The Clash – London Calling – 1979

About The Song

“London Calling” is a seminal punk rock song by The Clash, released in 1979 as the title track of their third studio album. The song is renowned for its eclectic musical influences, socially conscious lyrics, and energetic punk spirit. “London Calling” remains an anthem of rebellion and a symbol of the punk movement’s diversity and depth.

5 Facts about “London Calling” (1979):

1. Musical Fusion: “London Calling” showcases The Clash’s willingness to experiment with various musical styles. The song incorporates elements of punk, reggae, rockabilly, and ska, reflecting the band’s eclectic taste and pushing the boundaries of the punk genre.
2. Social Commentary: The lyrics of “London Calling” address a range of social and political issues, including concerns about nuclear apocalypse, social unrest, and the economic struggles in the late 1970s. The song captures the uncertainty and anxiety of the times and remains a poignant commentary on the challenges of that era.
3. Album Cover Iconography: The album cover for “London Calling” features a photograph of bassist Paul Simonon smashing his bass guitar on stage. This iconic image has become synonymous with the rebellious spirit of punk rock and is often cited as one of the greatest album covers in the history of rock music.
4. Commercial Success: Despite its socially conscious themes and unconventional musical approach, “London Calling” achieved commercial success. The album reached critical acclaim and became one of The Clash’s most successful records. The title track, in particular, gained popularity and has been widely covered and referenced in popular culture.
5. Legacy and Recognition: “London Calling” is frequently cited as one of the greatest songs in the history of rock music. It has been included in numerous “best of” lists and retrospectives, solidifying its place as a cultural touchstone. The Clash’s ability to merge rebellious energy with thoughtful lyrics in “London Calling” contributed to the song’s enduring legacy in the punk and rock genres.

Video

Lyrics

London calling to the faraway towns
Now war is declared and battle come down
London calling to the underworld
Come out of the cupboard, you boys and girls
London calling, now don’t look to us
Phony Beatlemania has bitten the dust
London calling, see we ain’t got no swing
Except for the ring of the 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
‘Cause London is drowning
I live by the river

London calling to the imitation zone
Forget it, brother, you can go it alone
London calling to the zombies of death
Quit holding out and draw another breath
London calling and I don’t want to shout
But while we were talking, I saw you nodding out
London calling, see we ain’t got no high
Except for that one with the yellowy eye

The ice age is coming, the sun’s zooming in
Engines stop running, the wheat is growing thin
A nuclear era, but I have no fear
‘Cause London is drowning
I, I live by the river

The ice age is coming, the sun’s zooming in
Engines stop running, the wheat is growing thin
A nuclear era, but I have no fear
‘Cause London is drowning
I, I live by the river

Now get this

London calling, yes, I was there, too
And you know what they said? Well, some of it was true
London calling at the top of the dial
And after all this, won’t you give me a smile?

I never felt so much alike, alike, alike, alike