Just Who is the 5 O'Clock Hero

The Jam

About Just Who is the 5 O'Clock Hero

"Just Who is the 5 O'Clock Hero?" is a song and single released by The Jam on 3 July 1982. It features on their sixth studio album The Gift. Contrary to popular misconception, it was not released as a single in Britain but was a Dutch import. Despite this it still made number eight in the UK Singles Chart in July 1982. The Jam performed a similar feat the previous year with "That's Entertainment". The single came with two B-sides – a version of "War" and an original Weller song, "The Great Depression".  


2:16

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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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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: 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.
Song Release
The 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.
Chart Performance
Although "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.
Cultural Relevance
The 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.
Limited Edition Release
A 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".
Music Style
The 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.
Lyrics
Stardom 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.
Change of Pace
The 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.
Availability
It'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.
Legacy
Despite 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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