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
Justice Tonight / Kick It Over
The Clash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This old town and all
Seems like I got to travel on
A lot of people won't get no supper tonight
Justice tonight
Runnin' and a hiding tonight
Remember to kick it over
No one will guide you through Armageddon time
It's Armageddon
It's not Christmas time
A lot of people
A lot of people use a calculator
A lot of people won't get no supper tonight
A lot of people sittin' down by the light
The battle is gettin' hotter
Armageddon time
Armageddon
Remember to kick it over
Armageddon time
A lot of people ain't got no supper tonight
A lot of people got to stand out back
The Clash's song "Justice Tonight/Kick It Over" is a call to action against social and economic inequality. The lyrics encourage listeners to "remember to kick it over" - to overthrow the corrupt powers that be and fight for justice. The song acknowledges the struggles of those who go hungry and have to live in poverty while others thrive. The lyrics "a lot of people won't get no supper tonight" highlights the harsh reality faced by many working-class people. The references to "Armageddon time" indicate that the fight for justice is urgent, and that radical action is necessary to bring about change. The song appeals to a sense of community - "no one will guide you through Armageddon time" - and emphasizes the importance of unity in the face of oppression.
The song was written by The Clash in response to the 1981 riots in England, particularly the Brixton Riots that erupted in April of that year. The lyrics echo the frustration and anger felt by young people at the time who were living in poverty due to high unemployment, racism, and austerity measures. The song was originally released as a single in the UK in 1982, and later appeared on the band's 1988 album "The Story of the Clash, Volume 1".
Line by Line Meaning
Stay around don't play around
Stay here and don't waste your time fooling around
This old town and all
This town and everything in it
Seems like I got to travel on
It appears that I must continue my journey elsewhere
A lot of people won't get no supper tonight
Many individuals will go hungry today
Justice tonight
Fairness and equality must be delivered today
Runnin' and a hiding tonight
People are being forced to flee and hide today
Remember to kick it over
Don't forget to rebel and overthrow the unjust system
No one will guide you through Armageddon time
There will be no one to help you during times of extreme chaos and destruction
It's Armageddon
This is the end of the world as we know it
It's not Christmas time
This isn't a time for celebration and joy
A lot of people
Many people are experiencing this situation
A lot of people use a calculator
Many people rely heavily on technology to solve their problems
A lot of people won't get no supper tonight
Many individuals will go hungry today
A lot of people sittin' down by the light
Many individuals are sitting and waiting for help or guidance
The battle is gettin' hotter
The fight for justice is becoming more intense
Armageddon time
A time of great trouble and destruction
Remember to kick it over
Don't forget to rebel and overthrow the unjust system
A lot of people ain't got no supper tonight
Many individuals will go hungry today
A lot of people got to stand out back
Many individuals are being forced to stand outside and wait for help or resources
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, THIRD SIDE MUSIC INC.
Written by: DONAT ROY JACKIE MITTOO, WILBERT KEITH WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
shjakes
In the year of our Lord, 2020 these lyrics have more meaning than ever!...
"Stay around don't play around
This old town and all
Seems like I got to travel on
A lot of people won't get no supper tonight
A lot of people won't get no justice tonight
The battle is gettin' hotter
In this Iration
Armagideon time
A lot of people runnin' and a hiding tonight
A lot of people won't get no justice tonight
Remember to kick it over
No one will guide you
Armagideon Time"
ΑΝΤΙ'
Stay around don't play around
This old town and all
Seems like I got to travel on
A lot of people won't get no supper tonight
Justice tonight
Running and a hiding tonight
Justice tonight
Remember to kick it over
No one will guide you through armegideon time
It's armagideon
It's not christmas time
A lot of people
A lot of people use a calculator
A lot of people won't get no supper tonight
A lot of people sitting down by the light
The battle is getting hotter
Armagideon time
Armagideon
Remember to kick it over
Armagideon time
A lot of people ain't got no supper tonight
A lot of people got to stand out back
Bull Terror
@Metaphysical Migraine© Sly? 💥
Are you feeling OK? 💥
Do you understand the History of the Colour Purple? 💥
Do you understand what is happening in the Middle East where the Royal Tyrian Purple Originates? 💥
Do you know what Justice is & the meaning of the Tune? 💥
Do you know the Systemic Torture in Middle Eastern Prisons by Fascist Dictators is heavily financed by the UK Sports & Celebrity Drug Markets, with High Level Protection for the purpose of financing the brutality of Fascist Dictators & managed predominantly by Conservative, Tory Governments? 💥
Shane Barrett
I have been listening to The Clash since i was 14 57 now.Never tire of hearing the only band that matter
pmallchok
Spot on, pal.
Alsatiagent
I am in precise sync with those ages. Everything about them was a breath of fierce yet fresh air.
andrew rolinson
Hope things are good Shane. Love the Clash and followed them longer than you. Mescaleros and BAD too. Many other band matter mate
muddeee wenched
Ditto ♡
M R
Replace 57 with 30, and keep the rest for me.
Ali
The Clash, eternal like no other band.
2022 now and still they stand out as the best ever - RIP Joe.
Alan Yadnala
They introduced me to so many musical styles. I mean, Sandinista! What a triumph!
SLEDGE HEADS
Yeah man belta lad
Christopher Howell
Simply the greatest band on the face of the Earth!