Career Opportunities
The Clash
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
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
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
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 ContentThe song's lyrics critique the socio-economic realities of late-1970s Britain, which offered lackluster job prospects for young people.
|
SongwritingThe song was written by Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, who were the main songwriters for The Clash.
|
Band SignificanceThis song is often highlighted as an example of The Clash's politically charged songwriting and their reputation as "the only band that matters".
|
Cover VersionsA 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 PerformancesA 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 SuccessThe 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 LengthThe song has a duration of one minute and fifty-two seconds, making it one of the shorter songs on the album.
|
Musical CompositionMusically, "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.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Career Opportunities Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 20 Mar. 2025. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3298525/The+Clash/Career+Opportunities>.
Powered by CITE.ME
Discuss the Career Opportunities Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In