What's the Use of Getting Sober (When You're Gonna Get Drunk Again)?

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride with the Zoo Crew as they spin Joe Jackson’s “What’s the Use of Getting Sober (When You’re Gonna Get Drunk Again)?” from the 1981 album Jumpin’ Jive. This track isn’t an original by Jackson but a cover of a 1942 classic by Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five, written by Busby Meyers. It hit No. 1 on Billboard’s race record chart and stayed there for 14 weeks, with Jordan’s trumpet setting a lively mood that Jackson faithfully recreated. Jackson’s version, part of his full-on swing and jump blues tribute, captures the song’s cheeky narrative—a back-and-forth between a scolding father and a defiant, booze-loving son. The song’s playful yet poignant take on addiction’s cycle resonates as both a period piece and a timeless reflection on human struggle.

In a 1981 review, Paul O’Brian’s blog >SUPERVERBOSE noted Jackson’s infectious joy in performing this track, highlighting his “weird character work” in the vocals, which alternate between a deep-voiced “Pappy” and a squeaky-voiced son. Jackson leaned hard into the 1940s vibe, using period slang and a loose, fun delivery that makes the song a standout on the album. Beat Crave digs deeper, suggesting the song’s repetitive question—“What’s the use of getting sober when you’re gonna get drunk again?”—is a metaphor for life’s endless tug-of-war between self-improvement and indulgence. Fans on social media, as seen in older LyricsJonk comments, have mixed reactions: some love its raw honesty, while others find its repetitive theme grating, with one user even hunting for a Fats Waller version that doesn’t exist.

The Jumpin’ Jive album itself was a bold pivot for Jackson, who was riding high on New Wave hits like “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” In the liner notes, Jackson wrote that he wasn’t aiming for jazz purists but for anyone who wanted to “reap this righteous riff.” He name-checked vintage vocalist King Pleasure, later circling back to him in his 2008 song “King Pleasure Time,” tying his love for pleasure-driven music to this earlier project. The album’s crisp production and stellar musicianship—especially Graham Maby’s bass—earned it praise as Jackson’s best stylistic detour, per The Rolling Stone Album Guide. Live performances of the song, as noted by Beat Crave, brought out Jackson’s passionate delivery, connecting deeply with audiences who felt the song’s emotional weight.

Joe Jackson, born David Ian Jackson on August 11, 1954, in Burton-on-Trent, UK, kicked off his musical journey far from the swing era. Growing up in Portsmouth, England, he started with the violin but switched to piano, playing in bars by age 16. A scholarship to London’s Royal Academy of Music pushed him toward composition, but Jackson wasn’t cut out for the “serious composer” life. Instead, he dove into pop and rock, forming his first band and blending punk, ska, and jazz influences. His 1979 debut album Look Sharp! launched him with “Is She Really Going Out with Him?,” a hit that still gets heavy FM airplay. From there, he rode the New Wave wave with tracks like “Steppin’ Out” (1982) and “You Can’t Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)” (1984) before exploring eclectic genres like salsa, classical, and film scores.

Now based in Berlin, Jackson’s career spans five Grammy nominations and a restless creative spirit that refuses to be boxed in. You can keep up with him on his official website, where he shares tour dates and news. His Facebook page is active with updates and fan chatter, while his Instagram offers glimpses into his life and performances. On X, he engages with fans and posts about music and beyond. For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with fellow fans, check out the Joe Jackson Fans Facebook group, a lively spot for sharing memories and discussing his discography. There’s also Joe Jackson Archive, a fan-run site packed with detailed discographies and rare photos, perfect for diving deep into his legacy.