London Calling
The Clash
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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 'Cept for the ring of that truncheon thing The ice age is coming, the sun is zooming in Meltdown expected, the wheat is growin' thin Engines stop running, but I have no fear 'Cause London is drowning, and I, 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 when 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 is zooming in Engines stop running, the wheat is growin' thin A nuclear era, but I have no fear 'Cause London is drowning, and I, I live by the river The ice age is coming, the sun is zooming in Engines stop running, the wheat is growin' thin A nuclear era, but I have no fear London is drowning, and I, I live by the river Now get this London calling, yes, I was there, too An' 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 a' like a'like a'like
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Written by: Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Topper Headon
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Release and Reception"London Calling" was released as the only single in the UK from the album of the same name and it has since been hailed as one of the greatest rock songs ever made. It ranked #15 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
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InspirationThe song was influenced by the economic turmoil and societal changes happening in the UK at the time. Its title comes from the BBC World Service's station identification: "This is London Calling," which was used during World War II.
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SongwritingBoth Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, members of The Clash, are credited with writing the song. It is often recognized for its politically charged lyrics - the track covers topics such as nuclear error, police brutality, and consumerism.
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Album ArtworkThe album cover of "London Calling" features an iconic image of bassist Paul Simonon smashing his bass onstage. It's considered one of the most famous album covers in rock 'n' roll history.
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Music StyleThe song is a fusion of punk rock and reggae, showcasing the band's ability to blend different styles of music. This mix gave the song a unique flavor that set it apart from much of the music of its time.
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Historical ContextThe phrase "London Calling" became a symbol of British resilience during trying times, specifically during World War II. The Clash reinvented it, giving it a modern twist to reflect the challenges of the late 1970s.
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Performance"London Calling" is often cited as one of The Clash’s best live performances, known for its energy and the powerful response it evoked from audience members.
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Legacy and InfluenceThe song and its album greatly impacted not only the punk genre, but the entire music industry, pushing boundaries in terms of both music style and lyrical content. It continues to be covered and featured in movies, commercials, and television shows.
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Awards & AccoladesThe album "London Calling" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least 25 years old, and that have "qualitative or historical significance."
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Music VideoThe music video was directed by Don Letts, a key figure in the punk scene who would later direct most of The Clash's videos. The video includes footage from a 1979 concert that the band gave in New York City.
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"London Calling Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3298488/The+Clash/London+Calling>.
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