“Beat Surrender” by The Jam

The title of this song was inspired by a track called “Sweet Surrender” (1979) by Anita Ward and a military term known as a Beating Retreat. And the way the lyrics read, the phrase “beat surrender” is actually quite literal, i.e. meaning not to give in to the concept of defeat.

Paul Weller wrote this song with The Jam’s subsequent disbandment in mind. And whereas it does not speak to that topic directly, the lyrics are highly-philosophical and one can even say motivational. And what he is surrendering to, if you will, is the idea of going all-out in pursuit of his dreams. So putting all of this together, it can be ascertained that Weller was pumped in terms of where his life was headed post-The Jam. And yes, there does appear to perhaps be some personal stuff going on also, such as a couple of references to haters, i.e. “fakers”.

But for the most part, this song is not about its singer. Rather it appears to be encouraging the listener along the same path he has decided to take. And this path centers on giving in to one’s “passion” and “young determination”.

Having come out on 22 November 1982, “Beat Surrender” became the last single which The Jam, an English group which existed from 1972 to 1982, ever released. And they went out on top, as the track reached number one on the UK Singles Chart. In fact band member Paul Weller specifically wrote this song knowing that it would be The Jam’s last.

Upon its release by Polydor Records, this number 1 hit was not featured on any album.  However, it did eventually make an appearance on The Jam’s 1983 greatest hits’ album entitled “Snap!”