I’m Not Working for the Clampdown
The Clash. The only band that mattered.
London Calling is one of my favourite albums of all time and ‘Clampdown’ is one of my favourite songs of all time. Somehow this wasn’t released as a single (speaking of which, how excited am I for this?) which is a crime as more people need to hear this song. Apparently I’m not alone in thinking this as I recently downloaded James Dean Bradfield (he of the Manics) performing this song on his current solo tour of the UK and I was reminded the Strokes did a version too (which was surprisingly better than I had thought it would be).
I’m not sure why I love this song so much. Obviously, the lyrics are great but I think it’s Joe Strummer’s delivery that sells this song. Like most Clash songs you KNOW Stummer means this…there is no denying his sincerity, intensity, or intent. Of course Mick Jones helps out on this song too, but his vocal only serves to highlight the tenacity of Stummer. Also, the video below…when Stummer, Jones, and Simonon all turn and approach their mics to scream “What are we gonna do now?” from the back of the stage…it’s just one of my favourite rock moments ever.
What are we gonna do now?!
Taking off his turban, they said, is this man a Jew?
‘Cause they’re working for the clampdown
They put up a poster saying we earn more than you!
When we’re working for the clampdown
We will teach our twisted speech
To the young believers
We will train our blue-eyed men
To be young believers
The judge said five to ten-but I say double that again
I’m not working for the clampdown
No man born with a living soul
Can be working for the clampdown
Kick over the wall ’cause government’s to fall
How can you refuse it?
Let fury have the hour, anger can be power
D’you know that you can use it?
The voices in your head are calling
Stop wasting your time, there’s nothing coming
Only a fool would think someone could save you
The men at the factory are old and cunning
You don’t owe nothing, so boy get runnin’
It’s the best years of your life they want to steal
You grow up and you calm down
You’re working for the clampdown
You start wearing the blue and brown
You’re working for the clampdown
So you got someone to boss around
It makes you feel big now
You drift until you brutalize
You made your first kill now
In these days of evil presidentes
Working for the clampdown
But lately one or two has fully paid their due
For working for the clampdown
But ha! Gitalong! Gitalong!
And I’ve given away no secrets
Who’s barmy now?
October 29th, 2006 12:19
[...] Download some of my favourite Clash singles below (‘Clampdown’ was never a single). All songs are from a show in New York on September 21, 1979. The show was at the Palladium and I think it may be the show where Pennie Smith shot the cover for London Calling. [...]
January 9th, 2009 23:24
yep, quality indeed.