Safe European Home
The Clash Lyrics


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Well, I just got back and I wish I'd never leave now (where'd ya go?)
Who dat Martian arrival at the airport, yeah? (where'd ya go?)
How many local dollars for a local anesthetic? (where'd ya go?)
The Johnny on the corner wasn't very sympathetic (where'd ya go?)

I went to the place where every white face
Is an invitation to robbery
And sitting here in my safe European home
Don't want to go back there again

Wasn't I lucky, wouldn't it be loverly? (where'd ya go?)
Send us all cards, have a laying-in on Sunday (where'd ya go?)
I was there for two weeks, so how come I never tell, now? (where'd ya go?)
That natty dread drink at the Sheraton hotel, yeah (where'd ya go?)

I went to the place where every white face
Is an invitation to robbery
And sitting here in my safe European home
Don't want to go back there again

They got the sun, and they got the palm trees (where'd ya go?)
They got the weed, and they got the taxis (where'd ya go?)
Whoa, the harder they come, the home of ol' bluebeat (where'd ya go?)
I'd stay and be a tourist but I can't take the gunplay (where'd ya go?)

I went to the place where every white face
Is an invitation to robbery
And sitting here in my safe European home
Don't want to go back there again

What?
Rudie come from Jamaica, Rudie can't fail
Rudie come from Jamaica, Rudie can't fail
Rudie come from Jamaica, 'cause Rudie can't fail
Rudie come From Jamaica, Rudie can't fail (European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home)
Rudie come From Jamaica, Rudie can't fail (explosive European home)




Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (twenty-four track European home)
Elder come and a-Rudie go, no one knows where the policeman's go

Overall Meaning

The Clash's song Safe European Home is a commentary on the privileges and ignorance of white tourists in foreign countries, particularly Jamaica. The opening lines of the song talk about the feeling of not wanting to leave, and the confusion and fear of encountering unfamiliar people, like the "Martian arrival" at the airport. The lyrics also refer to the exchange of local currency for "a local anesthetic" and the unsympathetic attitude of a local Johnny. The song describes the experience of being a white tourist in a non-white country, where one is both privileged and vulnerable to violence and robbery. It then contrasts this with the safety and comfort of "sitting here in my safe European home," highlighting the ignorance and apathy that comes with being removed from the realities of less privileged people.


The chorus repeats several times, emphasizing the theme of white privilege and the danger faced by those who are not part of it. The verses also mention various aspects of Jamaican culture, from the music genre bluebeat to the weed and taxis. Despite this appreciation of Jamaican culture, the singer admits that they cannot ignore the gunplay that comes with it. The song ends with a repetition of the phrase "Rudie come from Jamaica, Rudie can't fail," which refers to a Jamaican term for a working-class man who is determined to succeed despite having limited resources. The final line, "Elder come and a-Rudie go, no one knows where the policeman's go," is a nod to the complex and violent reality of Jamaican life.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, I just got back and I wish I'd never leave now (where'd ya go?)
I recently returned from a place where I had a traumatic experience and I regret ever going there


Who dat Martian arrival at the airport, yeah? (where'd ya go?)
Who is that stranger at the airport who seems out of place and lost, like an alien?


How many local dollars for a local anesthetic? (where'd ya go?)
How much money does it take to numb the pain of the memories of the place I visited?


The Johnny on the corner wasn't very sympathetic (where'd ya go?)
The law enforcement officer on the street didn't seem to care about my safety or well-being in the area I visited


I went to the place where every white face Is an invitation to robbery And sitting here in my safe European home Don't want to go back there again
I visited a place where being white made me a target for theft and violence, and now that I am back in my safe European home, I have no desire to return


Wasn't I lucky, wouldn't it be loverly? (where'd ya go?)
A sarcastic comment about how fortunate life would be if I had stayed in my safe, comfortable European home instead of venturing to the dangerous place I recently visited


Send us all cards, have a laying-in on Sunday (where'd ya go?)
A suggestion to send postcards to friends and family back home, inviting them to a gathering to celebrate my safe return


I was there for two weeks, so how come I never tell, now? (where'd ya go?)
Even though I spent a significant amount of time in the place that traumatized me, I don't want to talk about what happened there now that I am back home


That natty dread drink at the Sheraton hotel, yeah (where'd ya go?)
A reference to trying to find comfort in a famous, luxurious hotel chain in the area I visited


