12 - What May You Do For The JAM?

When I wrote this song I was in the midst of panicking about how we would cope with the impending season. In November 2016 I heard Theresa May’s use of the phrase 'JAM' on the Jeremy Vine show to describe families that were 'just about managing’. The stories of the families that phoned in really struck a chord with me, and I went home that night and wrote this song. The live video of it went a bit crazy – with almost a hundred thousand listens online in that week.

Christmas is near and we’re just about managing,
able to get through the day.
What comes in we pay out and most months a bail out
is needed to make our own way

The overdraft’s heavy, the fridge isn’t empty
but Christmas… oh god just the thought!
The turkey alone would be more than our savings,
But at least we own all that we’ve got.

What may you do for the JAM?
The just about managing labouring man.
The hard working families who live by the day
On a handful of hand downs and minimum wage.
The should be retirees, born the wrong year,
with no choice but work
till their body’s fall weary
and just about managing turns into fear.

What may you do for the JAM?

And so I play mum with the small ones unknowing,
Their ignorance blissfully clear.
And secretly breaking I carry on making
a home full of Christmassy cheer.

I hope in their days they will see some equality,
not have to fight for their hand.
May they have security, love and respect
for the hard working labouring man.

What may you do for the JAM?
The just about managing labouring man.
The hard working families who live by the day
On a handful of hand downs and minimum wage.
The should be retirees, born the wrong year,
With no choice but work
till their body’s fall weary
and just about managing turns into fear.
What may you do for the JAM?

And thank God when mother, who just about manages,
Calls us to share Christmas day.
Oh how will we cope when she’s no longer with us,
a thought I can’t bear to convey.

My point is the only rock left here to build on
is that of a world which has hope.
May all those in power see all our diversity
And do what is right for our vote.

What may you do for the JAM?
The just about managing labouring man.
The hard working families who live by the day
On a handful of hand downs and minimum wage.
The should be retirees, born the wrong year,
With no choice but work
till their body’s fall weary
and just about managing turns into fear.
What may you do for the JAM?

[INSTRUMENTAL]

What may you do for the JAM?