Groovy Times

The Clash

About Groovy Times

"Groovy Times" is a song by the Clash, featured on their The Cost of Living EP, and released as a promotional single in 1979 in Australia by Epic Records (AE7 1178). It was originally recorded as "Groovy Times Are Here Again" during the recording sessions for Give 'Em Enough Rope, however this demo has never been officially released, but can be found on many Clash bootlegs. It was never performed live. The song's lyrics are filled with images of urban decay and civil unrest and focus on recurring Clash themes of alienation, monotony and oppression. According to their author, Joe Strummer, the lyrics were sparked by his disgust at the erection of fences in Britain's football terraces, built to keep fans apart in response to football hooliganism. Ten years later the Hillsborough Disaster would prove these fences fatal and his concerns irrefutably correct. The 'King of Early Evening ITV' mentioned in the song is confirmed as Bill Grundy, whose career was ruined after his infamous interview with the Sex Pistols and was indeed presenting early evening television on British terrestrial channel ITV. "I can remember his first appearance now look what's happened to him, so they put him in a dog suit like from 1964" is about singer-songwriter Elvis Costello. 


Year:
1991
3:30
74 

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The High Street shops are boarded up
An' the terrace it is fenced in
See-through shields are walled across
The way that you came in
But there's no need to get excited

As the lorries bring the bacon in
'cause the housewives are all singing
Groovy times are here again

They discovered one black Saturday
That mobs don't march they run
So you can excuse the nervous triggerman
Just this once for jumping the gun
As they were picking up the dead
Out of the broken glass
Yes it's number one, the radio said
Groovy times have come to pass!

Groovy times groovy times groovy times

The intake is on the uptake
The acceleration's pretty grim
I can remember his first appearance
Now look what's happened to him
So they put him in a dog suit
Like from 1964
The king of early evening TV
Groovy times forever more

Groovy times

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The Clash

The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly. For most of their recording career, the Clash consisted of Joe Strummer (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Mick Jones (lead guitar, vocals), Paul Simonon (bass guitar, vocals) and Nicky "Topper" Headon (drums, percussion). Headon left the group in 1982, and internal friction led to Jones's departure the following year. The group continued with new members, but finally disbanded in early 1986. more »

6 fans

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

Song Composition
"Groovy Times" is a song by the British punk rock band, The Clash. It was penned by the two primary songwriters of the band, Joe Strummer and Mick Jones.
Release date and Album Inclusion
This track was first released in July 1979 as a part of the 'Cost of Living' EP, which was solely released in the UK. However, "Groovy Times" has not been included on any of The Clash's official albums.
Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics of "Groovy Times" criticize British society and politics under Margaret Thatcher, making it one of The Clash's many politically-charged songs.
Experimental Sound
Unlike the typical punk sound of The Clash, "Groovy Times" marked a departure featuring a melodica, a wind instrument, giving the song a unique, more experimental sound.
Limited-time Release
This song was only ever released on a 7" EP, which was unusual for The Clash, known for releasing numerous singles throughout their career.
Live Performances
"Groovy Times" was rarely performed live. It debuted on 1st August 1979 at the Agora Ballroom in New Haven, USA, and was last played in December that same year.
Compilation Album Appearance
This song was included on the compilation album called 'Super Black Market Clash' in 1993, where The Clash bundled some of its rare tracks.
Critical Reception
"Groovy Times" is considered by many critics as one of the strongest demonstrations of The Clash's transition from pure punk to a band that incorporated a range of sounds and influences.
Cultural Context
The Clash wrote "Groovy Times" during a time of great political and social strife in the UK. The song is viewed as an indictment of the repressive societal structures of the times.
Limited Availability
Due to the limited release of the 'Cost of Living' EP, "Groovy Times" was one of the lesser-known songs of The Clash for many years until its inclusion in the 'Super Black Market Clash' compilation.

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