They got the sun, and they got the palm trees (where'd ya go?) They got the weed, and they got the taxis (where'd ya go?) Whoa, the harder they come, the home of ol' bluebeat (where'd ya go?) I'd stay and be a tourist but I can't take the gunplay (where'd ya go?)
The location I visited had beautiful scenery, easy access to marijuana and transportation, and a vibrant music scene, but the violence and danger of the area made me unable to fully enjoy it as a tourist


Rudie come from Jamaica, Rudie can't fail Rudie come from Jamaica, Rudie can't fail Rudie come from Jamaica, 'cause Rudie can't fail Rudie come From Jamaica, Rudie can't fail (European home) Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home) Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home) Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home) Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home) Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home) Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home) Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home) Rudie come From Jamaica, Rudie can't fail (explosive European home) Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (twenty-four track European home) Elder come and a-Rudie go, no one knows where the policeman's go
A repetitive chorus reflecting the persona's desire to feel confident and capable like Rudie, a Jamaican archetype, even in the safety of his European home. The final line about the uncertain whereabouts of the authorities suggests a lack of trust in the justice system or the effectiveness of law enforcement in the country he visited.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOE STRUMMER, MICK JONES, PAUL SIMONON, TOPPER HEADON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@NapoleonBonapartepdrquay

Safe European Home
The Clash
Well, I just got back and I wish I'd never leave now (where'd ya go?)
Who dat Martian arrival at the airport, yeah? (where'd ya go?)
How many local dollars for a local anesthetic? (where'd ya go?)
The Johnny on the corner wasn't very sympathetic (where'd ya go?)
I went to the place where every white face
Is an invitation to robbery
And sitting here in my safe European home
Don't want to go back there again
Wasn't I lucky, wouldn't it be loverly? (where'd ya go?)
Send us all cards, have a laying-in on Sunday (where'd ya go?)
I was there for two weeks, so how come I never tell, now? (where'd ya go?)
That natty dread drink at the Sheraton hotel, yeah (where'd ya go?)
I went to the place where every white face
Is an invitation to robbery
And sitting here in my safe European home
Don't want to go back there again
They got the sun, and they got the palm trees (where'd ya go?)
They got the weed, and they got the taxis (where'd ya go?)
Whoa, the harder they come, the home of ol' bluebeat (where'd ya go?)
I'd stay and be a tourist but I can't take the gunplay (where'd ya go?)
I went to the place where every white face
Is an invitation to robbery
And sitting here in my safe European home
Don't want to go back there again
What?
Rudie come from Jamaica, Rudie can't fail
Rudie come from Jamaica, Rudie can't fail
Rudie come from Jamaica, 'cause Rudie can't fail
Rudie come From Jamaica, Rudie can't fail (European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail (European home)



@gnorxon3961

[Verse 1: Joe Strummer, (Mick Jones)]
Well, I just got back an I wish I never leave now
(Where'd ya' go?)
Who that Martian arrival at the airport, yeah?
(Where'd ya' go?)
How many local dollars for a local anesthetic?
(Where'd ya' go?)
The Johnny on the corner wasn't very sympathetic
(Where'd ya' go?)

[Chorus: Strummer]
I went to the place where every white face
Is an invitation to robbery
An' sitting here in my safe European home
Don't wanna go back there again

[Verse 2: Strummer, (Jones)]
Wasn't I lucky, wouldn't it be lovely?
(Where'd ya' go?)
Send us all cards and have a lay in on Sunday
(Where'd ya' go?)
I was there for two weeks, so how come I never tell now?
(Where'd ya' go?)
That natty dread drinks at the Sheraton Hotel, yeah?
(Where'd ya' go?)

[Chorus: Strummer]
I went to the place where every white face
Is an invitation to robbery
An' sitting here in my safe European home
Don't wanna go back there again

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3: Strummer, (Jones)]
They got the sun and they got the palm trees
(Where'd ya' go?)
They got the weed and they got the taxis
(Where'd ya' go?)
Whoa, "The Harder They Come" and the home of ol' Bluebeat
(Where'd ya' go?)
I'd stay and be a tourist but I can't take the gun play
(Where'd ya'?)

