Tommy Gun
The Clash
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Tommy gun You ain't happy less you got one Tommy gun Ain't gonna shoot the place up Just for fun Maybe he wants to die for the money Maybe he wants to kill for his country Whatever he wants, he's gonna get it! Tommy gun You better strip it down for a custom run Tommy gun Waiting in the airport 'till kingdom come An' we can watch you make it On the nine o'clock news Standing there in Palestine lighting the fuse Whatever you want, you're gonna get it Tommy gun You'll be dead when your war is won Tommy gun But did you have to gun down everyone? I can see it's kill or be killed A nation of destiny has got to be fulfilled Whatever you want, you're gonna get it! Tommy gun You can be a hero in an age of none Tommy gun I'm cutting out your picture from page one I'm gonna get a jacket just like yours An' give my false support to your cause Whatever you want, you're gonna get it! Boats an' tanks and planes, it's your game Kings an' queens an' generals learn your name I see all the innocents, the human sacrifice And if death comes so cheap Then the same goes for life!
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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
Band Origins"Tommy Gun" is a song composed by the British rock band, The Clash. This group is known as one of the key pioneers in the original wave of British punk rock during the 1970s.
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Album PlacementThe song was first released as a part of the band's second studio album named "Give 'Em Enough Rope" in 1978, which attained good popularity in the UK and began to make a significant impact in the US as well.
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Musical Composition"Tommy Gun" is a brilliant demonstration of the group's punk rock expertise with aggressive guitar riffs, booming drums, and bass lines. It showcases the band's characteristic raw and rebellious energy.
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Chart PerformanceThe song was ranked 19th in the UK Singles Chart in 1978, proving its commercial success in The Clash's originating country.
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Lyrics & ThemeThe lyrics of "Tommy Gun" form a political commentary, taking an anti-war stance. The title refers to the Thompson submachine gun, typically related to the street violence and organized crime of the 1920s and 1930s. The song uses this symbol to express disapproval of terrorist tactics around the world.
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SongwritersThe track was penned by Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, The Clash's primary songwriting team. Their rebellious and powerful spirit is highly evident in the lyrics and overall tone of the song.
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Video ElementA music video was also produced for "Tommy Gun". It was directed by Don Letts, a frequent collaborator with the band.
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Lasting Impact"Tommy Gun" has since been covered by various punk bands over the years, reflecting its lasting impact in the punk rock community.
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Live PerformancesThe Clash often performed "Tommy Gun" live during their concerts, and it remained a fan favorite because of its catchy, energetic rhythm and potent message.
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Discography Influence"Tommy Gun" played a pivotal role in shaping The Clash's music trajectory, solidifying their reputation and growing their fanbase around the globe.
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Citation
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"Tommy Gun Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3302176/The+Clash/Tommy+Gun>.
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