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, even though it was released near the end of 1979 at first (technically, Jan 1980, in the United States).
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. This was officially confirmed in 2003, when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their five big albums from their heyday ('The Clash', 'Give 'Em Enough Rope', 'London Calling', 'Sandinista!', and 'Combat Rock') continue to earn a great deal of interest from rock fans into the new millennium.
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
Wrong
The Clash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And they got down to gambling
Stagger Lee throwed seven
Billy said that he throwed eight (yeah)
And Billy said: „hey Stagger
I'm gonna make my big attack
I'm gonna have to leave my knife in your back
Why do you try to cheat
And trample people under your feet?
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat the trying man?
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat the trying man?
You better stop
It is the wrong 'em boyo
You lie, steal, cheat, and deceive
In such a small, small game
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat the trying man?
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat the trying man?
You better stop
It is the wrong 'em boyo
(Hey, come on now, Paul)
Billy Boy has been shot
And Stagger Lee's come out on top
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat the trying man?
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat Stagger man?
You'd better stop (so you better stop)
Hey, it is the wrong 'em boyo (hey)
You must start all over again
All over again
Don't you know it is wrong?
Play it, Billy, play
Don't you know it is wrong?
Well, play it, Billy, play
And you will find
It is the right 'em boyo
But if you must lie and deceit
And trample people under your feet
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat a trying man?
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat a trying man?
You better stop
It is the wrong 'em boyo (hey)
It is the wrong 'em boyo
It is the wrong 'em boyo
It is the wrong 'em boyo
It is the wrong 'em boyo
Wrong 'em boyo
The Clash's "Wrong 'Em Boyo" is a cover of a classic Jamaican folk tune, "Stagger Lee," which tells the story of two gamblers, Stagger Lee and Billy, who get into an argument over who threw the higher number. Billy threatens to stab Stagger Lee, but Stagger Lee responds by shooting Billy. The song's original lyrics address the concept of "wrongness" and the idea that one will ultimately receive the consequences of their actions. The Clash's cover is an upbeat, energetic version of the song set to a reggae-inspired rhythm.
The lyrics express a moral message about cheating and deceiving in gambling and life in general. The line "Don't you know it is wrong to cheat the trying man?" emphasizes the importance of fairness and respect for others. The song continues to remind the listener that there will be consequences for wrongdoing, as Stagger Lee ultimately comes out on top but has still done wrong.
In addition to the moral message, "Wrong 'Em Boyo" is filled with cultural references and wordplay. Stagger Lee is a reference to a real-life character in American folklore known for his violence and criminality, while "wrong 'em boyo" is Jamaican slang meaning "you've got it wrong." The song also incorporates the famous Jamaican folk song "Day-O" in the background, adding to its cultural significance.
Overall, The Clash's cover of "Wrong 'Em Boyo" is a lively and thought-provoking song that encourages listeners to reflect on their actions and the importance of fairness and respect for others.
Line by Line Meaning
Stagger Lee met Billy
Stagger Lee and Billy met each other
And they got down to gambling
They started a gambling game
Stagger Lee throwed seven
Stagger Lee rolled a seven
Billy said that he throwed eight (yeah)
Billy claimed to have rolled an eight
And Billy said: „hey Stagger
Billy addressed Stagger Lee and said
I'm gonna make my big attack
I'm going to make a big move in the game
I'm gonna have to leave my knife in your back
I will have to cheat to win the game
Why do you try to cheat
Why do you attempt to deceive and win unfairly
And trample people under your feet?
And take advantage of others
Don't you know it is wrong
Do you not understand that it is morally incorrect
To cheat the trying man?
To deceive an honest person who is making an effort
You better stop
You should cease your dishonest behavior
It is the wrong 'em boyo
It is incorrect and unfair, boyo (slang for boy)
You lie, steal, cheat, and deceive
You are dishonest and untrustworthy
In such a small, small game
In this insignificant game of chance
Don't you know it is wrong
Do you not understand that it is morally incorrect
To cheat the trying man?
To deceive an honest person who is making an effort
You'd better stop
You should cease your dishonest behavior
Hey, come on now, Paul
An interjection spoken to someone named Paul, urging them to listen
Billy Boy has been shot
Billy Boy has been killed
And Stagger Lee's come out on top
Stagger Lee has won the game
Don't you know it is wrong
Do you not understand that it is morally incorrect
To cheat the trying man?
To deceive an honest person who is making an effort
Don't you know it is wrong
Do you not understand that it is morally incorrect
To cheat Stagger man?
To deceive Stagger Lee
You'd better stop (so you better stop)
You should stop, so you should stop
Hey, it is the wrong 'em boyo (hey)
It is incorrect and unfair, boyo
You must start all over again
You must begin anew
Don't you know it is wrong?
Do you not understand that it is morally incorrect
Play it, Billy, play
An exclamation urging Billy to continue playing music
And you will find
You will discover
It is the right 'em boyo
It is correct and fair, boyo
But if you must lie and deceit
If you must be dishonest and deceptive
And trample people under your feet
And take advantage of others
Don't you know it is wrong
Do you not understand that it is morally incorrect
To cheat a trying man?
To deceive an honest person who is making an effort
Don't you know it is wrong
Do you not understand that it is morally incorrect
To cheat a trying man?
To deceive an honest person who is making an effort
You better stop
You should cease your dishonest behavior
It is the wrong 'em boyo (hey)
It is incorrect and unfair, boyo
It is the wrong 'em boyo
It is incorrect and unfair, boyo
It is the wrong 'em boyo
It is incorrect and unfair, boyo
It is the wrong 'em boyo
It is incorrect and unfair, boyo
It is the wrong 'em boyo
It is incorrect and unfair, boyo
Wrong 'em boyo
Incorrect and unfair, boyo
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Clive Alphanso
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind