Forty Years
Joe Jackson · Big World [1986]
Here in Berlin, people line up to get in
To wait for the end, living in glorious sin
They've looked around and now there is no looking back
To when rivers ran red, now it's the sky that grows black
Shadows are cast as two giants roam over the earth
We light a match, but what is that little flame worth
Once allies danced and sang
But it was forty years ago
Here in D.C., they talk about 'Euro-disease'
And how the French are always so damn hard to please
Motions are passed in Brussels but no one agrees
And no one walks tall, but no one gets down on their knees
Once allies laughed and drank
But it was forty years ago
Where I come from, they don't like Americans much
They think they're so loud, so tasteless and so out of touch
Stiff upper lips are curled into permanent sneers
Self-satisfied, awaiting the next forty years
Once allies cried and cheered
But it was forty years ago
Forty Years
Forty Years stands as a defining track from Joe Jackson's 1986 album Big World, capturing the artist's transition into a more mature, world-influenced sound. Moving beyond the new wave and punk energy of his early career, Jackson explores themes of aging and reflection with a sophisticated, jazz-inflected arrangement. The recording showcases his signature piano work and rhythmic precision, blending pop sensibilities with a darker, more contemplative edge. As part of a discography that spans decades and genres, the song highlights Jackson's ability to evolve while maintaining his distinct musical identity. It remains a significant song in his catalogue, demonstrating his skill in crafting narratives about the passage of time through intricate composition and polished production.