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Got the Time
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Got the Time
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"Got the Time"
Song by Joe Jackson
from the album Look Sharp!
Released5 January 1979 (1979-01-05)
Recorded1978, Eden Studios, London, England
Genre
Length2:55
LabelA&M
SongwriterJoe Jackson
ProducerDavid Kershenbaum

"Got the Time" is a song written and performed by the British new wave musician Joe Jackson, appearing as the closing track on his 1979 debut album, Look Sharp!. The song has since been performed frequently in live concerts by Jackson.

The song was covered in 1990 by thrash metal band Anthrax and in 2021 by Finnish folk metal band Korpiklaani.

Background

[edit]

Jackson had written "Got the Time" in 1977 before assembling the final version of the Joe Jackson Band. Jackson recalled the driving nature of the song was a struggle for his then drummer, Dave Cairns. Jackson explained in his memoir A Cure for Gravity:[1]

"'Got the Time'... gave Dave a lot of trouble. The style I wanted—fast, sharp, and intense—was a long way from Dave's loose, funky approach. This was one guy, I thought, who might not survive the transition to new wave".[1]

In a live performance at Rock Goes to College, Jackson dedicated the song to "anyone out there who leads a hectic life".[2] In the lyrics of the song, Jackson sings of a frantic lifestyle where he is constantly being encountered by new obligations and duties. Musically, the song is a fast-paced rock song with vocals by Jackson. He later described the song as "fast and frantic".[1] In later live versions of the song (after Jackson split from the Joe Jackson Band), percussionist Sue Hadjopoulos plays a prominent conga rhythm.

Release and reception

[edit]

The song was first released on Look Sharp!, and has since seen many other releases. A 1980 live version from the Beat Crazy tour appeared on the live album Live 1980/86, and a 2004 version appeared on Afterlife. A live performance was also released on a bonus CD with Jackson's 2003 album Volume 4.[3] A live form of the song appeared on the compilation album This Is It! (The A&M Years 1979–1989). For the version that appeared on Live Music - Europe 2010, Jackson rearranged the song to not include guitar, since his touring band consisted of only Graham Maby and Dave Houghton. He explained, "I found it a tough one, ... which is why we left out the piano. My idea was to make the rhythm section overwhelming and really let them go crazy, to the point where you wouldn't miss anything else. So you just really have the bass and drums and the vocal, and it works."[4]

In 2003, a writer for Billboard dubbed the song a "classic" and an "old favorite".[3] Paste Magazine praised the song's "manic energy".[5] Glide Magazine ranked it as Jackson's 10th best song.[6]

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]
Chart (1979) Peak
position
CMJ College Radio Tracks #11

Cover versions

[edit]

Anthrax version

[edit]
"Got the Time"
Single by Anthrax
from the album Persistence of Time
Released1990
RecordedDecember 1989–February 1990, A&M Studios and Conway Studios, Hollywood / Soundtrack Studios, New York City
GenrePunk metal, crossover thrash, thrash metal
Length2:44
LabelMegaforce, Island
SongwriterJoe Jackson
ProducersAnthrax, Mark Dodson, Jon Zazula, Marsha Zazula
Anthrax singles chronology
"Antisocial"
(1989) 		"Got the Time"
(1990) 		"In My World"
(1990)

"Got the Time" was covered by the American thrash metal band Anthrax on their album, Persistence of Time. This version was also released as a single by the band in 1990. The band's version was cited by AllMusic writer Steve Huey as the "standout track" from Persistence of Time.[7]

Jackson did not hold Anthrax's version in high regard. In the June 1991 issue of Q magazine, Jackson remarked: "I think it sounds kind of clumsy compared to the way we did it on the Live album. I mean, our version is really smoking. Theirs is actually slower than ours, and kind of lumpen. The way I feel about it is, Thanks for the royalties, guys."[8] In another interview, he explained, "I could never quite understand why they were called a 'speed metal' band because we played the song about twice as fast as they did."[9]

