Blur’s “Song 2” is iconic for its explosive energy and memorable “woo-hoo!” chants, but the actual lyrics after those opening bursts have often been a source of confusion. Many listeners, like one curious daughter and her parent, have scratched their heads wondering about lines like “Got my head shaved by a jamochay.” But is that really what Damon Albarn is singing? Let’s dive into the real lyrics of “Song 2” and clear up the mondegreen mystery.
The widely misheard lyric, “Got my head shaved by a jamochay,” is a perfect example of a mondegreen – a misinterpretation of song lyrics that sounds similar to the actual words. In reality, the first line after the “woo-hoos” is: “I got my head checked by a jumbo jet.” While this might still sound a bit nonsensical, it’s the officially recognized lyric. “Jamochay,” as fun as it sounds, isn’t a real word in the context of the song, or likely anywhere else!
The confusion is understandable. “Song 2” is known for its raw, energetic delivery, and Damon Albarn’s vocals aren’t always crystal clear, especially when he’s belting out those powerful lines. The phrase “got my head checked by a jumbo jet” itself is quite abstract and unusual, contributing to the lyrical ambiguity.
Blur themselves seem to acknowledge the song’s inherent absurdity and perhaps even anticipated listener bewilderment. The very next lines after the jumbo jet revelation are: “It wasn’t easy, but nothing is. No.” This almost feels like a wink to the audience, a knowing nod that the lyrics aren’t meant to be deeply profound or literally interpreted.
Further into “Song 2,” Blur continues with equally enigmatic lines: “I got my head down when I was young. It’s not my problem. It’s not my problem.” These lines, along with the jumbo jet lyric, contribute to a sense of disorientation and perhaps reflect feelings of youthful confusion or detachment.
Beyond the head-related verses, “Song 2” throws in other seemingly random phrases like “I feel heavy metal,” “I’m pins and I’m needles,” and “I lie and I’m easy all of the time.” These lines, combined with the repeated declaration, “I’m never sure why I need you. Pleased to meet you,” create a fragmented and somewhat ironic lyrical landscape.
In conclusion, while “Lyrics Song 2 Blur” might initially sound like they’re about bizarre haircuts and mysterious “jamochays,” the actual words are more surreal and open to interpretation. The mondegreen “jamochay” is a testament to how easily lyrics can be misheard, especially in energetic rock songs. So next time you sing along to “Song 2,” you can confidently belt out “jumbo jet” instead, or embrace the fun of “jamochay” and the world of mondegreens!
