Movers and Shakers
The Clash Lyrics

The boy stood in the burning slum
A young boy was in a poverty-stricken area that was on fire.

Better times had to come
He believed that things would get better eventually.

Fate lay in the hands that clap
His destiny was in the hands of those who have the power.

The muscles that move and the power that raps
Those who take action and have influence can make a difference.

He went up on money street
He took to the streets where the wealthy live.

Waving an popping to the beat
He danced to the music to entertain and get attention.

Off his wits an on his feet
He relied on his intelligence and physical ability to succeed.

He worked a coin from the cold concrete
He earned money from the harsh environment he lived in.

Movers and shakers come on you got what it takes to make it
Those who take action and have influence can succeed if they believe in themselves.

Movers an shakers come on even if you have to fake it
Even if you're not confident, you can pretend to be successful and inspire others.

Where the highway meets the lights
He went where the flashy and wealthy people were.

With a red bandanna and rapid wipes
He cleaned and polished the cars of these rich people, using a red bandanna to make himself look distinctive.

He shines Glass and he cleans chrome
He gets his hands dirty by doing the job of cleaning car windows and shiny parts.

He'll accept what he gets thrown
He'll take any work he can get, no matter how harsh.

This man earns 'cause its understood
He makes money because people know he's good at his job.

Times are bad and he's makin' good
Despite the tough situation, he's still making a living.

Down on him but he's got it beat
Despite others looking down on him, he's succeeding on his own terms.

And when I see you down and I say
When he sees someone struggling,

That ain't no way through that ain't no way through
He tells them that lifestyle won't get them far.

Way back in some city heat
In the past, he lived in a city that was hot and crowded.

When a friend was anybody with food to eat
His definition of a friend wasn't based on companionship, but rather if they had enough food to share.

It was lousy life with a leaking roof
His living conditions back then were poor.

We got up to find that truth
He and his peers worked hard to uncover the reality of their situation.

Make a drum from a garbage can
They made music with whatever resources they had.

Allow your tongue to be a man
Let your words and actions speak for themselves in a powerful way.

When the beat propels you off your seat
The music inspires one to take action.

You got it made in the cold concrete
Even in a harsh environment, you can still be successful if you believe in yourself.

Movers and shakers come on!
Take action and make a change!