Personnel
Charts
Chart (1991) Peak
position
UK Singles (OCC)[10] 16

Other cover versions

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Got the Time

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Got the Time" is a written and first released by musician Joe Jackson as the eighth track on his debut studio album Look Sharp! in 1979. The song's depict the frantic pace of modern life, with the narrator rushing through daily obligations while feeling overwhelmed by time's relentless pressure. Originally performed in a punk-influenced new wave style, Jackson's version runs for approximately 2:59 and features his signature sharp, angular guitar riffs and urgent vocals. The track contributed to the album's critical acclaim, helping establish Jackson as a key figure in the late-1970s scene, though it was not released as a major single at the time. In 1990, American band covered "Got the Time" for their fifth studio album , transforming it into a high-speed, aggressive rendition clocking in at 2:44 with heavy guitar distortion and rapid drumming. Released as a single in 1990, 's version peaked at number 16 on the UK Singles Chart and spent four weeks in the top 100. This cover outperformed Jackson's original in commercial terms and introduced the song to a broader heavy metal audience, showcasing 's ability to adapt diverse influences during their evolution from pure thrash to a more groove-oriented sound. The track has since been included on various compilations, such as The Collection (2002), underscoring its enduring popularity within the band's catalog. In 2025, Finnish band released an English-language cover of Anthrax's version as "Got the Time," tying it to their own song "Ennen" and further extending the track's legacy across genres. Overall, "Got the Time" exemplifies how a new wave composition can be reinterpreted in , bridging punk, new wave, and heavy metal while resonating with themes of temporal anxiety that remain relevant.

Original version

Background and writing

"Got the Time" was written by Joe Jackson around late 1977 to early 1978 as the closing track for his debut album Look Sharp!, reflecting the frantic pace of urban working life and the relentless pressure of time. The song's inspiration stemmed from Jackson's own experiences navigating the hectic routines of late-1970s amid the city's vibrant yet demanding club scene and musical undercurrents. These personal encounters informed the lyrics' portrayal of daily anxiety and the inexorable march of time, underscored by a sound at the end that heightens the sense of urgency.

Musical composition and style

"Got the Time" is classified as a new wave song with punk and influences, featuring a high-energy arrangement that captures the era's edgy rock sound. The track follows a straightforward verse-chorus structure, driven by a propulsive of bass and drums that underscores a sense of urgency and momentum. Composed in , it maintains an upbeat of 124 beats per minute, contributing to its frantic pace, and runs for a duration of 2:59. Lyrically, the song employs repetitive questioning in the chorus, such as "Got the time? , tick, no, I ain't got the time," to evoke the relentless anxiety of a , delivered with a sarcastic tone that critiques the haste and superficiality of modern life. This structure mirrors the theme of a frantic , amplifying the composition's restless energy through terse verses and explosive choruses.

Recording and personnel

"Got the Time" was recorded in August 1978 at Eden Studios in during the sessions for Joe Jackson's debut album, Look Sharp!. The track emerged from these efficient studio dates, where the band captured much of the album's material in first takes to preserve their onstage vitality. Producer David Kershenbaum guided the process, emphasizing a direct approach that highlighted the quartet's tight interplay and punk-inflected new wave drive. The recording team included engineer Rod Hewison, with assistance from Aldo Bocca, ensuring a crisp, energetic sound that defined the album's raw aesthetic. Core personnel on "Got the Time" consisted of Joe Jackson on vocals, , and as the songwriter; Gary Sanford on guitar; Graham Maby on ; and David Houghton on drums. Jackson also contributed harmonica and arrangements across the sessions, shaping the song's urgent rhythm and lyrical delivery.

Release

"Got the Time" was released as the closing track on Joe Jackson's debut studio album Look Sharp! on January 5, 1979, through . The album appeared initially in vinyl LP format, followed by cassette releases in the early 1980s and CD reissues starting in the late 1990s, including remastered editions. Though not issued as a standalone single, the track contributed to the broader album rollout, which marketed Jackson as a punk-influenced new wave artist targeting audiences in the UK and .

