Blur’s “Song 2” is iconic for its explosive energy and that unforgettable “woo-hoo!” hook. But beyond the catchy chorus, the actual lyrics have been a source of much debate and misinterpretation. Many listeners, just like one curious daughter and her father, have scratched their heads wondering, “What exactly is Damon Albarn singing after those ‘woo-hoos’?” Let’s dive into the lyrical mystery of “Song 2” and clear up some common mondegreen moments.
It all started with a simple question posed to Matthew Alice of the San Diego Reader back in 1998. A reader and her daughter were convinced the opening lines were “Got my head shaved by a jamochay.” Intrigued by this unique interpretation, they sought clarity on whether “jamochay” was some obscure British slang or just plain gibberish. This perfectly highlights how easily lyrics can be misheard, transforming into something completely different and often hilarious.
The phenomenon of misheard lyrics is known as a mondegreen. The original article cleverly points to websites like “Kiss This Guy” (for Jimi Hendrix’s “Excuse Me While I Kiss the Sky”) and “The Ants Are My Friends” (from Bob Dylan’s “The Answer, My Friend Is Blowin’ in the Wind”) which are dedicated to these lyrical misunderstandings. These sites are a testament to the fascinating way our brains process auditory information, sometimes leading us down wonderfully wrong paths. Mondegreens occur because our brains try to make sense of sounds, fitting them into familiar patterns, even if those patterns are not what was originally intended.
So, is it “jamochay”? While delightfully imaginative, the actual lyric is quite different, though arguably just as nonsensical in its own way. The real line is: “I got my head checked by a jumbo jet.” This revelation often leads to more questions than answers. What does it even mean to have your head “checked by a jumbo jet”? Blur themselves don’t offer much in the way of explanation, adding to the song’s enigmatic charm. The following lines, “It wasn’t easy, but nothing is, no,” seem to acknowledge the absurdity while embracing it.
“Song 2” is known for its brevity and raw energy, not necessarily for its profound lyrical depth. Beyond the opening lines and the ubiquitous “woo-hoo,” the lyrics are a mix of fragmented thoughts and feelings. Lines like “I feel heavy metal” and “I’m pins and I’m needles” evoke a sense of unease and restlessness. The repeated phrase, “I’m never sure why I need you. Pleased to meet you,” adds to the song’s overall feeling of disjointedness and perhaps a touch of ironic detachment.
For those still curious, here are the generally accepted lyrics to Verse 1 of “Song 2” by Blur, after the iconic “woo-hoo” intro:
Woo-hoo!
Woo-hoo!
I got my head checked by a jumbo jet
It wasn’t easy, but nothing is
Woo-hoo!
Woo-hoo!
I got my head down when I was young
It’s not my problem
Ultimately, the beauty of “Song 2” lies not in deciphering a hidden meaning within its lyrics, but in its infectious energy and sonic impact. Whether you hear “jamochay” or “jumbo jet,” the song remains a powerful and enduring anthem of the 90s. The mondegreen phenomenon simply adds another layer of fun and intrigue to this already iconic track, reminding us that sometimes, the most interesting interpretations are the ones we create ourselves.
