BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Lyrical Journey

Documentaries

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Music

Series 1

Exploring the relationship between much-loved songs and the places which inspired them

Series exploring the mysterious relationship between much-loved songs and the places which inspired them

Lyrical Journey: Series 1

Lyrical Journey: Series 1: Episode 1: Up the Junction

Factual

Episode 1

Episode 1: Up the Junction

Up the Junction

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Lyrical Journey, Series 1, Up the Junction

How Clapham Junction inspired one of Britain's most celebrated songwriters.

Jonathan Maitland discovers how Clapham Junction inspired Squeeze lyricist Chris Difford to pen 'Up the Junction'. From September 2011.

In a series which explores the mysterious relationship between much-loved songs, and the places which inspired them, presenter Jonathan Maitland goes on a lyrical journey close to his heart. A passionate 'Squeeze' fan, he meets the band's lyricist Chris Difford and takes him to Clapham Common which features in his 1979 hit 'Up the Junction'. 

So how has the area changed since he wrote the song, and who else has it inspired? Could the song only ever have been about Clapham - or could the man in the song have had 'some or other passion' with a girl from Balham? And how does Chris feel about performing at the station itself?

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Lyrical Journey

Series 1

Episode 1: Up the Junction

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4