Clampdown
The Clash
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What are we gonna do now? Taking off his turban, they said, is this man a Jew? 'Cause they're working for the clampdown They put up a poster saying we earn more than you! When we're working for the clampdown We will teach our twisted speech To the young believers We will train our blue-eyed men To be young believers The judge said five to ten-but I say double that again I'm not working for the clampdown No man born with a living soul Can be working for the clampdown Kick over the wall 'cause government's to fall How can you refuse it? Let fury have the hour, anger can be power D'you know that you can use it? The voices in your head are calling Stop wasting your time, there's nothing coming Only a fool would think someone could save you The men at the factory are old and cunning You don't owe nothing, so boy get runnin' It's the best years of your life they want to steal You grow up and you calm down You're working for the clampdown You start wearing the blue and brown You're working for the clampdown So you got someone to boss around It makes you feel big now You drift until you brutalize Make your first kill now In these days of evil Presidentes Working for the clampdown But lately one or two has fully paid their due For working for the clampdown Ha! Gitalong! Gitalong! (working for the clampdown) Ha! Gitalong! Gitalong! (working for the clampdown) Yeah I'm working in Harrisburg Working hard in Petersburg (working for the clampdown, working for the clampdown) Ha! Gitalong! Gitalong! Beggin' to be melted down And I'll give away no secrets
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Written by: Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Topper Headon
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Album Appearance"Clampdown" is an iconic song from "The Clash's" third studio album, "London Calling". The album was released in December 1979.
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Genre CategorizationThe song and most of The Clash's music falls under the punk rock genre. This genre is known for its aggressive, rough-edged music and often confrontational lyrics.
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Social Commentary"Clampdown" is widely regarded as a song that expresses strong political views and contains social commentary. The lyrics of the song speak out against oppressive systems and conformity.
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SongwritersThe song was penned by Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, main members of The Clash. Their collaboration forged some of the most memorable punk songs of the late '70s and early '80s.
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Cover VersionsMultiple artists have covered "Clampdown", reinterpreting its potent social messages in their own styles. Among the notable bands who've covered the song are Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Indigo Girls, and Hot Water Music.
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Live Performances"Clampdown" was frequently featured in The Clash's live shows. The energy of the song made it a crowd favorite at concerts.
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Critical AcclaimThe song has been well-received by music critics. Rolling Stone magazine listed The Clash’s “London Calling” as the eighth best album of all time and the song "Clampdown" is considered one of the highlights.
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Lyric Analysis"Clampdown" contains many anti-establishment and anti-systemic messages. The lyric "Let fury have the hour, anger can be power" is a call to action against oppressive systems.
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Music VideoDespite being one of the band's popular numbers, "Clampdown" does not have an official music video.
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Title MeaningThe term "Clampdown" refers to a sudden restriction or suppression on a particular activity. The word perfectly encapsulates the song's theme of challenging authority and fighting against oppression.
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LegacyEven after 40 years, "Clampdown" remains relevant and has been used as a rallying cry in various protests and political movements. It continues to inspire new generations of music listeners and activists alike.
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Listed in Song Popularity Rankings"Clampdown" is ranked as the 5th most popular song by The Clash according to the website setlist.fm, which bases its rankings on how frequently a song is played in live performances.
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Citation
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"Clampdown Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3350374/The+Clash/Clampdown>.
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