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
Four Horsemen
The Clash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That loosen the screws at the back of the tongue
But they told no one where they had begun
Four horsemen
They were given all the foods of vanity
And all the instant promises of immortality
But they bit the dust screamin' insanity!
One was over the edge, one was over the cliff
One was lickin' 'em dry with a bloody great spliff
When they picked up the hiker he didn't want the lift
From the horsemen
But you!
You're not searching, are you now?
You're not looking anyhow
You're never gonna ride that lonely mile
Or put yourself up on trial
Oh, you told me how your life was so bad
An' I agree that it does seem sad
But that's the price that you gotta pay
If you're lazing all around all day
Four horsemen coming right through
Four horsemen and they're pissing by you
They make you look like you're wearing a truss
Four horsemen and it's gonna be us
Well they gave us everything for bending the mind
And we cleaned out their pockets and we drank 'em blind
It's a long way to the finish so don't get left behind
By those horsemen
And they gave us the grapes that went ripe in the sun
That loosen the screws at the back of the tongue
But we still told nothing 'bout what was to come
Four horsemen
We know, only rock and roll
We know, got rock and roll
We're in the park
Or in the campus
Cannot breathe
We beat the thief, ae ohh ah
Cannot breathe
We beat the theft, ohh ah
Cannot breathe
We know, only rock and roll
We know, got rock and roll
We know, got rock and roll
We know, got rock and roll
The lyrics of The Clash’s song “Four Horsemen” is a reflection on the reckless, destructive lifestyle of rock stars and the consequences that come with it. The “four horsemen” represent the various vices that lead to self-destruction: drugs, alcohol, vanity, and the delusion of immortality. The song begins with the imagery of grapes that “loosen the screws at the back of the tongue,” implying the orgy of excess that accompanies the rock star lifestyle. The lyrics describe the various ways in which the “four horsemen” bring about their own destruction, with one going over the edge, one going over the cliff, and one succumbing to drugs (“lickin’ 'em dry with a bloody great spliff”).
The second half of the song is a warning to the listener not to follow the same path. The lyrics “You’re never gonna ride that lonely mile, or put yourself up on trial” and “That’s the price that you gotta pay, If you’re lazing all around all day” serve as a cautionary tale against idleness and self-indulgence. The verses are followed by a repeated refrain of “We know, got rock and roll,” asserting that the only thing the band and the listener can count on in the end is the music.
Line by Line Meaning
Well they were given the grapes that go ripe in the sun
They were given the best things in life, things that make them feel good but may also dull their senses.
That loosen the screws at the back of the tongue
These things may make it easier for them to speak, but may also cause them to speak without thinking or saying things they shouldn't.
But they told no one where they had begun
They kept their origins or motives a secret from everyone else.
Four horsemen
A symbol of doom and destruction, four horsemen represent the coming of the apocalypse.
They were given all the foods of vanity
They were provided with things that catered to their egos or desires.
And all the instant promises of immortality
They were offered things that suggested they could live forever, be remembered forever, or have a lasting impact.
But they bit the dust screamin' insanity!
Despite these offerings, they failed miserably and ended up going crazy or losing their minds.
One was over the edge, one was over the cliff
One person went too far and the consequences were dire, while another person fell off the metaphorical cliff and hit rock bottom.
One was lickin' 'em dry with a bloody great spliff
One person was using drugs excessively, likely to the point of addiction.
When they picked up the hiker he didn't want the lift
Even when the opportunity for help or rescue was presented, the person in trouble rejected it.
But you!
A direct address to the listener or reader.
You're not searching, are you now?
The listener is being questioned about their actions or motivation in life.
You're not looking anyhow
The listener isn't actively looking for answers or improvement in their life.
You're never gonna ride that lonely mile
The listener won't go on a challenging journey or face a difficult situation on their own.
Or put yourself up on trial
The listener isn't willing to reflect on their own actions or decisions.
Oh, you told me how your life was so bad
The listener has expressed negativity or unhappiness about their life to the artist or someone else.
An' I agree that it does seem sad
The artist acknowledges the listener's perspective and feelings.
