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
White Riot Single Version
The Clash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
White riot - a riot of my own
White riot - I want to riot
White riot - a riot of my own
Black people gotta lot a problems
But they don't mind throwing a brick
White people go to school
An' everybody's doing
Just what they're told to
An' nobody wants
To go to jail!
All the power's in the hands
Of people rich enough to buy it
While we walk the street
Too chicken to even try it
Everybody's doing
Just what they're told to
Nobody wants
To go to jail!
Are you taking over
Or are you taking orders?
Are you going backwards
Or are you going forwards?
The Clash's 01. White Riot is a song about the desire for action and rebellion against the status quo. The song is a call to arms for the white youth in Britain to join in rioting against the injustices that were present during the late 1970s. The lyrics express a feeling of frustration with the current situation in which the rich and powerful hold all the power, while the poor and disenfranchised are left on the sidelines, too afraid to act.
The first verse highlights the tension between white and black people in Britain at the time. The Clash recognize that black people face greater struggles than white people and that they are ready to take action in response to the injustices and inequality they face. The second verse acknowledges that white people often have privileges that black people do not, such as access to education. However, the Clash argue that this education often reinforces social norms and prevents people from questioning the status quo.
In the chorus, the Clash state that they want to riot, but they want to do it on their own terms. They reject the idea that they should follow the lead of others or act out of a sense of obligation. The final verse questions whether people are truly taking action or just following orders. The Clash ask whether society is progressing or regressing and urge their fellow white youths to take up the fight for change and progress.
Line by Line Meaning
White riot - I want to riot
The singer desires to initiate a riot that is caused by white people
White riot - a riot of my own
The singer wants to create a unique riot that reflects their personal beliefs and values.
Black people gotta lot a problems
The singer acknowledges that people of colour have significant challenges to overcome.
But they don't mind throwing a brick
The artist comments on how black people are willing to express their discontent in ways that white people avoid.
White people go to school
The singer highlights the contrasting social experiences of white and black people.
Where they teach you how to be thick
The singer suggests that the education system indoctrinates people with false ideas that support the status quo.
An' everybody's doing
The singer notes that society as a whole follows the same patterns and behaviours.
Just what they're told to
The singer argues that conformity is the norm in society.
An' nobody wants
The artist emphasizes that nobody wants to suffer the consequences of stepping out of line.
To go to jail!
The punishment for disobedience is being sent to prison.
All the power's in the hands
The singer points out that the wealthy class holds all the power in society.
Of people rich enough to buy it
The power of the wealthy class stems from their ability to purchase it.
While we walk the street
The singer contrasts the experiences of the wealthy with those who do not have wealth.
Too chicken to even try it
The singer asserts that people without power lack the courage to stand up to the wealthy class.
Are you taking over
The singer poses rhetorical questions to the listener to prompt introspection.
Or are you taking orders?
The singer asks if people are thinking for themselves or merely following direction.
Are you going backwards
The artist questions whether the listener is regressing by merely following societal norms.
Or are you going forwards?
The singer encourages the listener to move beyond conventional thinking and behaviour.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOE STRUMMER, MICK JONES, PAUL SIMONON, TOPPER HEADON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gilberta9
I bought all the early Clash vinyl at the time, but recently noticed how complex Simenon's bass-line is. Impressive musicianship... Probably cos my record player in late 70's didn't do bass!
@TheLainer1962
The Clash are the voices in my head. RIP Joe Strummer.
@pillboxremedy
i love the bass line in this version!! :D
@Kemster79
The way this is used to open the Joe Strummer documentary "The Future is Unwritten" is nothing short of astonishing.
@bingoace
Class track, the Clash are legends
@unfaehikus
There was a 7" single with "White riot" in early 1977, b-side was "1977". "White riot" is also featured on The Clash's first album (self-titled as "The Clash", released April 1977).
@sacrowley11
i like both versions of this song i jus like this one because of the sirun its a great touch to the song i bought this album and was amazed at the clash i love the clash forever because of this song and album even got me into punk rock thankyou clash
@FrostArael
great song! i love it :D
@chipdrusano
Awesome punk rock song. 4 stars.
@punkgrl325
The Clash had more commercial success and technical skill but without the Ramones, there would be no Clash. It doesn't matter, they're both great.