The Jam were one of the most vital and influential British bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s, shaping the sound of the post-punk era with their sharp songwriting, tight musicianship, and socially charged lyrics. Formed in Woking by Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton, and Rick Buckler, the trio combined the energy of punk with the melodic sensibility of classic British guitar pop, drawing inspiration from The Who, soul music, and the mod movement.
Their songs captured the tensions of working-class life, political frustration, and youthful ambition, delivered with Weller’s unmistakable voice and incisive storytelling. Though The Jam disbanded at the height of their success in 1982, their influence has endured, with their music continuing to resonate as a cornerstone of modern British rock.
The Jam’s 1980 single “Start!” is a punchy, confident burst of mod-influenced new wave that perfectly captures the band’s evolving sound at the dawn of a new decade. Built around a crisp, instantly recognizable bassline and Paul Weller’s sharp, melodic guitar work, the track blends soulful groove with pointed lyrical introspection about communication and connection. “Start!” showcases
The Jam’s ability to merge sophistication with raw energy, delivering a song that feels both urgent and effortlessly cool. Its sleek production and memorable hooks propelled it to the top of the UK charts, reinforcing the trio’s reputation as one of Britain’s most dynamic and forward-thinking bands.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on 6th September 1980.
| A-Side | Start! (2:15) (Paul Weller) Produced By Vic Coppersmith-Heaven, The Jam |
| B-Side | Liza Radley (2:31) (Paul Weller) Produced By Vic Coppersmith-Heaven, The Jam |
| Genre | Rock, Pop, Mod |
| Release Date | 15th August 1980 |
| Label | POLYDOR |
| Catalogue Number | 2059 266 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 30th August 1980 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 01 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 07 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [7 Weeks] – 30th August 1980 – 4th October 1980 |
Officially Released Versions
Start! (Single Version) (2:15)
Start! (Album Version) (2:29)
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
It’s not important for you to know my name
Nor I to know yours
If we communicate for two minutes only
It will be enough
For knowing that someone in this world
Feels as desperate as me
And what you give is what you get
It doesn’t matter if we never meet again
What we have said will always remain
If we get through for two minutes only
It will be a start
For knowing that someone in this life
Loves with a passion called hate
And what you give is what you get
If I never ever see you (If I never ever see you)
If I never ever see you (If I never ever see you)
If I never ever see you again
If I never ever see you (See you, see you, see you)
If I never ever see you (See you, see you, see you)
If I never ever see you again
And what you give is what you get
And what you give is what you get
And what you give is what you get
And what you give is what you get
And what you give is what you get
And what you give is what you get
Written By Paul Weller
