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
Revolution Rock
The Clash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A bad, bad rock, this here revolution rock
Careful how you move, Mac, you dig me in me back
An' I'm so pilled up that I rattle
I have got the sharpest knife, so I cut the biggest slice
I got no time to do battle, hey
Brand new beat
This here music mash up the nation
This here music cause a sensation
Tell your ma, tell your pa everything's gonna be all right
Can't you feel it? Don't ignore it
Gonna be alright
Revolution rock, I am in a state of shock
So bad, bad rock, this here revolution rock
Careful how you slide, Clyde, all you did was glide
You poured your beer in me hat
Keep my good eye on the beat, living on fixation street
I ain't got no time for that, hey
Everybody smash up your seats and rock to this
Brand new beat
This here music mash up the nation
This here music cause a sensation
Tell your mama, tell your pa everything's gonna be all right
Can't you feel it? Don't ignore it
Gonna be alright
Revolution rock
Get that cheese-grater going, against the grain
Wearing me down
Pressure increaase
(Everybody!) Everybody smash up your seats and rock to this
Brand new beat
This here music mash up nations
This here music cause a sensation
Tell your mama, forgive your papa, everything's gonna be all right
Can't you feel it? Don't ignore it
Gonna be alright
Revolution rock
To the cruelest mobsters in Kingstown
With the hardest eyes and the cruelest tongue
Is your heart so made of rock
That the blood must run 'round the block?
Are you listening mobsters? Hey!
All people grow old, gotta die
While those kinda fools go rolling by
It's food for thought, mobsters
Young people shoot their days away
I've seen talent thrown away
All you loan sharks!
The organ plays
And they're dancing to the brand new beat
This here music mash up nation
This here music cause a sensation
Tell your ma-ma-ma-ma, tell your pa-pa-pa-pa everything's gonna be all right
Can't you feel it? Don't ignore it
Everything's gonna be alright
I say, revolution rocks
There's that old cheese grater
Rubbing me down
This must be the way out
Here's the cheap bit
Ooh la ooh la ooh la
Any song you want
Playing requests now on the bandstand
El Clash Combo
Paid fifteen dollars a day
Weddings, parties, anything
And Bongo Jazz a speciality
The Clash's "Revolution Rock" is a commentary on the power of music as a tool for social and political change. The song's lyrics describe a "brand new rock" that is both "bad" and revolutionary, capable of "mashing up the nation" and causing a "sensation". The chorus urges listeners to "smash up your seats" and dance to the beat, expressing a belief that music can unite people and inspire them to take collective action. The verses are filled with playful references to drugs, violence, and working-class culture, adding to the song's rebellious, anti-establishment tone.
Some of the lyrics contain hidden references, such as "fixation street," which is actually a nod to the street where the band members rehearsed. "Clyde" and "Mac" are also references to Clyde Stubblefield and Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, two legendary funk drummers who influenced The Clash's sound. The song's catchy melody and upbeat tempo mask its subversive message, allowing it to be embraced by listeners of all backgrounds, even those who may not fully understand its meaning.
The song was originally written by reggae legend Danny Ray and later covered by The Clash on their 1979 album London Calling. The band's version features a powerful horn section and tight rhythm, showcasing the group's ability to seamlessly blend rock, punk, and reggae styles into a unique sound that would come to define their career.
Line by Line Meaning
Revolution rock, it is a brand new rock
This song, Revolution Rock, is a brand new style/genre of music that represents/reminds us of social revolution.
A bad, bad rock, this here revolution rock
This type of rock music is powerful and dangerous, possibly subversive or rebellious.
Careful how you move, Mac, you dig me in me back
Be careful how you move, because even small actions can cause pain or harm.
An' I'm so pilled up that I rattle
I have taken so many drugs that I am shaking or vibrating.
I have got the sharpest knife, so I cut the biggest slice
I am the most capable and skilled person in this situation, so I will take the biggest share of the rewards or benefits.
I got no time to do battle, hey
I don't want to argue or fight, I just want to enjoy the music and good times.
Everybody smash up your seats and rock to this brand new beat
Let loose and enjoy this new kind of music by dancing and being wild.
This here music mash up the nation
This music will unite the people across national or cultural boundaries.
This here music cause a sensation
This music is exciting and popular, it creates a buzz or hype.
Tell your ma, tell your pa everything's gonna be all right
Convince your family that everything will be okay, despite the challenges or problems we face.
Can't you feel it? Don't ignore it, gonna be alright
This music is so powerful and positive that you can't ignore it or deny its effect. Everything will be okay.
Revolution rock, I am in a state of shock
This kind of music is so incredible that it shocks or surprises me.
Careful how you slide, Clyde, all you did was glide
Be careful how you move, because even small actions can make a big difference (in contrast to Clyde, who smoothly navigates situations).
You poured your beer in me hat
You spilled your drink on me.
Keep my good eye on the beat, living on fixation street
I am totally focused on the music, and I am obsessed with it to the point of distraction.
I ain't got no time for that, hey
I don't want any distractions or detractors from my experience of this music.
Get that cheese-grater going, against the grain
Fight against the forces that would try to disrupt or limit our enjoyment of this music, like a cheese grater that rubs against the grain.
Wearing me down, pressure increase
I am feeling worn out or exhausted, and the pressure is increasing.
To the cruelest mobsters in Kingstown, with the hardest eyes and the cruelest tongue
This song speaks to or challenges the most violent or powerful people in a particular place, who are known for their cruel ways.
Is your heart so made of rock, that the blood must run 'round the block?
Are you so cold and unfeeling, that even your blood must struggle to move through your veins?
All people grow old, gotta die, while those kinda fools go rolling by
Everyone must eventually die, including those foolish people who waste their lives without concern for the future.
It's food for thought, mobsters, young people shoot their days away
Perhaps this message will inspire some reflection or change of behavior among the violent or powerful people. Meanwhile, young people waste their lives through violent acts or other destructive choices.
I've seen talent thrown away, all you loan sharks!
I have seen talented or skilled people ruined by financial predators who exploit their desperation, like loan sharks.
And they're dancing to the brand new beat
People are enjoying this new kind of music so much that they are dancing to it.
El Clash Combo, paid fifteen dollars a day
This band, El Clash Combo, is getting paid very little money for their performance.
Weddings, parties, anything, and Bongo Jazz a speciality
This band can play at any kind of event, and they are particularly skilled at Bongo Jazz.
Tell your ma-ma-ma-ma, tell your pa-pa-pa-pa everything's gonna be all right
Repeat the message that everything will be okay to your parents, using a sing-songy repetition.
I say, revolution rocks
I affirm that this revolution or change is great, in a cool or hip way.
Here's the cheap bit, ooh la ooh la ooh la
This part of the song is not very expensive or high-quality, but it is still catchy or enjoyable. The 'ooh la' sounds add to the fun atmosphere of the song.
Any song you want, playing requests now on the bandstand
This band can play any song that people request, and they are doing so right now on the stage.
Lyrics © Red Brick Music Publishing
Written by: D. Ray, J. Edwards
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind