London's Burning (song)
| "London's Burning" | |
|---|---|
| Song by The Clash from the album The Clash | |
| Released | 8 April 1977 |
| Recorded | March 1977 |
| Genre | Punk rock |
| Length | 2:13 |
| Label | CBS |
| Writer(s) | Joe Strummer, Mick Jones |
| Producer(s) | Mikey Foote |
"London's Burning" is a song by The Clash from their eponymous debut album. It is the eighth track in the U.K. version of this album, and the seventh track in the U.S. version, from 1979.
It is sung by Joe Strummer (and Mick Jones and Paul Simonon in the chorus), who starts the song shouting "London's Burning!" two times. The song continues talking about London's automobile traffic, where backups keep people stuck in their cars until nightfall, feeling bored and far from home. This message is clearly seen in the next verse:
"I'm up and down the Westway, in an' out the lights
What a great traffic system - it's so bright
I can't think of a better way to spend the night
Than speeding around underneath the yellow lights"
The song repeats the racial theme often treated by the band, notably in the first verse with the line: "Black or white turn it on, face the new religion".
Personnel
- Joe Strummer - lead vocal, lead guitar
- Mick Jones - backing vocal, lead guitars
- Paul Simonon - backing vocal, bass guitar
- Terry Chimes - drums
Cover versions
The song was covered on Puncolle - Voice Actresses' Legendary Punk Songs Collection.
