Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Genre
Label
Catalogue Number
Story Behind The Song
Released in 1980, “Going Underground” is one of The Jam’s most forceful and politically charged songs. Written by Paul Weller and produced by Vic Coppersmith-Heaven, it was recorded at the Townhouse Studios in London and combines the band’s mod influences with sharp-edged new wave, punk energy and an irresistibly powerful rhythm section.
The song reflects Weller’s growing concern about British society, political apathy and the threat of nuclear conflict during the early Eighties. Its lyrics attack consumerism and the idea of simply accepting what society expects, while the narrator chooses to withdraw rather than participate in a world he sees as increasingly dominated by money, militarism and conformity. The title is therefore metaphorical, representing a desire to escape from mainstream society rather than referring to the London Underground.
Musically, the recording is remarkably compact and energetic. Bruce Foxton’s driving bass and Rick Buckler’s powerful drumming provide a relentless foundation, while Weller’s guitar and increasingly impassioned vocal give the song its sense of urgency. A distinctive key change during the chorus adds another burst of momentum.
Released as a double A-side with “The Dreams Of Children”, “Going Underground” was not included on one of The Jam’s original studio albums. Its combination of infectious melody, muscular performance and pointed social commentary made it a defining recording of the band’s early-Eighties period.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on 22nd March 1980.
UK 7'' SLEEVE COVERS
Shown below are the picture sleeve covers (front and back) for the UK release of this single. If no cover sleeve was issued in the UK, we will display another country’s picture sleeve.
UK 7'' TRACK LISTING
| AA-Side | Going Underground (2:54) (Weller) Produced By Vic Coppersmith-Heaven |
| AA-Side | The Dreams Of Children (2:59) (Weller) Produced By Vic Coppersmith-Heaven |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [7 Weeks] – 22nd March 1980 – 3rd May 1980 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
All officially released versions that appeared in the 80s:-
- Going Underground (Single Version) (2:54)
To hear the FULL version of the songs below, you will need an active Spotify account (Free one). Just log in on your desktop/tablet or phone to hear the FULL versions.
OFFICIAL VIDEO
SONG LYRICS
Some people might say my life is in a rut
I’m quite happy with what I got
People might say that I should strive for more
But I’m so happy I can’t see the point
Something’s happening here today
A show of strength with your boy’s brigade
And I’m so happy and you’re so kind
You want more money, of course, I don’t mind
To buy nuclear textbooks for atomic crimes
And the public gets what the public wants
But I want nothing this society’s got
I’m going underground (Going underground)
Well, let the brass bands play and feet start to pound
Going underground (Going underground)
Well, let the boys all sing and let the boys all shout for tomorrow
Some people might get some pleasure out of hate
Me, I’ve enough already on my plate
People might need some tension to relax
Me, I’m too busy dodging between the flak
What you see is what you get
You made your bed, you better lie in it
You choose your leaders and place your trust
As their lies puts you down and their promises rust
You’ll see kidney machines replaced by rockets and guns
And the public wants what the public gets
But I don’t get what this society wants
I’m going underground (Going underground)
Well, let the brass bands play and feet start to pound
Going underground (Going underground)
So let the boys all sing and let the boys all shout for tomorrow
La, la-la, la
La, la-la, la
We talk and we talk until my head explodes
I turn on the news and my body froze
These braying sheep on my TV screen
Make this boy shout, make this boy scream
Going underground
I’m going underground
I’m going underground
I’m going underground
La, la-la, la
La, la-la, la
La, la-la, la
La, la-la, la
These braying sheep on my TV screen
Make this boy shout, make this boy scream
Going underground (Going underground)
Well, let the brass bands play and feet start to pound
Going underground (Going underground)
Well, let the boys all sing and let the boys all shout
Going underground (Going underground)
Well, let the brass bands play and feet go pound, pound, pound
Going underground (Going underground)
So let the boys all sing and let the boys all shout for tomorrow
Written By Paul Weller
1 Comment
Hello All
Have we made any mistakes in this posting? Feel free to let us know (we’d appreciate it!)
Regards
Admin