“Start” by The Jam
Writer Paul Weller was inspired to write “Start” after reading a book entitled “Homage to Catalonia” (1938) by George Orwell. More specifically he was moved by the way Orwell depicted the Barcelona of old as a utopia-like, egalitarian society.
And in this highly-metaphorical, if you will, song, it can be gleaned that he is mocking the idea that such a civilization is actually possible. In other words, yes, the singer does seem to be celebrating that the fact that he is equal, i.e. on the same emotional wavelength, as the addressee. That’s ultimately the idea which the title alludes to. They share such a rapport that even if they “communicate for two minutes only”, such will serve as “a start” to a fruitful relationship or perhaps more specifically understanding. But more to the point is the notion that they share a mutual angst or depression, so to speak. So the way the singer is able to truly relate with the addressee is by recognizing they possess such feelings in common.
“Start” Facts
Writing: Paul Walker
Album: The Jam’s post-punk/new wave album of 1980 titled “Sound Affects”
Release: August of 1980
Having made its debut in UK at position #3, “Start” quickly rose to the number 1 spot.
This classic marked the second UK number 1 hit The Jam achieved in the year 1980. Their first for said year was the song “Going Underground”.
Other 1980 Number 1 hits in Britain
- Blondie’s “The Tide Is High”
- Barbra Streisand’s “Woman in Love”
- ABBA’s “The Winner Takes it All”
- The Pretenders’ “Brass in Pocket“
