Just Who is the 5 O'Clock Hero
The Jam
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Hello, darlin', I'm home again Covered in shit and aches and pains Too knackered to think, so give me time to come round Just gimme the living room beat to the TV sound My hard earned dough goes in bills and the larder And that Prince Philip tells us we gotta work harder It seems a constant struggle just to exist Scrimping and saving and crossing of lists From this window I've seen the whole world pass From dawn to dusk I've heard the last laugh laughed I've seen enough tears to wash away this street I've heard wedding bells chime and a funeral march When as one life finishes another one starts Alright then, love, so I'll be off now It's back to the lunch box and worker-management rows There's gotta be more to this old life then this Scrimping and saving and crossing of lists
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Written by: PAUL WELLER
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Band Origin"Just Who Is the 5 O’Clock Hero" is a song by The Jam, an English band that rose to fame during the punk rock movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The band, consisting of members Paul Weller, Rick Buckler, and Bruce Foxton, is known for their blend of rock, punk, and new wave elements.
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Song ReleaseThe single was initially released in the Netherlands in June 1982, before being included in the UK version of the band’s sixth and final album, "The Gift", which was released later that year.
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Chart PerformanceAlthough "Just Who Is the 5 O’Clock Hero" was not released as a standalone single in the UK, it didn't hinder its success. On the back of imports alone, the song managed to peak at #8 on the UK Singles Chart, demonstrating the band’s popularity at the time.
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Cultural RelevanceThe song's title, "Just Who Is the 5 O’Clock Hero", hints at the lyrical content - it addresses the mundane and monotonous life of the average worker, echoing the discontent and disillusionment that was prevalent in Britain in the 1980s.
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Limited Edition ReleaseA limited edition "mint pack" version of the album that contained this song also included three extra tracks: "The Great Depression", "War" and "Pity Poor Alfie".
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Music StyleThe song showcases a distinct stylistic shift from their earlier punk-inspired sound toward a more soul-influenced style, reflecting lead singer Paul Weller’s growing interest in this genre.
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LyricsStardom and the everyday life of a working-class hero are merged in this song. In it, Weller sings about a man who gets up at five o'clock, to grunt and sweat in a life that is monotonous.
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Change of PaceThe track is much lighter musically compared to many of The Jam’s previous songs, and presents a more upbeat, pop-oriented sound, signifying their transition into a more mainstream realm.
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AvailabilityIt's available both as a 7" and 12" vinyl in the Netherlands and, interestingly, was also released as a single in Australia and New Zealand.
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LegacyDespite its initial release being exclusively overseas, the song maintains relevance today as part of The Jam’s enduring legacy within the British rock scene. It is still frequently played on classic rock radio stations and is often included in The Jam’s greatest hits compilations.
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Citation
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"Just Who is the 5 O'Clock Hero Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/28223642/The+Jam/Just+Who+is+the+5+O%27Clock+Hero>.
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