Eton Rifles
The Jam
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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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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.
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Chart PerformanceThe 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.
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Song InspirationLead 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.
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Lyric ControversyThe 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.
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Song BasisDespite 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.
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Cover VersionNotably, 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.
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ArtworkThe cover artwork for "Eton Rifles" single features three soldiers running with the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the background, emphasizing the military theme.
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MisinterpretationBritish 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.
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Enduring ImpactEven 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.
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RecognitionIn 2008, Rolling Stone magazine included "Eton Rifles" in their list of the 100 greatest guitar songs of all time.
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Citation
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"Eton Rifles Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/28989415/The+Jam/Eton+Rifles>.
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