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 Equaliser
The Clash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We don't want the whip!
As you get weaker - it will get harder
So don't be like him
Keep your bones of effort and strength
Don't sell them to him
We want to equalize
To my fathers fathers fathers father
Work was no joy
When his son had grown of age
You got to work now boy
Never ceasing for many years
Want to follow that boy?
Till half and half is equalized
Put down the tools
See the car see the house
See the fabulous jewels
See the world you have built it with shoulders of iron
See the world but it is not yours say the stealers of Zion
Geneva
Wall Street
Who makes them so fat?
Well well me an' you better think about that
In overdrive whooo
Till humanize is equalize
Put down the tools
Every face on every side
Throw down the tools
Stay at home
Don't check with Rome paint strike on the door
It's one to one the fight is on so don't go to war
We don't need no gang boss
We have to equalize
The Clash's song The Equaliser is a call for workers to unite and fight against the oppression of bosses and their capitalist system. The lyrics are a powerful message urging workers not to give in to the pressures of their bosses and to maintain their strength and effort against exploitation. The phrase "No! Gang boss no! We don't want the whip!" is a direct reference to the oppression and abuse that workers suffer under the bosses' control. The lyrics also touch upon the concept of generational oppression, where the singer's grandfather worked his entire life with little joy, only passing down the same fate to his son. The singer is urging listeners not to follow in their footsteps.
As the song progresses, the lyrics take on a more defiant and revolutionary tone, urging workers to put down their tools until equality is achieved. The singer even goes as far as to suggest going on strike and not checking with Rome, meaning not seeking approval from the authorities, but rather fighting back with direct action. The climax of the song sees the singer call for humanization, stating that until humans are seen as equal, workers must continue to fight for their rights.
The song's message is a powerful call to action, urging workers to unite and fight for their rights against their bosses who exploit and oppress them. The song remains relevant to this day, as the issue of workers' rights and inequality continue to be major issues across the world.
Line by Line Meaning
No! Gang boss no!
We do not need a gang boss to tell us what to do or how to live our life.
We don't want the whip!
We do not want to be controlled or oppressed by someone or something else.
As you get weaker - it will get harder
As we become weaker and more vulnerable, the challenges of life become more difficult to overcome.
So don't be like him
Do not become like the oppressor or the one who seeks to control and dominate others.
Keep your bones of effort and strength
Maintain your inner strength and resilience in the face of adversity and challenge.
Don't sell them to him
Do not give away your power and agency to the oppressor or those who seek to control and dominate.
We don't want no gang boss
We do not want to be controlled or oppressed by a gang boss or any other form of authority.
We want to equalize
We want to create a more equal and just society where everyone has equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources.
To my fathers fathers fathers father
Referring to a long lineage of ancestors who have worked hard and struggled for a better life for themselves and their descendants.
Work was no joy
The hard work and struggle of our ancestors was not something they enjoyed or found fulfilling, but a necessity due to their circumstances.
When his son had grown of age
When their children reached adulthood, they were expected to work and continue the legacy of their forefathers.
You got to work now boy
The expectation and pressure on the next generation to continue working hard and fighting for a better life.
Never ceasing for many years
The hard work and struggle was a constant, ongoing effort that lasted for many years.
Want to follow that boy?
Do you want to continue the legacy of hard work and struggle that has been passed down from generation to generation?
Till half and half is equalized
Creating a more equal and just society where everyone has access to the same resources and opportunities.
Put down the tools
Stop working for a system that oppresses and exploits you.
See the car see the house
The material possessions and wealth that are often used to measure success and status in our society.
See the fabulous jewels
The extravagant and ostentatious displays of wealth and power that are used to assert dominance and hierarchy.
See the world you have built it with shoulders of iron
The hard work, struggle, and sacrifice that has gone into building our society and the wealth and power of those who control it.
See the world but it is not yours say the stealers of Zion
Despite our hard work and sacrifice, the fruits of our labor are often taken away and controlled by those in power who seek to maintain their dominance.
Geneva
Referring to the wealthy city in Switzerland that is home to many international organizations and corporations.
Wall Street
Referring to the financial district in New York City and the center of American capitalism.
Who makes them so fat?
Questioning how the wealthy and powerful become so rich and powerful, often at the expense of the working class and marginalized groups.
Well well me an' you better think about that
We need to question and challenge the systems and structures that allow for such inequality and injustice to exist.
In overdrive whooo
Referring to the fast-paced and chaotic nature of contemporary society and the urgency of taking action to create change.
Till humanize is equalize
Creating a more humane and equitable society where everyone's basic needs are met and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Every face on every side
Referring to the common experience of struggle and hardship that affects people from all walks of life and all corners of the world.
Throw down the tools
Stop working for a system that oppresses and exploits you and join together in solidarity to create change.
Stay at home
Refusing to participate in a system that perpetuates inequality and injustice.
Don't check with Rome paint strike on the door
Rejecting the authority of those who seek to impose their will on others and instead demanding freedom, autonomy, and self-determination.
It's one to one the fight is on so don't go to war
We must fight for a more just and equitable society, but we must do so without violence or aggression toward one another.
We don't need no gang boss
We do not need someone to tell us what to do or how to live our lives.
We have to equalize
We must work together to create a more equal and just society where everyone has access to the same resources and opportunities.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOE STRUMMER, MICK JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rusty Shackleford
New old gold. Keep it comin!
Pedro Jose Martinez Sanchez
The BEST band ever
blaggard132
Loved this album.
Dominique Vanheusden
Still love the album, only triple vinyl we could afford. Back in the days, time is a bitch.
Garry Nathan
We dont want no gang wars. This sentiment hits me. I consider myself, my politics, my religion as a Human, a Humanist. I dislike anyone who targets and aggress anyone innocent no matter what race, creed, religion, colour, be nice if the world could at least be more tolerant and peaceful. Viva liberty, respect and peace.
Jim Stoltzfus
Agreed.
I do like no gang wars, too.
D N
Joe's actually singing. We Don't Want No Gang Boss.
Mauro Pacheco
Jamaican rhythms like ska or dub were the inspiration to make such good music as "The Equaliser".
Dominique Vanheusden
No shit! Never knew this 🤦♂️😉
Diego Guerrero
4:18 - 4:31
Mick's guitar sounds superb!!!