Chart performance

"Got the Time" did not achieve entry on mainstream charts such as the , but it garnered significant airplay on US alternative radio, particularly within college stations, underscoring its appeal in the burgeoning new wave scene of the late 1970s. The track's presence on Joe Jackson's debut album Look Sharp! bolstered the record's commercial performance, with the album peaking at number 20 on the US chart in July 1979. In the , Look Sharp! attained a peak position of number 40 on the Official Albums Chart, marking moderate success for Jackson's initial release. Internationally, the album experienced limited charting beyond these territories, primarily resonating through college and networks amid the era's new wave expansion.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon its release in 1979, "Got the Time" received positive attention from critics for its high-energy performance and lyrics that captured the frustrations of everyday urban life. The song's raw, driving rhythm and Jackson's sharp vocal delivery were seen as emblematic of the emerging new wave sound, blending punk urgency with pop craftsmanship. In retrospective analyses, the track has been celebrated for its lasting impact within Jackson's catalog. Critics have frequently pointed to songs on the album as foundational pieces in defining Jackson's signature witty and acerbic lyrical approach, often drawing parallels to contemporaries like in assessments of the new wave era's sardonic songwriting. This comparison underscores how Jackson's clever observations helped solidify his reputation as a keen commentator on modern alienation.

Live performances and re-releases

"Got the Time" has been frequently performed live by Joe Jackson since the song's debut in 1979, appearing in concert setlists across multiple decades, including shows in 1979 at the in , 1982 during the Night and Day tour, 1991 at , 2003 with the Joe Jackson Band, and as recently as 2019 at the Neptune Theatre in . These performances highlight the song's enduring popularity as an energetic closer or encore piece in Jackson's repertoire. The track is featured on several live albums, including a version from the Beat Crazy Tour recorded in 1980 on Live 1980/86 (released 1988 by ), where it runs 4:28 and captures the band's raw punk energy. Another rendition appears on (2004 by ), a live recording with the Joe Jackson Band that includes "Got the Time" as a high-tempo finale clocking in at 4:21, emphasizing the group's reunion dynamics. In terms of re-releases, "Got the Time" has been included on various compilations, such as Steppin' Out: The Very Best of Joe Jackson (2001 by ), which features the original studio version from Look Sharp! alongside other hits. It also appears on Collected (2010 by Universal Music), a three-disc that remasters tracks from Jackson's early catalog for broader accessibility. Additionally, the song is part of This Is It! (The A&M Years 1979–1989) (2018 by ), which includes a live take from Live 1980/86. Over the years, arrangements of "Got the Time" evolved during tours, particularly in the when percussionist Sue Hadjopoulos joined Jackson's lineup, adding prominent conga rhythms that enhanced the song's frantic punk drive in live settings, as heard in performances from that era. This incorporation reflected shifts in band personnel following the original Joe Jackson Band's dissolution.

Cover versions

Anthrax version

Anthrax included a cover of "Got the Time" on their fifth studio album, , released on August 21, 1990, by in association with . The track, which closes the album, transforms Joe Jackson's 1979 new wave original into a high-energy rendition characterized by distorted, palm-muted guitar riffs and relentless double-kick drumming. Drummer , a longtime fan of the song, drew from its urgent lyrical theme of time pressure to fit the album's darker, introspective tone. The cover clocks in at 2:44, significantly shorter than the original's runtime, and clocks a of approximately 128 beats per minute, emphasizing speed and through layered guitar work and Joey Belladonna's shouted vocals. The recording credits include Belladonna on lead vocals, on rhythm guitar, on lead guitar, on bass guitar, and Benante on drums, with production handled by the band alongside Mark Dodson. This adaptation strips away the punky, piano-driven elements of the source material in favor of metallic intensity, aligning with the album's toward groove-oriented thrash. Released as a single in late 1990 with a promotional video directed by Parris Mayhew, the track achieved commercial success, peaking at number 16 on the UK Singles Chart in January 1991 and marking Anthrax's highest-charting single in that territory at the time. Its inclusion helped propel to gold certification in the United States, underscoring the cover's role in broadening the band's appeal beyond traditional metal audiences.

