In the City
The Jam
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
In the city there's a thousand things I want to say to you But whenever I approach you, you make me look a fool I wanna say, I wanna tell you About the young ideas But you turn them into fears In the city there's a thousand faces, all shining bright And those golden faces are under twenty-five They wanna say, they gonna tell ya About the young idea You better listen now you've said your bit-a, go! And I know what you're thinking You still think I am crap But you'd better listen, man Because the kids know where it's at In the city there's a thousand men in uniforms And I've heard they now have the right to kill a man We wanna say, we gonna tell ya About the young idea And if it don't work, at least we said we've tried In the city, in the city In the city, in the city In the city there's a thousand things I want to say to you
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
24 facts about this song
Band Information"In The City" was the debut single of the British band, The Jam. The group consisted of Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton, and Rick Buckler.
|
Release DateThe song was first released on 29 April 1977 as part of the band's first album, also titled "In The City".
|
Song InspirationAccording to Paul Weller, the song was inspired by the energy and passion of London, acknowledging how the city's environment and culture majorly influence their music.
|
Chart SuccessUnlike many debut singles, "In The City" had impressive commercial success. It reached number 40 on the UK Singles Chart and helped to establish The Jam's significant presence in the punk rock scene.
|
Re-recordingThe song was re-recorded and released as a single in the United States in December 1980, making it one of the few Jam tracks to be issued as a 45 in America.
|
Musical Style"In The City" showcases Weller's distinctive guitar playing and vocal style. It is widely regarded as a pioneering and influential track in the early punk rock movement in the UK.
|
LyricsThe lyrics of "In The City" are fuelled by teenage angst and the desire for freedom, characteristic themes of punk rock music.
|
Cover Versions"In The City" has been covered by various artists over the years, demonstrating its enduring appeal and influence on rock music.
|
Legacy of the SongDespite The Jam disbanding in 1982, "In The City" continues to be associated with Paul Weller and is often played at his solo concerts.
|
Era ReflectionThe song reflects the band's fascination and frustration with life in a modern city, creating a cultural snapshot of Britain in the late 1970s.
|
Album SuccessThe album "In the City", of which the song was the title track, achieved a Gold certification. This means it sold over 100,000 copies in the UK.
|
Signature Song"In The City" is often considered a signature song of The Jam, encapsulating their energy, style, and musical ethos.
|
Band Formation"In the City" is the debut single by British band "The Jam", formed in 1972 with Paul Weller as one of its founding members along with Steve Brookes, and Rick Buckler.
|
Release DateThe single, titled "In the City", was released on 29th April 1977.
|
Album TitleThis title track was also the name of their debut album, "In the City".
|
Musical Style"In the City" embodied the band's distinctive punk rock style fused with elements of pop and garage rock.
|
Chart PerformanceUpon its release, "In the City" reached number 40 on the UK Singles Chart, marking the band's first entry into the charts.
|
LyricsThe lyrics of the song "In the City" were highly influenced by teenage angst and disenchantment with urban living, which resonated with many young people at the time.
|
Band DissolutionDespite its early success, The Jam disbanded in 1982 with Paul Weller opting to launch a solo career.
|
Paul Weller's SuccessPaul Weller, often referred to as the "Modfather", enjoyed a successful solo career and he often performed "In the City" at his solo concerts.
|
Album ReviewsThe album "In the City" was lauded by critics for its raw energy and lyrics reflecting the struggles of young urban life.
|
LegacyToday, "In the City" is considered a classic anthem of the punk era and a key song in The Jam's repertoire.
|
Notable CoverThe British rock band Oasis performed a cover of "In the City" as part of a tribute to The Jam.
|
Song Duration“In the City” is relatively short, with a duration of just 2 minutes and 20 seconds.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"In the City Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6675467/The+Jam/In+the+City>.
Discuss the In the City Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In