But that's the price that you gotta pay
There are consequences for not actively trying to improve one's life or situation.
If you're lazing all around all day
If someone is being idle or not putting effort into anything, they won't see positive change.
Four horsemen coming right through
The four horsemen are still approaching or causing destruction.
Four horsemen and they're pissing by you
The four horsemen are indifferent to the listener, and are not directly causing harm to them at this moment.
They make you look like you're wearing a truss
The four horsemen make you look weak or restricted in some way.
Four horsemen and it's gonna be us
The singer and listener will be affected by the four horsemen's destruction.
Well they gave us everything for bending the mind
They provided everything necessary to make them think a certain way or follow a certain path.
And we cleaned out their pockets and we drank 'em blind
They took advantage of the offerings and took as much as they could until they couldn't take anymore.
It's a long way to the finish so don't get left behind
The journey is a long one, so don't fall behind or become stagnant.
We know, only rock and roll
They know what they want or need in life - just rock and roll and nothing else.
We know, got rock and roll
They have what they want - rock and roll - and don't need anything else.
We're in the park
They are in a place of relaxation or leisure.
Or in the campus
They are in a place of learning or education.
Cannot breathe
They feel stifled or trapped in their situation.
We beat the thief, ae ohh ah
They have won over something or someone who tried to take something from them.
Cannot breathe
They still feel stifled or trapped.
We beat the theft, ohh ah
They have successfully overcome theft or being stolen from.
We know, only rock and roll
Repeating their desire or need for just rock and roll in their lives.
We know, got rock and roll
Repeating that they have what they want and don't need anything else.
We know, got rock and roll
Repeating that they have what they want and don't need anything else.
We know, got rock and roll
Repeating that they have what they want and don't need anything else.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Topper Headon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
fuzalinos shadisk
Well they were given the grapes that go ripe in the sun
That loosen the screws at the back of the tongue
But they told no one where they had begun
Four horsemen
They were given all the foods of vanity
And all the instant promises of immortality
But they bit the dust screamin' insanity!
Four horsemen
One was over the edge, one was over the cliff
One was lickin' 'em dry with a bloody great spliff
When they picked up the hiker he didn't want the lift
From the horsemen
But you!
You're not searching, are you now?
You're not looking anyhow
You're never gonna ride that lonely mile
Or put yourself up on trial
Oh, you told me how your life was so bad
An' I agree that it does seem sad
But that's the price that you gotta pay
If you're lazing all around all day
Four horsemen coming right through
Four horsemen and they're pissing by you
They make you look like you're wearing a truss
Four horsemen and it's gonna be us
Well they gave us everything for bending the mind
And we cleaned out their pockets and we drank 'em blind
It's a long way to the finish so don't get left behind
By those horsemen
And they gave us the grapes that went ripe in the sun
That loosen the screws at the back of the tongue
But we still told nothing 'bout what was to come
Four horsemen
We know, only rock and roll
We know, got rock and roll
We're in the park
Or in the campus
Cannot breathe
We beat the thief, ae ohh ah
Cannot breathe
We beat the theft, ohh ah
Cannot breathe
We know, only rock and roll
We know, got rock and roll
We know, got rock and roll
We know, got rock and roll
Stephen Reed
Well they were given the grapes that go ripe in the sun
That loosen the screws at the back of the tongue
They told no one where they had begun
Four horsemen
They were given all the foods of vanity
And all the instant promises of immortality
But they bit the dust screamin' "Insanity!"
Four horsemen
One was over the edge, one was over the cliff
One was lickin' 'em dry with a bloody great spliff
When they picked up the hiker didn't want the lift
From the horsemen
But you, you're not searching, are you, now?
