Eton Rifles

The Jam

About Eton Rifles

"The Eton Rifles" was the only single to be released from the album Setting Sons by The Jam. Recorded at Townhouse studios and released on 26 October 1979, it became the band's first top ten hit in the UK Singles Chart, peaking at No. 3. It is also the only official Jam single for which a video was not recorded. The song was produced by Vic Coppersmith-Heaven and The Jam, and was backed by the B-side "See-Saw".


Year:
2013
3:27
42 
#1

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Sup up your beer and collect your fags
There's a row going on down near slough
Get out your mat and pray to the west
I'll get out mine and pray for myself
Thought you were smart when you took them on
But you didn't take a peep in their artillery room
All that rugby puts hairs on your chest
What chance have you got against a tie and a crest?

Hello-hooray, what a nice day, for the Eton rifles, Eton rifles
Hello-hooray, I hope rain stops play, with the Eton rifles, Eton rifles

Thought you were clever when you lit the fuse
Tore down the house of commons in your brand new shoes
Compose a revolutionary symphony
Then went to bed with a charming young thing

Hello-hooray, cheers then mate, its the Eton rifles, Eton rifles
Hello-hooray, an extremist scrape, with the Eton rifles, Eton rifles

What a catalyst you turned out to be
Loaded the guns then you run off home for your tea
Left me standing, like a guilty schoolboy

What a catalyst you turned out to be
Loaded the guns then you run off home for your tea
Left me standing, like a naughty schoolboy

We came out of it naturally the worst
Beaten and bloody and I was sick down my shirt
We were no match for their untamed wit
Though some of the lads said they'll be back next week

Hello-hooray, there's a price to pay, to the Eton rifles, Eton rifles
Hello-hooray, I'd prefer the plague, to the Eton rifles, Eton rifles

Hello-hooray, there's a price to pay, to the Eton rifles, Eton rifles
Hello-hooray, I'd prefer the plague, to the Eton rifles, Eton rifles

Eton rifles, Eton rifles
Eton rifles, Eton rifles

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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 John Weller

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
"Eton Rifles" was released as the lead single from The Jam's fourth album, "Setting Sons," in November 1979.
Chart Performance
The song was highly successful and is known for being The Jam's first top ten hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at Number 3 in the UK Singles Chart.
Song Inspiration
Lead singer and songwriter Paul Weller wrote "Eton Rifles" after seeing a news report about a group of unemployed youths from Slough who attempted to disrupt an Eton College cadet parade.
Lyric Controversy
The song contained a satirical and political message, as it contrasted the privileged lifestyle of the boys at the Eton boarding school with the regular working class in Britain. It caused some controversy due to its political undertones.
Song Basis
Despite the controversy, the song did not advocate for any violence, but rather was a commentary on the social divide and the class warfare in Britain at the time.
Cover Version
Notably, indie rock band The Rifles, whose name was inspired by the song, performed a cover version of "Eton Rifles" as a tribute to The Jam.
Artwork
The cover artwork for "Eton Rifles" single features three soldiers running with the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the background, emphasizing the military theme.
Misinterpretation
British Prime Minister David Cameron, who attended Eton, once claimed to be a fan of the song, not realizing that it was intended as a critique of privilege and the British class system. His claim was publicly rejected by Paul Weller.
Enduring Impact
Even today, the song is used in discussions about class struggles and the socio-political landscape of Britain. It has enduring relevance and continues to resonate for its powerful portrayal of class conflict.
Recognition
In 2008, Rolling Stone magazine included "Eton Rifles" in their list of the 100 greatest guitar songs of all time.

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