Jan's Song
by INXS

Album: Shabooh Shoobah (1982)
Play Video
  • There's Jan calling from the rooftops
    She says she wants to world to hear
    Her peoples needs their basic rights

    She shouts I'll make you understand
    What it is we're striving for
    A better deal across this land

    She puts her hat on
    Looks in the mirror
    Says to herself
    You've nothing to fear

    Her friends won't argue
    Her friends don't care
    Now is the moment to get out of here

    Jan's friends they're marching in the streets
    The anger in their hearts
    Provides a steady beat
    On an on an on an on

    Generosity
    Noble word to me
    Our democracy
    Noble words to me Writer/s: ANDREW CHARLES FARRISS, MICHAEL HUTCHENCE
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 5

  • Jan From Boston from BostonI'm the real Jan and can testify all the above comments are true

    Oh oh except the Jan from Sydney fake phony girl. What a bunch of malarkey
  • Gary Arnott from U.k.Here's a quote from Michael himself about the real life person 'Jan': "We had met somebody in Melbourne, called Jan, that used to come down to where we were staying and we'd talk for hours on end about her plight. She's quite young and living out in the suburbs in Frankston. And from there I think Andrew started a few lines and he showed it to me and I added a few lines. It's a song about the plight of somebody trying to either convince people around her to change or leave. And she ends up sort of leaving and says "well I can't do anything here" so she goes off."

    You can hear it straight from his lips at around the 6 minute mark on this video: https://youtu.be/fZXNwSqoq3A
  • Ron from St. LouisThe lyrics agree with the story - I believe it.
  • AnonymousReally. An interesting commentary then. I knew ‘the other guy’ and can assure you of the origins of this song. There may even be an interview somewhere, from a popular music show of the time, where this song is discussed! Check it out. TBH, I’m not really that bothered, but do believe printed info should be factual. All the best.
  • Jan from SydneyI’ve just stumbled across this and laughed hysterically. What a load of rubbish! Songfacts you’ve got this wrong and you have no doubt made these comments up. Disgraceful actually. I am Jan from the song so know first hand everything you have written is quite frankly bulls--t. You should probably seek out the facts. [We did talk to the guy who co-wrote it... -editor]
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Amy Grant

Amy GrantSongwriter Interviews

The top Contemporary Christian artist of all time on song inspirations and what she learned from Johnny Carson.

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New York

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New YorkSong Writing

Can you be married in one country but not another? Only if you're part of a gay couple. One of the first famous singers to come out as a lesbian, Janis wrote a song about it.