1) Status Quo was fo… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least two bands named Traffic Jam
1) Status Quo was formed in 1962 under the name "The Scorpions". By 1967, the group had discovered psychedelia and named themselves Traffic, but were soon forced to change it to "Traffic Jam" to avoid confusion with Steve Winwood's Traffic, following an argument over who had registered the name first.
Formed in 1962 by Francis Rossi and Alan Lancaster at Sedgehill Comprehensive School, Catford, along with classmates Alan Key (drums) and Jess Jaworski (keyboards). Rossi and Lancaster played their first gig at the Samuel Jones Sports Club in Dulwich, London. In 1963, Key was replaced by John Coghlan and the band changed name to "The Spectres". They began writing their own material and after a year met Rick Parfitt who was playing with a cabaret band called The Highlights. By the end of 1965, Rossi and Parfitt, who had become close friends, made a commitment to continue working together. On 18 July 1966, The Spectres signed a five-year deal with Piccadilly Records, releasing two singles that year, "I (Who Have Nothing)" and "Hurdy Gurdy Man" (written by Alan Lancaster), and one the next year called "(We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet" (a song originally recorded by New York psychedelic band The Blues Magoos). All three singles failed to make an impact on the charts. Parfitt joined the band in 1967.
By 1967, the group had discovered psychedelia and named themselves Traffic, but were soon forced to change it to "Traffic Jam" to avoid confusion with Steve Winwood's Traffic, following an argument over who had registered the name first. The band, with newly-joined organist Roy Lynes, secured an appearance on BBC Radio's Saturday Club, but their next single, "Almost But Not Quite There", underperformed.
In late 1967, the group were now officially calling themselves Status Quo, and in January 1968 released the psychedelic-flavoured "Pictures of Matchstick Men". Rick Parfitt was invited to join the band just as the song hit the UK Singles Chart, reaching number seven; "Matchstick Men" additionally became the group's only Top 40 hit in the United States, peaking at number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100. Although Status Quo's albums have been released in the United States throughout their career, they never achieved the same level of success as they have in their home country.
2) Traffic Jam band exists since 1998 and was founded by two gentlemen: Karol Ptach and Wiktor Kurc (www.Graphvic.pl). They create difficult to define music, which is a good blend synth-pop, experimental electronic music, deep-house and electro. They describe their music as a fusion of voice transformation and emotional electronic musical landscapes.
They played concerts with such bands as Swayzak, Skalpel or Tworzywo Sztuczne. Quite recently their number βMontrealβ was published on a notable collection of a SITE-REC netlabel, which has not go unnoticed and the number was used by dj Q-Man in his βNight Glowβ set that was published in German SUBSOURCE
more on www.trafficjam.3h.pl, www.netlabel.pl
Far Too Long
Traffic Jam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Itβs not all the old frustration but it would be partly matched
I just thought of times gone by
How friends of mine seem to run while I
Got a feeling of standing still until I die
Though I know I often feel quite strange still Iβm never prepared
Must be some kind of ignorance that helps me not to be scaredOn my way to stumble ahead
Though times are rough and people are bad
To find this state of mind I once had
Itβs far too long since I felt good
Some say that somehow
My dreams will come true but right now
Itβs way too hard to know I could
Be laughing in the sun
Instead of feeling my dreams all come untrue
Guess it takes a while for everyone to accept the person you are
We have to face our normality, out depravity or that we wonβt become a star
But it is this pain that heals
Unlocks the doors and breaks the seals
That cleanses, burns and finally reveals
Itβs far too long since I felt good
Some say that somehow
My dreams will come true but right now
Itβs way too hard to know I could
Be laughing in the sun
Instead of feeling my dreams all come untrue
Itβs far too long since I felt goodSome say that somehow
My dreams will come true but right now
Itβs way too hard to know I could
Be laughing in the sun
Instead of feeling my dreams are all gone
Could be laughing in the sun
Instead of feeling my dreams all come untrue
In "Far Too Long," Traffic Jam evokes a deep sense of introspection and emotional conflict that many listeners may find relatable. The lyrics depict a protagonist wrestling with feelings of stagnation and unfulfilled dreams, painting a vivid picture of someone grappling with their internal state of mind. The opening lines reveal a frustration that the singer struggles to articulate, feeling as if they are trapped in a cycle of reflection and disappointment, particularly when they think about the passage of time and lost friendships. This idea of standing still until death encapsulates the feeling of existentialismβan awareness of the inevitable mortality that becomes even more pronounced when contrasted with the swift movement of those around them. The juxtaposition of motion and stillness in these lines highlights a profound sense of loneliness and disconnection, emphasizing the struggle to find purpose in the face of stagnation.
Moving deeper into the song, the singer acknowledges their emotional complexity, recognizing that their feelings of strangeness and discomfort do not completely paralyze them. Instead, they hint at a form of ignoranceβor perhaps an innocent naivetΓ©βthat allows them to navigate through life without being overwhelmed by fear. This acceptance of vulnerability signifies a latent resilience as they continue on their journey despite the chaos surrounding them. The mention of "stumbling ahead" suggests a willingness to forge on through adversity, yet the longing for a state of mind where they previously felt comfort and happiness indicates a struggle to reignite a spark. It is in this juxtaposition of hope and despair where the lyrical narrative deepens, as the singer clings to the faint possibility of regaining that happier state.
