Start!

The Jam

About Start!

"Start!" is the eleventh UK single release by the band The Jam and their second number-one, following "Going Underground"/"Dreams of Children". Upon its release on 15 August 1980, it debuted at number three, and two weeks later reached number one for one week. Written by Paul Weller and produced by Vic Coppersmith-Heaven and The Jam, "Start!" was the lead single from the band's fifth album Sound Affects. The single's B-side is "Liza Radley". "Start!" is based on both the main guitar riff and bass riff of the Beatles' 1966 song "Taxman" from the album Revolver, written by George Harrison. "Liza Radley" also utilises the "Taxman" bassline as does "Dreams of Children", B-side to "Going Underground", played then as a lead guitar riff. The album version of the song runs at 2:30 and features trumpets in the final section.  


Year:
2017
2:17
37 
#1

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It's not important for you to know my name -
Nor I to know yours
If we communicate for two minutes only
It will be enough
For knowing that someone in this world
Feels as desperate as me -
And what you give is what you get.

It doesn't matter if we never meet again,
What we have said will always remain.
If we get through for two minutes only,
It will be a start!
For knowing that someone in this life,
Loves with a passion called hate
And what you give is what you get.

If I never ever see you -
If I never ever see you -
If I never ever see you - again.

And what you give is what you get!

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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, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Start!" is a song by the British band The Jam, released as a single in 1980. Paul Weller, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band, wrote the song.
Chart Performance
The song topped the UK Singles Chart for one week in September 1980, marking The Jam's second number-one hit following their success with "Going Underground."
Musical Influence
The bass line of "Start!" is a direct lift from The Beatles' song "Taxman."
Album Placement
The track appears as the eleventh song on The Jam's fifth album entitled "Sound Affects". The album itself reached number 2 in the UK Albums Chart.
Band Breakup
At the time of "Start!"'s release, the band was at the height of its popularity, but it was to be short-lived. Paul Weller decided to disband The Jam in 1982 to pursue other musical interests, forming the soul-influenced band Style Council.
Criticial Response
The song, despite borrowing heavily from "Taxman," was well received and praised for its sharp, abrupt chorus and poignant lyrics.
Cover Versions
In 2009, Welsh rock band Stereophonics recorded a cover of "Start!" for the BBC Radio 2 celebration of The Jam's music on the 30th anniversary of the band's final studio album “The Gift”.
Live Performance
The song was a staple during The Jam's concert performances during their active years and is still performed by Weller during his solo live shows.
Song Content
"Start!" contains deeply personal and emotional lyrics, like many of Paul Weller's compositions. It's a reflection on love and relationships, conveying the sense of taking chances and starting anew.
Single Release
The single was released with the B-side "Liza Radley". Both tracks were included on the album “Sound Affects”.

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