​Going Underground Sheet Music By The Jam

​Going Underground Sheet Music And Mandolin Tab By The Jam.
​"Going Underground" by The Jam is a song filled with political and social commentary, released as a single in 1980 and later included on their album Sound Affects. The song is a response to the political climate of the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United Kingdom, especially in relation to the rise of conservatism under Margaret Thatcher and the growing disillusionment among working-class youth.
Song Meaning:

1. Political Disillusionment and Rebellion:
   
   • The lyrics of "Going Underground" reflect the frustration and disillusionment of young people who feel disconnected from the mainstream political system. The phrase “going underground” suggests rejecting the established norms, withdrawing from conventional society, and perhaps even embracing a more rebellious or subversive way of life. It can also be seen as a metaphor for retreating into the safety of one's own thoughts, away from a society perceived as corrupt or oppressive.
2. Critique of Political Leaders:
   
   • The song targets the political elite and their lack of concern for ordinary people. It expresses discontent with the way politicians prioritize power, wealth, and control over the needs of the working class. The line “The public gets what the public wants” can be seen as a sarcastic commentary on how politicians manipulate public opinion for their own gain, offering what people desire without genuine care for their well-being.
3. Frustration with the Establishment:
   
   • There is a recurring theme of frustration with the establishment and the structures of authority in "Going Underground." The song's aggressive tone and its call to “go underground” represent a desire to reject the status quo. The underground can symbolize rebellion against an unjust system, a refusal to conform to the societal norms that keep power in the hands of the few.
4. Generational Conflict:
   
   • The song also speaks to a generational divide, with young people feeling alienated from the older generation, particularly their political and social views. The older generation's complacency in the face of growing inequality and the erosion of social safety nets is criticized.
5. Anger at Media and Manipulation:
   
   • "Going Underground" also criticizes the role of the media in shaping public opinion and manipulating the masses. The song's lyrics highlight the frustration that many people feel about how their lives are dictated by external forces—politicians, the media, and the powerful elite.
6. Angst of the Youth:
   
   • At its core, "Going Underground" captures the youthful anger and angst that was prevalent during the punk and new wave movements of the time. It speaks to the desire for change and the frustration with systems that seem impenetrable and indifferent to the struggles of ordinary people.

Overall Interpretation:"Going Underground" can be seen as an anthem of rebellion, disillusionment, and frustration, particularly in response to political and social issues of the time. The song resonates with the sentiment of feeling marginalized and disconnected from a system that seems to serve only the powerful. It is a call for resistance and a rejection of the norms and values of an establishment that many young people felt was failing them.
The song's message remains relevant in discussions about the alienation and discontent often felt by younger generations who are critical of the status quo and seek alternative ways of living and thinking outside of the mainstream systems of power.

​Going Underground Sheet Music By The Jam