As with most tracks on the Steve McQueen LP, and several on ' From Langley Park To Memphis', this song has a very deep personal association for me in terms of life experience.
The main message I believe is about living under the weight of expectation, and seeking approval., which has its' roots in childhood with overcritical ( father ) and overprotective ( mother ) parents, and then reflects in later life with references to moving forward - (new girlfriend, how's the wife taking it ) , and achieving success ( moving the river bucket by spoon - but do you think they'll like me.. )
The interlaced message is one of a frustrated individual yearning to prove his worth and having to do it by stealth against others' wishes - ( the force of will, sleight of hand ) and holding resentment against childhood learning ( I can't breakdance on your knee ). Also acknowledging it is a simple thing to go on pleasing everyone by being the same, but it's not really what he wants to be ( money for jam....)
Yet another example of McAloon's superb use of metaphor to describe the inner frustrations of life. As I have said before, this bloke is an out and out genius.
As with most tracks on the Steve McQueen LP, and several on ' From Langley Park To Memphis', this song has a very deep personal association for me in terms of life experience. The main message I believe is about living under the weight of expectation, and seeking approval., which has its' roots in childhood with overcritical ( father ) and overprotective ( mother ) parents, and then reflects in later life with references to moving forward - (new girlfriend, how's the wife taking it ) , and achieving success ( moving the river bucket by spoon - but do you think they'll like me.. ) The interlaced message is one of a frustrated individual yearning to prove his worth and having to do it by stealth against others' wishes - ( the force of will, sleight of hand ) and holding resentment against childhood learning ( I can't breakdance on your knee ). Also acknowledging it is a simple thing to go on pleasing everyone by being the same, but it's not really what he wants to be ( money for jam....) Yet another example of McAloon's superb use of metaphor to describe the inner frustrations of life. As I have said before, this bloke is an out and out genius.