Smithers-Jones

The Jam

About Smithers-Jones

Smithers-Jones is a song written by the English punk rock/mod revival band The Jam. The song was initially recorded as a straightforward rock take for the B-side of the non-album single "When You're Young" (released in August, 1979). The song was re-worked with an all-strings arrangement at the suggestion of the band's drummer, Rick Buckler. This was for inclusion upon The Jam's fourth album Setting Sons released in November 1979. Smithers-Jones differs from the majority of self-penned tracks by The Jam in that the song was not written by the band's guitarist and vocalist, Paul Weller. It was instead written by bassist and vocalist Bruce Foxton. The song is widely considered to be Foxton's finest songwriting contribution to The Jam, with the lyrical inspiration drawing from Foxton's own father who had decided to retire upon being made redundant. Following the dissolution of the Jam, Foxton regularly performed the song with Belfast-based punk band Stiff Little Fingers, whom he subsequently joined in 1990. 


Year:
1983
140 

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Here we go again, it's Monday at last,
He's heading for the Waterloo line,
To catch the 8 a.m. fast, its usually dead on time,
Hope it isn't late, got to be there by nine.
Pin stripe suit, clean shirt and tie,
Stops off at the corner shop, to buy The Times
'Good Morning Smithers-Jones'
'How's the wife and home?'
'Did you get the car you've been looking for?'

Let me get inside you, let me take control of you,
We could have some good times,
All this worry will get you down,
I'll give you a new meaning to life - I don't think so.

Sitting on the train, you're nearly there
You're part of the production line,
You're the same as him, you're like tin-sardines,
Get out of the pack, before they peel you back.

Arrive at the office, spot on time,
The clock on the wall hasn't yet struck nine,
'Good Morning Smithers Jones'
'The boss wants to see you alone'
'I hope its the promotion you've been looking for'

'Come in Smithers old boy'
'Take a seat, take the weight off your feet'
'I've some news to tell you'
'There's no longer a position for you' -
'Sorry Smithers Jones'.

Put on the kettle and make some tea
It's all a part of feeling groovie
Put on your slippers turn on the TV
It's all a part of feeling groovie
It's time to relax, now you've worked your arse off
But the only one smilin' is the sun tanned boss
Work and work and work and work till you die
There's plenty more fish in the sea to fry

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The Jam

The Jam were an English punk rock/New Wave/mod revival band active during the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were formed in Woking, Surrey. While they shared the "angry young men" outlook and fast tempos of their punk rock contemporaries, The Jam wore smartly tailored suits rather than ripped clothes, and they incorporated a number of mainstream 1960s rock and R&B influences rather than rejecting them, placing The Jam at the forefront of the mod revival movement. more »

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Written by: BRUCE FOXTON

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Band History
"Smithers-Jones" is a song by The Jam, a British band renowned for their versatile style, blending rock, punk, and new wave music.
Composition
It was written by Bruce Foxton, bass guitarist of the band, who wrote only a handful of songs for The Jam.
Album Name
The song first appeared in The Jam's album "Setting Sons," released in 1979.
Song Theme
"Smithers-Jones" lyrically reflects the dissatisfaction and disillusionment of a middle-class worker with his life and job, making a statement against the dehumanization by corporate culture.
Single Release
A different version of "Smithers-Jones" was released as B-side to "When You're Young," one of The Jam's singles, in the same year.
Arrangement
The album version of "Smithers-Jones" features only a bass guitar and vocals, while the B-side version includes a full orchestra - a result of experimentation on part of the band.
Musical Genre
Regarded as one of the band’s more experimental songs, it also showcased The Jam’s versatility and willingness to explore beyond punk and mod-revival genres.
Live Performances
In live performances, Bruce Foxton was generally on lead vocals with this song.
Critics' View
Many music critics have praised "Smithers-Jones" for its lyrical profundity and its interesting blend of musical styles.
On Public Media
The orchestral version of "Smithers-Jones" also featured in the BBC Four Documentary "The Story of Indie".
Cover Versions
This song has been covered by multiple artists, including British musician Noel Gallagher of Oasis fame during his live performances.
In Popular Culture
"Smithers-Jones" has been used in the soundtracks of several TV shows and movies, testifying to its enduring appeal and relevance.

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