Going Underground

Album: Snap! (1980)
Charted: 1
Play Video
  • 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, if 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've made your bed, you better lie in it
    You choose your leaders and place your trust
    As their lies wash 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, if 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

    (Oh) la-la-la-la
    (Oh) 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

    Going underground
    I'm going underground
    I'm going underground

    (Oh) la-la-la-la
    (Oh) la-la-la-la
    (Oh) la-la-la-la
    (Oh) la-la-la-la

    Braying sheep on my TV screen
    Make this boy shout, make this boy scream

    Going underground (going underground)
    Well, if 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, if 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 Writer/s: Paul John Weller
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 6

  • Stuart Maxted from HorleyI was only 14 when this came out but I remember that soon as I heard it on the radio, just had to rush out and buy it. 55 now, and with a greater understanding of its political message and relevance, it's still one of my favourite ever singles. I got the 3-track live EP version; you don't get value like that very often!!
  • Mark from Cromer, Norfolk, UkInitial copies of the single came with a 3-track live EP recorded at The Rainbow in London in 1979 - which could partially explain how it entered the UK singles chart at number 1.
  • Ross from Leicester, United KingdomI think Weller's quote at the time (1977) was something like "Anarchy's getting a bit trendy - we'll be voting Conservative" - a sarcastic dig at the fact that many in the punk scene were claiming to be into "anarchy" because it was expected of them. Around the same time Weller claimed his heroes included Joe Strummer and George Orwell - both associated with left wing politics. By the 80s it was clear what side of he political diide Weller stood on.
  • Mudassir from Bolton, EnglandPaul Weller did say he was going to vote Conservative, then retracted it a few years later. He said he only said it to shock people, and reminds us he was only 18 at the time. For a period, he did campaign for the Labour Party - these days he has no time for any political party or politician - as witnessed in his recent song 'A Bullet for Everyone'
  • Terry from Ottawa, CanadaIt's odd that this obivious indictment of the Conservative Gov't is one of the Jam's most beloved songs. Paul had been accused of being a tory supporter around All Mod Cons (cons being interpreted as conservatives) I have no idea if this truth or legend.
    Terry, Ottawa, Canada
  • Jeff from Liverpool, Englandthis song was originally a 'b' side to dreams of children but due to a mistake at polydors french pressing plant it ended up as a double a side
see more comments

Editor's Picks

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn YankeesSongwriter Interviews

Revisit the awesome glory of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees: cheesily-acted videos, catchy guitar licks, long hair, and lyrics that are just plain relatable.

Joe Jackson

Joe JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Joe talks about the challenges of of making a Duke Ellington tribute album, and tells the stories behind some of his hits.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?