Guns of Brixton
The Clash
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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 CompositionThis 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 ElementsThe 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 LyricThe 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.
|
RelevanceThe track continued to hold relevance to Brixton's political climate, especially during the Brixton riots in 1981, two years after its release.
|
Live PerformancesThough 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 FilmsThis 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 ImpactDue 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.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Guns of Brixton Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 9 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/12320659/The+Clash/Guns+of+Brixton>.
Discuss the Guns of Brixton Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In