History: Sham 69 formed in 1976 (the 12 November issue of NME notes they were rehearsing at this time, although only Pursey would remain from this early line-up 12 months later). Sham 69 lacked the art school background of many British punk bands of the time, and brought in football chant back-up vocals and a sort of inarticulate political populism. The band had a large skinhead following (left wing, right wing and non-political), which helped set the tone for the Oi! movement. Their concerts were notoriously plagued by violence, and the band ceased live performances after one of their gigs at Middlesex Polytechnic in 1978 was broken up by National Front skinheads fighting and rushing the stage. Sham 69 released their first single, "Ulster", on Step Forward Records in August 1977, and its success in the independent charts prompted Polydor to sign the band.
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Joey's On The Street Lyrics
Sham 69
As he combed his hair
The night called out his name
Like every hero he has to brag and show his fame
Well Joeys got to prove he's the leader of the pack
But once you start a running
There ain't no turning back
He's the kid that cried wolf and got the blame
So Joeys on the street again
But his freedoms running out
When you play with fire
One tear can put it out
Everybody wants Joey to act his age
But like an eagle he's locked in a parrots cage
Well Joeys got to prove he's the leader of the pack
But once you start a running
There ain't no turning back
He's the kid that cried wolf and got the blame
So Joeys on the street again
But his freedoms running out
When you play with fire
One tear can put it out
So he winks to the mirror
And brides don't wear his ring
Even if I could I'm still there try again
Well Joeys got to prove he's the leader of the pack
But once you start a running
There ain't no turning back
He's the kid that cried wolf and got the blame
So Joeys on the street again
But his freedoms running out
When you play with fire
One tear can put it out