Stoic Music 17

I was just a bit too young to have enjoyed The Jam in their heyday, but I caught up as quickly as I could.

For my own preference, Paul Weller was at his height in the early 80's, and his music with The Style Council, though decidedly political, managed to move my heart beyond all the games of party politics toward a sense of right and wrong.

The b-side (does anyone else remember b-sides?) to 1984's "You're the Best Thing" was a funky, horn-laced tune called "The Big Boss Groove."  As always, Weller was after the Tories, and I could never blame him. Wealth and privilege have no place in the measure of our lives.

But I saw more than a political anthem, even at the age of fourteen. I saw a calling to human dignity and solidarity, under whatever conditions.

I also enjoyed that they could be very serious, while also laughing at themselves. The self-mocking attempt during this performance at break dancing, then the biggest thing,  is a case in point!

Written in 12/2004

The Style Council, "The Big Boss Groove" (b-side to "You're the Best Thing"), 1984

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq1neZxwZSY

Hold on is what they say
To get any back to you will have to pay
Don't shout or get upset
It's the same message from the Holy Tory government
Don't rock the sinking ship
And don't fly in the face of it
Work for your Heaven's Way
It's the same bullshit from the Pulpit and the President

Hear keys getting in my way
It drives me crazy when I hear them say
"Let us pray" cause I want my heaven here on earth

Get up is what we say
Don't wait for judgement day
There's too much going on
You might think you're weak
But together we can be so strong

This world is no man's land
Our lives are in our hands
Our will is our command
You put it together and together we can make a stand

Our faith is the key to it
The unifying for some reason to be
You will see if you stand outside
The Big Boss Groove

Get on up!

Our faith is the key to it
The unifying for some reason to be
You will see if you stand outside
The Big Boss Groove

Get up is what we say
And don't wait for judgement day
There's too much going on
You may think you're weak
But together we can be so strong

This world is no man's land
Our lives are in our hands
Our will is our command
You put it together and together we can make a stand

In our hands, our command, and together we can make a stand!