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

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Which Songs are About Drugs?

Which Songs are About Drugs?Fact or Fiction

"25 or 6 to 4" to "Semi-Charmed Life" - see if you can spot the songs that are really about drugs.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

Victoria Williams

Victoria WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

Despite appearances on Carson, Leno and a Pennebaker film, Williams remains a hidden treasure.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?