Smithers-Jones is a smart song, a tale of a gentleman who suddenly finds himself downsized after years of dedication to the company. I’m pretty sure there’s a version out there with a standard Jam-like arrangement, but I think the strings really set the song off, and I really think it works well in this manner.
From Wikipedia:
Even more striking is Bruce Foxton’s “Smithers-Jones”. Widely considered the bassist’s finest songwriting three minutes, the song was originally released as the B-side to the non-LP single “When You’re Young” months before the album’s release, and is here redone in an all-strings arrangement, save a bit of electric guitar in the coda. According to the liner notes of the Direction Reaction Creation box set, the revamping of “Smithers-Jones” was suggested by drummer Rick Buckler.
And of course, the lyrics:
Here we go again, it’s Monday at last
He’s heading for the Waterloo line
To catch the 8am fast, its usually dead on time
Hope it isn’t late, got to be there by nine
Pin stripe suit, clean shirt and tie
Stops off at the corner shop, to buy The Times
‘Good Morning Smithers-Jones’
‘How’s the wife and home?’
‘Did you get the car you’ve been looking for?’ (repeat)
Let me get inside, let me take control of you
We could have some good times
All this worry will get you down
I’ll give you a new meaning to life - I don’t think so
Sitting on the train, you’re nearly there
You’re a part of the production line
You’re the same as him, you’re like tin-sardines
Get out of the pack, before they peel you back
Arrive at the office, spot on time
The clock on the wall hasn’t yet struck nine
‘Good Morning Smithers-Jones’,
‘The boss wants to see you alone’
‘I hope its the promotion you’ve been looking for’ (repeat)
‘Come in Smithers old boy’
‘Take a seat, take the weight off your feet’
‘I’ve some news to tell you’
‘There’s no longer a position for you’ -
‘Sorry Smithers-Jones’
Put on the kettle to make some tea
It’s all a part of feeling groovy
Put on your slippers turn on the TV
It’s all a part of feeling groovy
It’s time to relax now you’ve worked your arse off
But the only one smiling is the sun tanned boss
Work and work and work and work ‘til you die
Cause there’s plenty more fish in the sea to fry