The recurring line, "Itβs far too long since I felt good," serves as an anchor throughout the song, encapsulating the profound sense of weariness that has taken hold of the singer. This refrain underscores a sense of longing and regret for a time when optimism came easily, and contrasts sharply with their current emotional landscape. The repeated acknowledgment that dreams could come true serves as a bittersweet reminder of hope; however, the overwhelming weight of reality seems to overshadow this belief now. This alternate vision of laughter and joy in the sun represents a life unencumbered by doubt and despair, yet the singer feels stuck in a loop of disappointment. It becomes clear that the song captures not only the yearning for happier days but also the complexity of coming to terms with lifeβs unpredictabilities.
The closing verses echo themes of acceptance and resilience amidst hardship, reinforcing the idea that personal pain can act as a catalyst for growth and transformation. The lyrics suggest that confronting oneβs own flaws and the stark realities of life is crucial to unlocking potential and revealing deeper truthsβreflecting a journey of self-discovery. The notion that "pain heals" highlights an important paradox; through suffering, the singer may ultimately find clarity and empowerment. The acceptance of oneβs "normality" and "depravity" resonates with the broader existential questions we all face regarding identity and worth. Despite the heaviness in the narrative, there remains a glimmer of hope, emphasizing that amidst the obstacles, there lies an opportunity for rebirth and renewal. The refrain encapsulates this tension, alternating between despair and the flickering possibility of joy, making it a poignant exploration of the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
I sit here with a stupid feeling, itβs something I canβt quite catch
I find myself overwhelmed by an inexplicable emotion that eludes my understanding.
Itβs not all the old frustration but it would be partly matched
While this feeling isn't entirely rooted in past frustrations, it has some similarities to them.
I just thought of times gone by
I've been reflecting on my past experiences.
How friends of mine seem to run while I
Observing how my friends seem to move on while I remain stagnant.
Got a feeling of standing still until I die
I'm burdened by a sense of immobility, as if I will remain in this state indefinitely.
Though I know I often feel quite strange still Iβm never prepared
Despite my awareness of my unusual feelings, I am never truly ready to face them.
Must be some kind of ignorance that helps me not to be scared
Perhaps my lack of awareness provides a safeguard against fear.
On my way to stumble ahead
I am moving forward, albeit clumsily and with uncertainty.
Though times are rough and people are bad
Despite the challenging circumstances and the negativity of others.
To find this state of mind I once had
I long to rediscover a mindset of contentment I used to possess.
Itβs far too long since I felt good
A considerable time has passed since I experienced genuine happiness.
Some say that somehow
People often claim that eventually, things will change.
My dreams will come true but right now
While thereβs hope that my aspirations will materialize, presently it feels distant.
Itβs way too hard to know I could
I find it exceedingly difficult to believe that my dreams are attainable.
Be laughing in the sun
Imagining a life filled with joy and warmth.
Instead of feeling my dreams all come untrue
Rather than experiencing the painful reality of my unfulfilled aspirations.
Guess it takes a while for everyone to accept the person you are
Acknowledgment of the fact that self-acceptance and societal acceptance are gradual processes.
We have to face our normality, out depravity or that we wonβt become a star
We must confront our ordinary realities and shortcomings if we wish to achieve success.
But it is this pain that heals
The struggles we face can lead to growth and recovery.
Unlocks the doors and breaks the seals
This pain can open new opportunities and remove barriers in life.
That cleanses, burns and finally reveals
Through this process, what is negative is purged, leading to clarity and revelation.
Itβs far too long since I felt good
Once again expressing the significant duration since I felt true happiness.
Some say that somehow
Reiterating the belief that change might occur eventually.
My dreams will come true but right now
With the ideal of achieving my dreams still lingering, but feeling that it's not the present reality.
Itβs way too hard to know I could
Acknowledging the difficulty of perceiving that my aspirations are within reach.
Be laughing in the sun
Wishing again for a joyful and carefree existence.
Instead of feeling my dreams all come untrue
Longing for the opposite experience of my aspirations failing to materialize.
Itβs far too long since I felt good
Reaffirming the lengthy period of unhappiness I've endured.
Some say that somehow
Returning to the sentiment that change may eventually happen.
My dreams will come true but right now
Continuing to hold out hope for my dreams, even while it feels distant.
Itβs way too hard to know I could
Echoing the struggle to believe in the possibility of achieving my goals.
Be laughing in the sun
Again envisioning a life filled with joy.
Instead of feeling my dreams all come untrue
Yearning for the opposite situation of dreams that never come to fruition.
Could be laughing in the sun
Hopeful that I could find happiness and fulfillment.
Instead of feeling my dreams all come untrue
Wishing to escape the feeling of dreams failing to materialize.
Lyrics Β© Music Hub O/B/O GEMA
Written by: Christopher Tucker, Robert MΓΌller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind