Guns of Brixton

The Clash

About Guns of Brixton

"The Guns of Brixton" is a song by the English punk rock band The Clash. It was written and sung by bassist Paul Simonon, who grew up in Brixton, South London. The song has a strong reggae influence, reflecting the culture of the area and the reggae gangster film The Harder They Come.


Year:
1992
98 
#1

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When they kick at your front door
How you gonna come?
With your hands on your head
Or on the trigger of your gun

When the law break in
How you gonna go?
Shot down on the pavement
Or waiting on death row

You can crush us
You can bruise us
But you'll have to answer to
Oh, the guns of Brixton

The money feels good
And your life you like it well
But surely your time will come
As in heaven, as in hell

You see, he feels like Ivan
Born under the Brixton sun
His game is called survivin'
At the end of the harder they come

You know it means no mercy
They caught him with a gun
No need for the Black Maria
Goodbye to the Brixton sun

You can crush us
You can bruise us
Yes, even shoot us
But oh-the guns of Brixton

When they kick at your front door
How you gonna come?
With your hands on your head
Or on the trigger of your gun

You can crush us
You can bruise us
Yes, even shoot us
But oh-the guns of Brixton

Shot down on the pavement
Waiting in death row
His game is called survivin'
As in heaven as in hell

You can crush us
You can bruise us
But you'll have to answer to
Oh, the guns of Brixton

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The Clash

The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly. For most of their recording career, the Clash consisted of Joe Strummer (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Mick Jones (lead guitar, vocals), Paul Simonon (bass guitar, vocals) and Nicky "Topper" Headon (drums, percussion). Headon left the group in 1982, and internal friction led to Jones's departure the following year. The group continued with new members, but finally disbanded in early 1986. more »

6 fans

Written by: Paul Gustave Simonon

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Release
"Guns of Brixton" is a song by the British punk rock band The Clash. It was released in 1979 on their third studio album, "London Calling".
First Bassist Composition
This was the first song that Paul Simonon, the bassist for the band, wrote for the band. He also sang the lead vocals, which was different from the majority of The Clash's songs, which typically featured Joe Strummer and Mick Jones on lead vocals.
Inspiration
"Guns of Brixton" was considerably inspired by the tension and unrest in the London's Brixton district, where Simonon grew up. At the time, Brixton was known for its high crime rates and confrontations between the community and police.
Musical Elements
The song is noted for its reggae bassline coupled with punk rock elements. It was this song that signaled The Clash's growing interest in diverse musical genres, which the band became known for.
Iconic Lyric
The lyric, "When the law break in, how you gonna go? Shot down on the pavement, or waiting on death row." is often recognized for illuminating the fear and defiance of a community under siege.
Cover Versions and Influence
"Guns of Brixton" is enduringly popular and influential. It has been covered by numerous artists and bands such as Jimmy Cliff and Nouvelle Vague. Elements of the song were also used in Norman Cook's remix of "Dub be Good to Me" by Beats International.
Relevance
The track continued to hold relevance to Brixton's political climate, especially during the Brixton riots in 1981, two years after its release.
Live Performances
Though a fan-favorite, "Guns of Brixton" was not routinely included in Clash's live sets until after it was reworked for their "Sound System" tour in 1981.
Use in Films
This song has been used in several films and television series, including "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.", "Grosse Pointe Blank", and the British crime series "Luther".
Cultural Impact
Due to the powerful representation of a particular time and place in UK history, "Guns of Brixton" is cited as a classic example of the socio-political chess that The Clash often incorporated in their songs.

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