Synopsis

Jamiroquai perform amid a disturbing collage of images showing environmental destruction, animal cruelty, war, genocide, and political violence. Jay Kay is also shown restrained and suffering, creating a symbolic connection between human oppression and the abuse of animals and nature. The video turns the song's environmental warning into a confrontational protest statement, contrasting the band's energetic acid-jazz performance with documentary footage designed to shock viewers into confronting the consequences of greed, violence, and technological progress.

Factoids & Trivia

• "When You Gonna Learn" was first released by Acid Jazz in October 1992. The video was produced later, in July 1993, for the song's Sony reissue rather than its original independent-label release.

• The original edit incorporated graphic footage of animal experimentation, seal hunting, whaling, Nazi imagery, and other historical events. Its confrontational content led to the version being banned by MTV in the United States.

• A less graphic edit was prepared for North American music-video outlets. Video references from the period identify separate non-US and North American versions.

• The clip's imagery reflects the song's status as Jamiroquai's debut protest single, whose themes include environmental damage, unchecked capitalism, social injustice, and humanity's inability to change its behavior.

• The song reached No. 52 on its first UK chart run in 1992, then climbed to No. 28 after its 1993 re-release, helping establish Jamiroquai beyond the British acid-jazz scene.