Career Opportunities

The Clash

About Career Opportunities

"Career Opportunities" is a song by The Clash, recorded for their debut studio album, The Clash in 1977.


Year:
1977
1:52
357 
#4

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They offered me the office, offered me the shop
They said I'd better take anything they'd got
Do you wanna make tea at the BBC?
Do you wanna be, do you really wanna be a cop?

Career opportunities, the ones that never knock
Every job they offer you is to keep you out the dock
Career opportunities, the ones that never knock

I hate the army and I hate the RAF
I don't wanna go fighting in the tropical heat
I hate the civil service rules
I won't open letter bombs for you

Career opportunities, the ones that never knock
Every job they offer you is to keep you out the dock
Career opportunities, the ones that never knock

Oi!
Bus driver
Ambulance man
Ticket inspector, I don't understand

They're gonna have to introduce conscription
They're gonna have to take away my prescription
If they wanna get me making toys
If they wanna get me, well I got no choice

Career opportunities, the ones that never knock
Every job they offer you is to keep you out the dock
Career opportunities, the ones that never knock

Career, career
Career, it ain't never gonna knock

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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 Origins
"Career Opportunities" is a track from the British punk rock band The Clash's self-titled debut album, which was released in 1977.
Lyric Content
The song's lyrics critique the socio-economic realities of late-1970s Britain, which offered lackluster job prospects for young people.
Songwriting
The song was written by Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, who were the main songwriters for The Clash.
Band Significance
This song is often highlighted as an example of The Clash's politically charged songwriting and their reputation as "the only band that matters".
Cover Versions
A re-recorded version of the song appeared on the soundtrack for the 1999 film "Billy Elliot" – wherein the lyrics were sung by child actors Luke and Ellis Potter.
Live Performances
A version of "Career Opportunities" was performed by The Clash on their live album, "Live at Shea Stadium", which was a recording of their 1982 concert at Shea Stadium in New York.
Album Success
The Clash's debut album, featuring "Career Opportunities", was a major success and is often ranked as one of the best punk rock albums of all time.
Song Length
The song has a duration of one minute and fifty-two seconds, making it one of the shorter songs on the album.
Musical Composition
Musically, "Career Opportunities" is a punk rock song, featuring the band's distinct fast-paced guitar playing, aggressive drumming and raw vocal delivery.
Cultural Impact
"Career Opportunities" has been cited as an influence to later punk and indie bands for its uncompromising societal critique.

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