The Clash - London Calling

"London Calling" by The Clash is a seminal punk rock song released in 1979 as the title track of their acclaimed album. The song's urgent guitar riff, driving rhythm, and politically charged lyrics encapsulate the band's rebellious spirit and social commentary. Inspired by issues such as social unrest, unemployment, and nuclear fears during the late 1970s in Britain, "London Calling" serves as a rallying cry against complacency and injustice. The lyrics evoke a sense of urgency and rebellion, urging listeners to wake up to the challenges facing society. The song's energetic and raw production, coupled with Joe Strummer's impassioned vocals, solidified its status as one of punk rock's defining anthems. "London Calling" remains a timeless classic, revered for its fierce punk ethos and its enduring relevance in addressing social and political issues.

The Clash - London Calling Lyrics

London calling to the faraway towns

Now that war is declared and battle come down

London calling to the underworld

Come out of the cupboard, all you boys and girls

London calling, now don't look at us

All that phony Beatlemania has bitten the dust

London calling, see we ain't got no swing

Except for the ring of that truncheon thing

The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in

Meltdown expected, the wheat is growing thin

Engines stop running, but I have no fear

Because London is drowning and I, I live by the river

London calling to the imitation zone

Forget it, brother, and go it alone

London calling upon the zombies of death

Quit holding out and draw another breath

London calling and I don't want to shout

But when we were talking I saw you nodding out

London calling, see we ain't got no highs

Except for that one with the yellowy eyes

The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in

Meltdown expected, the wheat is growing thin

Engines stop running, but I have no fear

Because London is drowning and I, I live by the river

Now get this

London calling, yeah, I was there, too

And you know what they said?

Well, some of it was true!

London calling at the top of the dial

After all this, won't you give me a smile?

I never felt so much alike

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The Doobie Brothers - Long Train Runnin'