Other cover versions

The Finnish folk metal band released a cover of "Got the Time" in 2025, drawing from Anthrax's arrangement while incorporating and rhythms to create a festive, upbeat twist. The track, originally recorded elements in 2021 and later re-videoed, features traditional Finnish folk elements blended with metal energy. German punk rock band recorded a high-energy rock version of the song for their 2002 album Amplify the Good Times, highlighting raw punk aggression in contrast to the original's new wave style. American punk band The Matches released a cover on their 2004 album E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals, maintaining a fast-paced punk style; a live version appeared on their 2016 live album The Matches Live. In 2015, the chiptune project 8 Bit Arcade released a rendition on their compilation Rock & Metal Anthems, Vol. 2, reimagining the track with electronic, pixelated 8-bit sounds evocative of classic . Among other niche adaptations, a funk-infused cover appeared on in October 2025, transforming the song into a groovy, soulful interpretation.

References

  1. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/11760/all
  2. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/anthrax/got-the-time
  3. https://www.discogs.com/release/1535259-Joe-Jackson-Look-Sharp
  4. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/joe-jackson-look-sharp/
  5. https://www.discogs.com/master/42957-Anthrax-Got-The-Time
  6. https://www.allmusic.com/song/got-the-time-mt0054863609
  7. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/23975/anthrax/
  8. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-collection-mw0000454954
  9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jhjcckb-tc
  10. https://rockandrollglobe.com/new-wave/how-joe-jacksons-look-sharp-defined-1979/
  11. https://madelinex.com/2019/04/04/my-interview-with-joe-jackson-june-1979/
  12. https://tunebat.com/Info/Got-The-Time-Joe-Jackson/3KN86akwYYXnMX6pBqw9d0
  13. https://getsongbpm.com/song/got-the-time/KONKn
  14. https://www.toppermost.co.uk/jackson-joe/
  15. https://genius.com/Joe-jackson-got-the-time-lyrics
  16. https://bestclassicbands.com/joe-jackson-look-sharp-review-6-7-222/
  17. https://www.discogs.com/master/45647-Joe-Jackson-Look-Sharp
  18. https://www.discogs.com/release/3133856-Joe-Jackson-Look-Sharp
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/7319041-Joe-Jackson-Look-Sharp
  20. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/joe-jackson-look-sharp/
  21. https://www.jj-archive.net/albums/ls_chrt.html
  22. https://www.popmatters.com/joe-jackson-look-sharp-atr45
  23. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/rediscover-look-sharp/
  24. https://archive.org/details/JoeJackson-1979LAFMWhiskyAGoGo
  25. https://mylifeinconcert.com/1980s/013-night-day-joe-jackson-october-4-1982/
  26. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/joe-jackson/1991/radio-city-music-hall-new-york-ny-43fe93ef.html
  27. https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/joe-jackson/joe-jackson-band-live
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oitGzJCKGTo
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/1015699-Joe-Jackson-Band-Afterlife
  30. https://www.discogs.com/release/8214034-Joe-Jackson-Stepping-Out-The-Very-Best-Of-Joe-Jackson
  31. https://www.discogs.com/release/8911260-Joe-Jackson-Collected
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY-rGFog3Oc
  33. https://www.discogs.com/master/42939-Anthrax-Persistence-Of-Time
  34. https://dreadmusicreview.com/2020/08/21/anthrax-joe-jacksons-got-the-time/
  35. https://musicstax.com/track/got-the-time/3cFnb3Rg9a7Gzqxc5QQ9YZ
  36. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/anthrax-got-the-time/
  37. https://www.discogs.com/release/1625179-Anthrax-Got-The-Time
  38. https://musicgoldmine.com/products/anthrax-persistence-of-time-riaa-gold-album-award-1
  39. https://korpiklaani.com/?p=1464
  40. https://www.discogs.com/release/4097484-Donots-Amplify-The-Good-Times
  41. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/471874/all
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s65YFB7I0HU
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