Aside from some of the most awesome slow guitar riffs in rock, this song is an expression of the Jam's left-leaning politics--the comparison of the factory worker (proletarian) to the corner shop owner (petit bourgeoisie) and then to the owner of the factory (grand bourgeoisie) is focused on socio-economic class hierarchy while the contrasting reference to church is an ironic reference to the egalitarian pretentions of religion--god may have created all men equal, but here we have three stratified social classes--in two verses.
Aside from some of the most awesome slow guitar riffs in rock, this song is an expression of the Jam's left-leaning politics--the comparison of the factory worker (proletarian) to the corner shop owner (petit bourgeoisie) and then to the owner of the factory (grand bourgeoisie) is focused on socio-economic class hierarchy while the contrasting reference to church is an ironic reference to the egalitarian pretentions of religion--god may have created all men equal, but here we have three stratified social classes--in two verses.
Excellent concise analysis of a fantastic song. So from here you can go 2 ways: Marxism or faith in God. The two are mutually exclusive.
Excellent concise analysis of a fantastic song. So from here you can go 2 ways: Marxism or faith in God. The two are mutually exclusive.
@MikeBC i couldn't have said it better.
@MikeBC i couldn't have said it better.