The song emerged during a period of severe economic decline and high unemployment in the UK. The title itself was inspired by a newspaper headline, a common source of inspiration for the band.
: The lyrics list various "dead-end" jobs—such as bus driver, ambulance man, and ticket inspector—that the band viewed as dehumanizing tools of the establishment. The song emerged during a period of severe
: The song rejects military conscription and service in the "tropical heat" (later changed to "Falklands Strait" in live performances like Live at Shea Stadium ). The Remastered Audio The song emerged during a period of severe
: The chorus highlights the establishment's goal of keeping young people in low-paying work primarily to prevent them from getting into legal trouble ("the dock"). The song emerged during a period of severe