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