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
The City of the Dead
The Clash Lyrics
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As we lie side by side in bed
I'd do something else instead
But it is the city of the dead
We went out kickin' around
But you got drunk an' fallen down
An' I wished I could be like you
In the city of the dead
Fall in love an' fall in bed
It wasn't anything you said
Except I know we both lie dead
Don't you know where to cop
That's what New York Johnny said
You should get to know your town
Just like I know mine
While all the windows stare ahead
An' the streets are filled with dread
Every nation in the world
Slinks through the alley after girls
What we wear is dangerous gear
It'll get you picked on anywhere
Though we get beat up we don't care
At least it livens up the air
But someday's we hide inside
All courage gone and paralyzed
Sniff that wind of ugly tension
Today the jerks have got aggression
It is the city of the dead
In The Clash's "The City of the Dead," the band paints a vivid picture of urban decay and disillusionment. The song laments the bleakness and hopelessness of city life, with the lyrics depicting a setting where people are lost souls aimlessly wandering the streets. The first verse introduces the song's theme of lethargy and listlessness, as the singer finds himself lying in bed in a city that seems devoid of life. He expresses a longing for change but realizes that the city is inescapable.
The second verse takes the listener on a journey through the streets of the city of the dead, where even the simple pleasures of going out and having a good time can lead to trouble. The Soho River seems to symbolize a kind of intoxication or escape, but it ultimately fails to deliver any sense of genuine release.
The third verse portrays the city's sense of resignation, with the singer accepting that he and his lover are both bound to the same fate in this urban wasteland. The final lines of the song echo the first verse, reinforcing the theme of entrapment and hopelessness.
Overall, "The City of the Dead" is a dark and melancholic exploration of the modern city and its inherent sense of alienation and despair.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the city of the dead
This city is a desolate and lifeless place.
As we lie side by side in bed
We are together, but there is no romance or passion in our relationship.
I'd do something else instead
I would prefer to be doing something different with my life, but I am trapped in this existence.
But it is the city of the dead
Despite my desires, I am unable to escape this bleak city.
We went out kickin' around
We went out exploring the city.
But you got drunk an' fallen down
Your self-destructive behavior has caused you to become incapacitated.
An' I wished I could be like you
I am envious of your recklessness and disregard for consequences.
With the Soho River drinking me down
I want to experience the same sense of liberation that you feel when you drink heavily.
In the city of the dead
We are still in this dismal city.
Fall in love an' fall in bed
We engage in empty romantic and sexual encounters.
It wasn't anything you said
Our interactions are shallow and meaningless.
Except I know we both lie dead
We are both trapped in a lifeless existence, devoid of passion or purpose.
Don't you know where to cop
You are unaware of where to buy drugs.
That's what New York Johnny said
A person named Johnny from New York gave this advice on where to buy drugs.
You should get to know your town
You should become more familiar with your surroundings.
Just like I know mine
I am familiar with this town.
While all the windows stare ahead
The buildings in this city are devoid of life and overlook the streets.
An' the streets are filled with dread
There is a pervasive sense of fear and unease in this city.
Every nation in the world
People from every country and culture live in this city.
Slinks through the alley after girls
Men in this city engage in predatory behavior towards women.
What we wear is dangerous gear
Our clothing is provocative and may provoke violence or harassment.
It'll get you picked on anywhere
Wearing this type of clothing will attract negative attention.
Though we get beat up we don't care
We are willing to endure physical harm to maintain our lifestyle.
At least it livens up the air
Our behavior brings excitement and danger to the city.
But someday's we hide inside
On occasion, we are afraid and unwilling to engage in our reckless behavior.
All courage gone and paralyzed
We are powerless and unable to act.
Sniff that wind of ugly tension
We are acutely aware of the negativity and danger that surrounds us.
Today the jerks have got aggression
Today, the violent and predatory individuals are particularly hostile and dangerous.
It is the city of the dead
This city is devoid of life, passion, and purpose.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOE STRUMMER, MICK JONES, PAUL SIMONON, TOPPER HEADON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind