London's Burning

The Clash

About London's Burning

"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, with 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 young people try to get their kicks driving around in their cars until throughout the night, feeling bored and far from happy. 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 alludes to the boredom of TV and may also reflect 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". The song's name came from popular nursery rhyme about the Great Fire of London (1666). 


Year:
1977
2:10
163 
#2

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London's burning
London's burning

All across the town, all across the night
Everybody's driving with full headlights
Black or white, you turn it on, you face the new religion
Everybody's sitting 'round watching television

London's burning with boredom now
London's burning dial nine-nine-nine-nine-nine
London's burning with boredom now
London's burning dial nine-nine-nine-nine-nine

I'm up and down the Westway, in and 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

London's burning with boredom now
London's burning dial nine-nine-nine-nine-nine
London's burning with boredom now
London's burning dial nine-nine-nine-nine-nine

Now I'm in the subway and I'm looking for the flat
This one leads to this block, this one leads to that
The wind howls through the empty blocks looking for a home
I run through the empty stone because I'm all alone

London's burning with boredom now
London's burning dial nine-nine-nine-nine-nine
London's burning with boredom now
London's burning dial nine-nine-nine-nine-nine

London's burning

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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 »

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Written by: JOE STRUMMER, MICK JONES, PAUL SIMONON, TOPPER HEADON

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Album Background
"London's Burning" is a song by British punk rock band, The Clash. It's prominently featured on their debut, self-titled album, which was released in 1977.
Song Theme
The song's inspiration comes from the city of London, indicating the urban discontent and cultural disarray that was prevalent in the city during the 1970s.
Lyrics Composition
Lyrically, it represents the band's raw and unfiltered look at their environment. The song's famous refrain, "London's burning with boredom now", refers to the aimlessness and disillusionment of youth during their era.
Signature Sound
"London's Burning" is a perfect example of The Clash's signature punk rock sound. It embodies the band's unique mix of raw energy, anger, and a fierce social critique that characterized their music.
Global Appeal
Despite its specific focus on London, the song resonated with listeners across the globe, thereby helping to catapult The Clash to international fame.
Album Recognition
The album, including "London's Burning," is widely received as one of the best punk albums of all time and helped establish The Clash as one of the key bands within the punk culture.
Emphasis on Social Decline
The song illustrates a definitive period in London's history, being considered emblematic of the disillusion and social decline characteristic of late '70s and early '80s UK culture.
Use in Media
The iconic opening guitar riff of "London's Burning" has been used in various media as a representation of the punk era, thrusting the song into pop culture status.
Live Performances
The Clash frequently played "London's Burning" as part of their live set, and it was received with great enthusiasm by fans.
Cover Versions
Several bands and artists have covered "London's Burning" since its release, including Stiff Little Fingers and SpizzEnergi, among others. These versions further amplify the song's lasting impact and cultural significance.
Not to be Confused
"London's Burning" should not be confused with the English nursery rhyme of the same name or the TV series about firefighters. Despite sharing the same name, they are vastly different in content and origin.

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