You're not lookin' anyhow
You're never gonna ride that lonely mile
Or put yourself up on trial
Oh, you told me how your life was so bad
And I agree that it does seem sad
But that's the price that you gotta pay
For lazin' all around all day
Four horsemen an' they comin' right through
Four horsemen and they're pissing by you
They make you look like you're wearing a truss
Four horsemen and it's gonna be us
Well they gave us everything for bendin' the mind
And we cleaned out their pockets and we drank 'em blind
It's a long way to the finish so don't get left behind
By those horsemen
And they gave us the grapes that went ripe in the sun
That loosen the screws at the back of the tongue
But we still told nothing 'bout what was to come
Four horsemen
We play all your rock and roll
We know your rockin' soul
We reach the parts other combos cannot reach
We reach the beaches other armies cannot reach
We've reached the top of the mountain they cannot reach
We play all your rock and roll
We know your rockin' soul
We play your rock and roll
We know your rockin' soul
roro
Well they were given the grapes that go ripe in the sun
That loosen the screws at the back of the tongue
But they told no one where they had begun
Four horsemen
They were given all the foods of vanity
And all the instant promises of immortality
But they bit the dust screamin' insanity!
Four horsemen
One was over the edge, one was over the cliff
One was lickin' 'em dry with a bloody great spliff
When they picked up the hiker he didn't want the lift
From the horsemen
But you!
You're not searching, are you now?
You're not looking anyhow
You're never gonna ride that lonely mile
Or put yourself up on trial
Oh, you told me how your life was so bad
An' I agree that it does seem sad
But that's the price that you gotta pay
If you're lazing all around all day
Four horsemen coming right through
Four horsemen and they're pissing by you
They make you look like you're wearing a truss
Four horsemen and it's gonna be us
Well they gave us everything for bending the mind
And we cleaned out their pockets and we drank 'em blind
It's a long way to the finish so don't get left behind
By those horsemen
And they gave us the grapes that went ripe in the sun
That loosen the screws at the back of the tongue
But we still told nothing 'bout what was to come
Four horsemen
We know, only rock and roll
We know, got rock and roll
We're in the park
Or in the campus
Cannot breathe
We beat the thief, ae ohh ah
Cannot breathe
We beat the theft, ohh ah
Cannot breathe
We know, only rock and roll
We know, got rock and roll
We know, got rock and roll
We know, got rock and roll
CrazedApe2112
Well they were given the grapes that go ripe in the sun
That loosen the screws at the back of the tongue
But they told no one where they had begun-four horsemen
They were given all the foods of vanity
And all the instant promises of immortality
But they bit the dust screamin' insanity!-four horsemen
One was over the edge, one was over the cliff
One was lickin' em dry with a bloody great spliff
When they picked up the hiker he didn't want the lift
From the horsemen
But you!
You're not searching, are you now?
You're not looking anyhow
You're never gonna ride that lonely mile
Or put yourself up on trial
Oh, you told me how your life was so bad
An' I agree that it does seem sad
But that's the price that you gotta pay
If you're lazing all around all day
Four horsemen coming right through
Four horsemen and they're pissing by you
They make you look like you're wearing a truss
Four horsemen and it's gonna be us
Well they gave us everything for bending the mind
And we cleaned out their pockets and we drank 'em blind
It's a long way to the finish so don't get left behind
By those horsemen
And they gave us the grapes that went ripe in the sun
That loosen the scews at the back of the tongue
But we still told nothing 'bout what was to come
Four horsemen
Casey Hall
I will never get tired of this band!
Allan Walker
Am the same Casey. Best band ever x
éric lagé
and especially of this album !!
Aidan Rafter
This has to their best album
Chad Lewis
The only band that matters
jj smith
Agreed. The greatest ever!
RabiesTheBeagle
Imagine you never heard of The Clash and one day you are just walking and on the side of the road and you find a CD........ This CD.......
Life can be truly astounding sometimes!
Florencia Villagra
que genial que sigan publicando canciones de The Clash , te recordamos Joe..
Daniel Bressanim
Sempre com o instrumental Fodástico....the Clash
Scouse Blarney
Listening to this on the 20th anniversary of the greatest loss to music in my life ( in my humble opinion ) and I still can't believe the great man is no longer with us. To Joe's family my heartfelt condolences on this epicly sad day and to Mick, Paul, Topper and Terry you are still the only band that mattered. RIP Joe you are missed................profoundly.