London calling is a punk song with lively and powerful tempo that recorded in the third studio album by English punk rock brand The Clash, It was released by CBS Records on 14 December 1979, and in January 1980 by Epic Records in US. This album is a post-punk that includes a range of features: punk, reggae, rockabilly, ska, jazz, pop, R&B. London calling was a top 10 album in UK and the title track “London calling” was a top 20 single song. The album received unanimously positive reviews and was ranked at number eight on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2003.
Lyrics:
The lyrics were influenced by
the
March 1979 meltdown of a nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, it also discuss the problems of rising
unemployment, racial conflict and drug use in Britain.
In the Post-World War II
economic expansion of the 1950s and 1960s, average unemployment was 1.6%. But
in the 1970s, the number of unemployment stood above 1,000,000 and reaching 1.5
million until the 1980s. This is a black period for UK, especially in London.
In the meantime, the threat from the Provisional IRA bombing that brought
fear to the capital’s street. The increasing unemployment and terrorist incidents make people feel negative and
addicted to drugs in this period.
Therefore, The Clash wrote
this song with the apocalyptical power and decision to encourage people to beat back the darkness.
Like the lyrics:
“London calling, yes, I was there, too
An' you know what they said? Well, some of it was true!
An' you know what they said? Well, some of it was true!
London calling at the top of the dial
After all this, won't you give me a smile?”
After all this, won't you give me a smile?”
I also listened the Ghost Town and White Riot, but I still chose this one
for share my view. I like to listen quick rhythm and punk music, as I can feel
positive and fill with energy. The lyrics of London calling included a lot of
stories, let me can understand the background in that period.
Reference:
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