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
NOW
The Clash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Teaching me to never forgive you
Falling from the skies
Wondering how am I going to pass through
When I remember the past
I never want to see you again
I thought it would last
It's all right
That's my fight
I was in love but now you're gone
I'll go on
My new vow
You hardly seem to matter now
I know you had never cared of my sorrow
Maybe I should give my heart as a feast for the crows
I knew it from the start
And it doesn't take too long
To taste your poisoned tongue
Oh!
I know you lied, come on!
Don't ever say you tried, my sweet
When I remember the past
I never want to see you again
I thought it would last
Till the end
It's all right
That's my fight
I was in love but now you're gone
I'll go on
My new vow
You hardly seem to matter now
Like an angel from the sky
You were shinning into the darkest night
Where have you gone now?
That's all I want to know
It's all right
That's my fight
I was in love but now you're gone
It's all right (Ooh)
That's my fight
I was in love but now you're gone
I'll go on
My new vow
You hardly seem to matter now
The Clash’s song Now is a powerful ballad about heartbreak, betrayal, and moving on. The lyrics describe the pain and disappointment one feels when a relationship falls apart. The singer seems to be addressing a past lover, expressing frustration and anger at the lies and deceit they were subjected to. The metaphor of falling from the skies and wondering how to pass through highlights the emotional turmoil the singer is experiencing. The chorus, “I was in love but now you're gone / I'll go on my new vow / You hardly seem to matter now,” demonstrates a sense of acceptance and newfound strength. The final verse, “Where have you gone now? / That's all I want to know,” poignantly conveys the lingering questions and uncertainties after a relationship ends. The lyrics, combined with the song’s emotive melody, make Now a timeless classic about love, loss, and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
It brought me pain at the vision of your eyes
Seeing you hurt me deeply
Teaching me to never forgive you
You showed me that forgiveness is not an option
Falling from the skies
I feel lost and alone
Wondering how am I going to pass through
I don't know how to move on from this
When I remember the past
Reflecting on our history
I never want to see you again
Our relationship was toxic and I don't want to relive it
I thought it would last
I believed in forever with you
Till the end
Throughout our lives and beyond
It's all right
I'm okay
That's my fight
I will overcome this challenge
I was in love but now you're gone
My feelings have changed since you left
I'll go on
I will keep moving forward
My new vow
I promise myself to never let you hurt me again
You hardly seem to matter now
I don't care about you anymore
I know you had never cared of my sorrow
You never cared about my pain
Maybe I should give my heart as a feast for the crows
I feel destroyed and hopeless
I knew it from the start
I always suspected the truth
And it doesn't take too long
It was easy to see through you
To taste your poisoned tongue
Your words were filled with deceit
Oh!
Expressing frustration and anger
I know you lied, come on!
You were never honest with me
Don't ever say you tried, my sweet
You didn't put any effort into our relationship
Like an angel from the sky
You appeared like a savior
You were shinning into the darkest night
You brought light to my darkness
Where have you gone now?
I miss the person you used to be
That's all I want to know
I need closure
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Jonathan Vezina
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
none11ification
Mick and Paul laughing at Freds accented jokes was everything. Well done
M01535
Because he's obviously mocking Johnny Rotten lmao
Leahflower
i wanna riot as well haha
M01535
@Heather His accent is emulating cockney which is the accent of both Strummer and Lydon...
Jim Maher
@Heather Nope. He's doing John Lydon
Jim Maher
@M01535 Strunmer wasnt a Cockney. Lydon was however.
Masheens
Being a fan of Armisen and knowing how big of a fan he is of theirs. And The Clash being my fave band in the world I do not know how he kept a straight face.
Heather
I love the Steve Jones bits, too. So freaking funny! Did you see the SNL skit where Fred plays a dad reprising his role in a punk band/homage to his daughter’s wedding? I would actually listen to “Fist Fight in the Parking Lot” in any playlist. Dave Grohl is great in it. Up the aging punx! 🤣💖
With EVERY project Fred does (I’m just gonna call him “Fred,” because we’re hella tight, but not really. Or ever. I’m just lazy.) I’m especially dying when he taps into music genres!! He actually KNOWS the music, which makes it special and a nod to those of us who get it…”as well.” 😁
Chupacabra
Of course this is all pretense for Fred to have an excuse to hang out with the clash.
Destiney Villegas
Man fred really has great talent. I love him, he's the best