Big Audio Dynamite (later known as Big Audio Dynamite II and Big Audio, and… Read Full Bio ↴Big Audio Dynamite (later known as Big Audio Dynamite II and Big Audio, and often abbreviated BAD or B.A.D.) is an alternative rock band which formed in 1984 in London, England by the ex-guitarist and singer of The Clash, Mick Jones. The band blends elements of punk rock, reggae, hip-hop, electronica and rock into their own style of music.

The original lineup was Mick Jones - guitars & vocals, Don Letts - sound effects & vocals, Dan Donovan - keyboards, Greg Roberts - drums & background vocals, Leo Williams - bass.

The group's initial incarnation, founded by Jones and film director Don Letts once played in Basement 5 (maker of The Punk Rock Movie, various Clash music videos, and later the Clash documentary Westway to the World), debuted with the 1985 release This Is Big Audio Dynamite. 1986's No. 10, Upping St. reunited Jones for one album with former Clash-mate Joe Strummer who co-produced the album and co-wrote a number of songs, but that reacquaintance soon ended. BAD supported U2 on their 1987 world tour, then followed with 1988's Tighten Up Vol. '88 and 1989 Megatop Phoenix. BAD supported U2 on the leg of their 1992 Zoo TV Tour that included Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

The band changed their name to Big Audio Dynamite II for the 1990 album "The Globe", when
Don Letts, Greg Roberts and Leo Williams left to form the band Screaming Target (and later Dreadzone) and changed the name once more to Big Audio for 1994's "Higher Power". The band returned to the Big Audio Dynamite name in 1995 for the albums "F-Punk" (1995) and "Entering a New Ride" (1997) before ultimately disbanding in 1997. The band reunited in 2011.

Jones' latest projects include work with The Libertines and his own outlet with Tony James of Sigue Sigue Sputnik fame - CARBON SILICON

Union Jack
Big Audio Dynamite Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Make a stand before you fall
Your country needs you to play football
"Wake up cunt", you hear the call
All for one and one for all
All for one and one for all

What happened to you men of might
When things were wrong, you made them right

All for one and one for all
All for one and one for all

Now in the classroom, well, I was told
'Bout the Empire, how you were bold
A pint of beer like passes by
Your spirits squased just like a fly
Your spirits squased just like a fly

Across this green and pleasant land
The powers slipping through your hand
All for one and one for all
All for one and one for all

"Wake up cunt", you hear the call
Your country needs you to play football
Make a stand before you fall
All for one and one for all
All for one and one for all

God bless the Queen, her people too
God bless this country and see us too
All for one and one for all
All for one and one for all

"England!"

"England!"

"This other Eden, demi-paradise
This precious stone set in the silver sea
This realm, this England"

"England!"

"They trained for it"

"God bless har sail and all who've bought it and I'm in labour"

"We are here today"

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Union Jack" by Big Audio Dynamite reflect on British nationalism and call for a resurgence of patriotism. The song opens with the phrase "make a stand before you fall," encouraging listeners to stand up for their country's values and culture. The following line "Your country needs you to play football" suggests that by participating in sports and other activities, individuals can contribute to the strength and unity of their country.

The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when "men of might" stood up for what was right and fought for the common good. The phrase "All for one and one for all" emphasizes the importance of unity and solidarity in achieving these common goals. The second verse recalls the glory days of the British Empire, but the imagery shifts to a more mundane scene of a man drinking beer in a pub. This suggests that the country's power has diminished and the people have become complacent.

Line by Line Meaning

Make a stand before you fall
Take action before it's too late

Your country needs you to play football
Your country needs you to do your part

"Wake up cunt", you hear the call
A call to action, urging you to wake up

All for one and one for all
We must work together to succeed

What happened to you men of might
What happened to the brave and strong men?

When things were wrong, you made them right
In the past, you were able to fix what was broken

All for one and one for all
We must work together to achieve our goals

Now in the classroom, well, I was told
I learned in the classroom

'Bout the Empire, how you were bold
About the Empire, and how brave you were

A pint of beer like passes by
Drinking beer, time passes quickly

Your spirits squased just like a fly
Your spirits are crushed, like a fly

Across this green and pleasant land
Across this beautiful country

The powers slipping through your hand
The power is slipping away

All for one and one for all
We must work together to achieve our goals

"Wake up cunt", you hear the call
A call to action, urging you to wake up

Your country needs you to play football
Your country needs you to do your part

Make a stand before you fall
Take action before it's too late

All for one and one for all
We must work together to achieve our goals

God bless the Queen, her people too
May God bless the Queen and all her people

God bless this country and see us too
May God bless this country and watch over us

All for one and one for all
We must work together to achieve our goals

"England!"
A cry of nationalism

"This other Eden, demi-paradise
This beautiful, almost paradise-like land

This precious stone set in the silver sea
A precious, valuable country surrounded by sea

This realm, this England"
This country, England

"England!"
A cry of nationalism

"They trained for it"
They prepared for it

"God bless har sail and all who've bought it and I'm in labour"
May God bless those who sail and those who work hard

"We are here today"
We are here, living in England, trying to make a better world

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICHAEL GEOFFREY JONES, HERMAN EZEKIEL WILLIAMS, DON LETTS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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