The Guns of Brixton

The Clash

About The Guns of Brixton

"The Guns of Brixton" is a song by the English punk rock band The Clash. It was written and sung by bassist Paul Simonon, who grew up in Brixton, South London. The song has a strong reggae influence, reflecting the culture of the area and the reggae gangster film The Harder They Come.


Year:
1979
3:09
84 
#2

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When they kick at your front door
How you gonna come?
With your hands on your head
Or on the trigger of your gun

When the law break in
How you gonna go?
Shot down on the pavement
Or waiting on death row

You can crush us
You can bruise us
But you'll have to answer to
Oh, the guns of Brixton

The money feels good
And your life you like it well
But surely your time will come
As in heaven, as in hell

You see, he feels like Ivan
Born under the Brixton sun
His game is called survivin'
At the end of the harder they come

You know it means no mercy
They caught him with a gun
No need for the Black Maria
Goodbye to the Brixton sun

You can crush us
You can bruise us
Yes, even shoot us
But oh-the guns of Brixton

When they kick at your front door
How you gonna come?
With your hands on your head
Or on the trigger of your gun

You can crush us
You can bruise us
Yes, even shoot us
But oh-the guns of Brixton

Shot down on the pavement
Waiting in death row
His game is called survivin'
As in heaven as in hell

You can crush us
You can bruise us
But you'll have to answer to
Oh, the guns of Brixton

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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: Paul Gustave Simonon

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release
"The Guns of Brixton" is a song by the English punk rock band "The Clash". It was released in 1979 on their third studio album, "London Calling".
Composer
This song is unique because it's one of the few songs for which Paul Simonon, the band's bassist, provided lead vocals. He also wrote the song.
Inspiration
The title and lyrics of the song were inspired by the Brixton area of South London where Simonon grew up. At the time, Brixton was heavily associated with crime, and the song deals with themes of unrest and dissatisfaction with law enforcement.
Foreboding Lyrics
The lyrics "When they kick at your front door/How you gonna come?/With your hands on your head/Or on the trigger of your gun" were, ironically and sadly, a premonition of sorts. Later, in the 1981 Brixton riots, the police would indeed kick in doors to arrest suspected rioters.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by various artists, including Nouvelle Vague, Jimmy Cliff, Arcade Fire and Cypress Hill.
Use in Films
The song has been featured in various films such as "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." and "22 Jump Street".
Music Styles
The song is characterized by its reggae-inspired bass riff. This marked a divergence from The Clash's usual punk rock style and showcased the band's versatility.
Legacy
"The Guns of Brixton" is regarded as an anthem and is a popular song that is frequently played on alternative and punk rock radio stations, showcasing The Clash's enduring popularity.
B-side
In 2011 the song was released as a 7" vinyl single along with another song "The Magnificent Seven" from their album "Sandinista!" as side B.
Album Recognition
The album "London Calling" which features "The Guns of Brixton" is typically regarded as The Clash's best album and consistently ranks high on greatest album lists from publications such as Rolling Stone and NME.

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