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, even though it was released near the end of 1979 at first (technically, Jan 1980, in the United States).
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. This was officially confirmed in 2003, when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their five big albums from their heyday ('The Clash', 'Give 'Em Enough Rope', 'London Calling', 'Sandinista!', and 'Combat Rock') continue to earn a great deal of interest from rock fans into the new millennium.
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
Police on my Back
The Clash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Police on my back
I've been hiding
Police on my back
There was a shooting
Police on my back
And the victim
Well, he won't come back
I been running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Runnin' Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
What have I done?
What have I done?
I started running
Down the railway track
Could you help me?
Police on my back
They will catch me
If I dare drop back
Won't you give me
All the speed I lack?
I been running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Runnin' Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
What have I done?
What have I done?
I'm running
I am running
I've been running
Yes, I'm running
Down the railway track
Won't you help me?
Police on my back
They will catch me
If I dare drop back
Won't you help me
Find the speed I lack?
I been running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Runnin' Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
What have I done?
What have I done?
And I'm running
Police on my back
Hiding
Police on my back
Running
Police on my back
Hiding
Police on my back
Yes, I'm Running
Down the railway track
Could you help me?
Police on my back
They will catch me
If I dare drop back
Oh Lord, give me
All the speed I lack?
I've been running
I've been running
The song "Police on My Back" by The Clash is a fast-paced song that tells the story of a person on the run from the police. The opening lines of the song immediately set the tone for the rest of the narrative. The singer is running and has the "police on my back". The reason why the singer is running becomes apparent in the next line, where there was a "shooting" and the "victim" won't come back. This establishes that the singer is either responsible for the shooting or is being framed for it.
The chorus of the song has a familiar pattern of the singer running every day of the week, and the song's repetition builds a sense of tense urgency. They are constantly "running" and "hiding", and the only solution they see is to keep moving. The lyrics also express a sense of frustration and desperation as the singer wonders what they have done to deserve the hot pursuit of the authorities.
The second verse of the song sees the singer running down the "railway track" and pleading with the listener for help, asking for "all the speed I lack". This establishes that the singer is not only physically taxed by the chase but is also in dire need of a way out of the situation.
Overall, "Police on My Back" is a song that speaks to feelings of persecution and paranoia. The song is a powerful expression of the terror felt by someone who is trying to escape the law's grasp and the sense of hopelessness that comes with being on the run.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I'm running
I am constantly in motion.
Police on my back
Law enforcement officials are pursuing me.
I've been hiding
I have been keeping away from the public eye.
There was a shooting
An incident involving gunfire occurred.
Police on my back
Law enforcement officials are pursuing me.
And the victim
The person who was on the receiving end of the attack.
Well, he won't come back
The person has died as a result of the incident.
I been running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
I have been running every day of the week.
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
I have been running throughout the entire week.
What have I done?
What actions have I taken to cause me to be pursued?
I started running
I began my pursuit on foot.
Down the railway track
I am following the railway lines.
Could you help me?
Can you aid me in my pursuit?
Police on my back
Law enforcement officials are pursuing me.
They will catch me
Law enforcement officials will apprehend me.
If I dare drop back
If I slow down or stop, I will be caught.
Won't you give me
Will you please provide me with.
All the speed I lack?
The velocity required to escape from the law enforcement officials.
I'm running
I am currently on the move.
I am running
I am in a state of motion.
I've been running
I have been in motion for an extended period of time.
Yes, I'm running
I am, in fact, on the move.
Won't you help me?
Will you assist me in my flight from the law?
Find the speed I lack?
Provide me with the acceleration necessary to escape from the law enforcement officials.
And I'm running
I continue to be in motion.
Hiding
I am concealed from view.
Running
I am currently in motion.
Yes, I'm Running
I am, indeed, still in motion.
Oh Lord, give me
I implore you to grant me.
All the speed I lack?
The necessary acceleration to flee from my pursuers.
I've been running
I have been in motion for some time.
I've been running
I have not ceased my pursuit for a significant period of time.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Eddy Grant
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@djetlager6281
LYRICS :
Well, I'm running
Police on my back
I've been hiding
Police on my back
There was a shooting
Police on my back
And the victim
Well, he won't come back
I been running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Runnin' Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
What have I done?
What have I done?
Yes, I'm running
Down the railway track
Could you help me?
Police on my back
They will catch me
If I dare drop back
Won't you give me
All the speed I lack?
I been running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Runnin' Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
What have I done?
What have I done?
I'm running
I am running
I've been running
Yes, I'm running
Down the railway track
Could you help me?
Police on my back
They will catch me
If I dare drop back
Won't you help me
Find the speed I lack?
I been running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Runnin' Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
What have I done?
What have I done?
And I'm running
Police on my back
Hiding
Police on my back
Running
Police on my back
Hiding
Police on my back
Yes, I'm Running
Down the railway track
Could you help me?
Police on my back
They will catch me
If I dare drop back
So you'll give me
All the speed I lack?
I've been running
I've been running
enjoy this beautiful music and these words peace people ✌️🙂
@strawberrylemonadekristina
4 words in this incredible song say it all. WHAT HAVE I DONE?
Police On My Back was originally released by The Equals in 1968. It was a relevant song then.
The Clash released their fantastic version in 1980. It was still relevant.
Now it's 2022 and if a band released a version of this song today, guess what? It would be more f*cking relevant than ever.
The cops whine and complain that they get no respect. When they treat people like citizens with rights and dignity instead of victims with targets on their backs only then will they get some respect. Respect is earned not casually given out.
We need a 2022 version of The Clash to inspire the youth of today. Long Live Social Justice!! VENCEREMOS!!
@giorgiimedashvili1763
What a song! What an album! What a band!
@michaeljohnston9552
https://youtu.be/DH0Guwo_ky0
@giorgiimedashvili1763
@@michaeljohnston9552 Thanks Michael, of course original is great too but I like Clash version better. It perfectly suits the album and whole punk movement.
@VerseFemboyCorey
@@giorgiimedashvili1763 you know what's better.....billie joe Armstrongs cover from no fun Mondays
https://youtu.be/77nppEKkYAU
@bonsyboom4531
what a comment! :D
@joeb2487
The only band that matters
@slavyanskybulvar
This song is never old. It sounds like an eternal youth.
@chrisgreene2623
the Clash were the Beatles of punk. Awesome band with songs that still resonate
@abbymarievlogs
Are*
@silverfox8615
The Beatlles? Who the fuck are they, Terry?