[Chorus: Strummer]
I went to the place where every white face
Is an invitation to robbery
An' sitting here in my safe European home
Don't wanna go back there again

[Outro: Strummer, (Jones)]
What?
Rudie come from Jamaica, Rudie can't fail
Rudie come from Jamaica, Rudie can't fail
(?....)
Rudie come from Jamaica, 'cause Rudie can't fail
(Our European home)
Rudie come from Jamaica, Rudie can't fail
(Grey European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail
(Dull European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail
(Dutty European home)
Rudie loots and Rudie shoots and Rudie gun man don't back down
(Instant European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, guns are comin'
(Credits European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie can't fail
(The big lights European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie he can't fail
(You got the nice guy European home)
Rudie come up from Jamaica, 'cause Rudie can't fail
(Explosive European home)
Rudie come up from Jamaica, 'cause Rudie can't fail
(And twenty-four Track European home)
Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie, Rudie loots and Rudie shoots
Elder come and the Rudie go but no one knows where police must go



@user-js6el7vn2r

Я только что вернулся и жалею, что поехал.
(Где ты был?)
Что за марсианин прибыл в аэропорт, да?
(Где ты был?)
Сколько местных долларов за местный вид наркоза?
(Где ты был?)
Не очень разговорчивый уличный торговец.
(Где ты был?)

Я был в тех краях, где белый человек —
Мишень для грабежа,
И сидя в безопасном европейском доме,
Я больше не хочу туда.

Не правда ли, прекрасно? Рад такому везению?
(Где ты был?)
Пришли нам всем открытки, отпадного воскресенья.
(Где ты был?)
Я провёл там две недели, почему мне не встретился он,
(Где ты был?)
Парень с дредами, пьющий в отеле «Шератон»?
(Где ты был?)

Я был в тех краях, где белый человек —
Мишень для грабежа,
И сидя в безопасном европейском доме,
Я больше не хочу туда.

У них есть солнце, у них есть пальмы.
(Где ты был?)
У них есть травка, у них есть такси.
(Где ты был?)
Оу, тернистый путь, здесь ритмы ска и возникают.
(Где ты был?)
Я остался бы туристом, но не люблю, когда стреляют.
(Где ты был?)

Я был в тех краях, где белый человек —
Мишень для грабежа,
И сидя в безопасном европейском доме,
Я больше не хочу туда.

Что?
Руди прибыл с Ямайки, Руди всегда прав.
Руди прибыл с Ямайки, Руди всегда прав
(прочь с дороги, вонючая задница).
Руди прибыл с Ямайки, потому что Руди всегда прав.
(Старый европейский дом)
Руди прибыл с Ямайки, Руди всегда прав.
(Серый европейский дом)
Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди всегда прав.
(Скучный европейский дом)
Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди всегда прав.
(Грязный европейский дом)
Руди грабит, Руди стреляет, Руди выскакивает и обратно ныряет.
(Моментальный европейский дом)
Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди выскакивает и обратно ныряет.
(Взятый в кредит европейский дом)
Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди всегда прав.
(Средь бела дня европейский дом)
Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди, он всегда прав.
(С ночными развлечениями европейский дом)
Руди прибыл с Ямайки, Руди всегда прав.
(Взрывоопасный европейский дом)
Руди прибыл с Ямайки, Руди всегда прав.
(24-дорожечный европейский дом)
Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди, Руди грабит, Руди стреляет.
Руди приходит и Руди уходит,
Но никто не знает, где Полиция бродит.



All comments from YouTube:

@thefloater4559

This song opens the album like a damn thunderbolt on a clear day. Sound and fury. And that ending... love it.

@anneliamohara2842

Classic !

@jamesrobert4106

Having been to Jamaica in the early 2000s I know EXACTLY why they wrote this.

@rickyjaworek1268

too bloody true mate

@nkmcfrln

Mick Jones stole the riff from Sammy Hagar.

@JJONNYREPP

The Clash - Safe European Home (Remastered) [Official Audio] 0800am 8.9.23 this used to be my favourite clash song. sadly, brand New Cadillac took that much vaunted title. the clash leads to Aki Olavi Kaurismäki cinematic enjoyment, for some reason....

1 More Replies...

@jameskeyes9112

That opening riff is one of the greatest in rock and roll history. Just goes from 0 to 150 in 2 seconds.

@davidsaxton4211

yeah there is god

@morganlatte9688

Mick's backing vocals are always additive and they made the reggae scratch seem like it was invented for punk.

@thatsmrfuckwit

Topper's drumming here is priceless ..... snare and kick drum in total unison.......

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