From their earliest days as a band, The Clash stood apart from their peers with their musicianship as well as their lyrics, the passionate, left-wing political idealism in the lyrics by frontman Joe Strummer and guitarist Mick Jones contrasting with the lyrical nihilism of the Sex Pistols and the musical minimalism of the Ramones. Their 1979 album 'London Calling' is considered by critics as one of the greatest albums in the history of rock music. Rolling Stone declared it the best album of the 80s.
The Clash's attitude and style, as much as their music, has influenced countless bands, both within and outside the sphere of punk rock. Often lauded as "the only band that matters," The Clash were canonized as rock saints even before they broke up. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the class of 2003. Their first five albums, ('The Clash', 'Give 'Em Enough Rope', 'London Calling', 'Sandinista!', and 'Combat Rock') to this day, continue to earn a great deal of interest from rock fans and artists alike.
Mick Jones went on to form Big Audio Dynamite after being fired from The Clash, and he more recently has produced albums by artists such as The Libertines and Babyshambles. In 2004, he formed Carbon/silicon with musician Tony James (of Generation X and Sigue Sigue Sputnik fame). Exploring various genres such as alternative rock and electronic music, he continues to collaborate with other modern groups such as Gorillaz.
Joe Strummer went on to form and front Joe Strummer and the Latino Rockabilly War and then Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros. He also had a notable solo career that involved work in films and other endeavors, often earning critical acclaim. He died on December 22, 2002, the victim of an un-diagnosed congenital heart defect. Mourned by countless punk fans, his life has been subject to several tributes and was memorialized in the 2007 documentary 'Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten'.
Bass player Paul Simonon went on to form Havana 3 A.M., a group that released a self-titled album in 1991, yet he decided to quit music in the early 90s in favour of becoming an artist. In 2006, he returned to music as bass player in a musical project together with singer-songwriter Damon Albarn. The project is often referred to as The Good, The Bad & The Queen, the name of the groups first recorded album that came out in 2007. In terms of his paintings, his well-received work notably was in an exhibition at Thomas Williams Fine Art in London.
Drummer Topper Headon released a solo album, 1986's 'Waking Up', before leaving the music business to become a taxi driver and escape the heroin addiction that cost him his legacy in The Clash. Over the years, he's had sporadic involvement in various music-related endeavors, such as being a key part of the aforementioned 'The Future Is Unwritten' film. He's currently residing in the seaside town of Dover, England.
Members:
1976 Original line-up
Joe Strummer – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Mick Jones – lead guitar, backing vocals
Keith Levene – lead guitar
Paul Simonon – bass guitar, backing vocals
Terry Chimes – drums, percussion
1977
Joe Strummer – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Mick Jones – lead guitar, backing vocals
Paul Simonon – bass guitar, backing vocals
Terry Chimes – drums, percussion
1977-1982 Classic line-up
Joe Strummer – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Mick Jones – lead guitar, backing vocals
Paul Simonon – bass guitar, backing vocals
Topper Headon – drums, percussion
1982-1983
Joe Strummer – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Mick Jones – lead guitar, backing vocals
Paul Simonon – bass guitar, backing vocals
Terry Chimes – drums, percussion
1983
Joe Strummer – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Mick Jones – lead guitar, backing vocals
Paul Simonon – bass guitar, backing vocals
Pete Howard – drums, percussion
1983-1986 Final line-up
Joe Strummer – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Nick Sheppard – lead guitar, backing vocals
Vince White – lead guitar
Paul Simonon – bass guitar, backing vocals
Pete Howard – drums, percussion
Cool under Heat
The Clash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rebels to the core
Got a million dollar question
What is livin' for?
Hey! Man can scratch a livin'
In a fat man's city class
The teacher is survival
So!
Be cool under heat
Be cool under heat
Be cool on the street
Be cool under heat
When you're rockin' down
On a cold hard night
Pitiless eyes of the cityless souls
Narrow in the lights
Sorrow upon sorrow
Go ganging up in your head
You can leave it till tomorrow
If you can balance on the edge
Hey!
Be cool under heat
Be cool under heat
Be cool on the street
Be cool under heat
When the baby and you got to fight
Go cool your love in the rain
When the match refuses to strike
Show that you really are in pain
I'm giving you a warning
Gonna burn those blue suede shoes
Swagger in the mornin'
Prints up front page news
Be cool under heat
Be cool under heat
Be cool on the street
Be cool under heat
The Clash's "Cool under Heat" is an anthem for urban rebellion and survival. The song speaks directly to the millennial generation, who, in a world of injustice and uncertainty, are striving for meaning and purpose. The opening lines of "Rebels on the corner rebels to the core" make a clear statement of defiance, with a sense of take no prisoners attitude. The chorus of “Be cool under heat, be cool on the street,” gives advice to navigate through life’s challenges. The song’s message is that in a world of unending heat, be it from the police, financial inequality, the education system, or life in general, one must remain cool and level-headed in order to survive and overcome.
Line by Line Meaning
Rebels on the corner
People who believe in revolution or those who stand against the status quo can be found on the streets.
Rebels to the core
Their rebellious spirit runs deep within them and is an integral part of their identity.
Got a million dollar question
What is livin' for?
Rebels question the purpose of their lives and wonder what they are living for.
Hey! Man can scratch a livin'
In a fat man's city class
The teacher is survival
But soon the present will be the past
People can survive in a city dominated by the wealthy, but they will need to be aware of the harsh realities and learn to survive on their own. Time moves on, and things can change.
Be cool under heat
Be cool under heat
Be cool on the street
Be cool under heat
Whatever happens, remain calm and composed.
When you're rockin' down
On a cold hard night
Pitiless eyes of the cityless souls
Narrow in the lights
When you are walking aimlessly on a cold and lonely night, the people you see around you don't seem to show any emotion, appearing unconnected and uncaring in their own worlds.
Sorrow upon sorrow
Go ganging up in your head
You can leave it till tomorrow
If you can balance on the edge
The burden of your sorrows can become overwhelming and start building up in your mind. You can put it off until later if you can handle the pressure.
When the baby and you got to fight
Go cool your love in the rain
When the match refuses to strike
Show that you really are in pain
When there's tension in your romantic relationship, try to diffuse the situation by spending time together outdoors. If you're struggling with something that is out of your control, show that you're struggling and need help.
I'm giving you a warning
Gonna burn those blue suede shoes
Swagger in the mornin'
Prints up front page news
This is a call to action. Stand up and fight for what you believe in, even if your actions draw attention and criticism from others.
Lyrics © Royalty Network Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BERNARD RHODES, JOE STRUMMER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind