion called hate
Our strongest emotions are often complex and intertwined, and love can manifest in unexpected ways.
If I never-ever see you (if I never-ever see you)
Even if we never cross paths again, this moment still holds meaning.
And what you give is what you get
Again emphasizing that our interactions are shaped by the energy we give and receive.
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind