The Call Up
The Clash
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It's up to you not to heed the call-up 'N' you must not act the way you were brought up Who knows the reasons why you have grown up? Who knows the plans or why they were drawn up? It's up to you not to heed the call-up I don't want to die! It's up to you not to hear the call-up I don't want to kill! For he who will die Is he who will kill Maybe I want to see the wheat fields Over Kiev and down to the sea All the young people down the ages They gladly marched off to die Proud city fathers used to watch them Tears in their eyes There is a rose that I want to live for Although, God knows, I may not have met her There is a dance an' I should be with her There is a town - unlike any other It's up to you not to hear the call-up 'N' you must not act the way you were brought up Who give you work an' why should you do it? At fifty five minutes past eleven There is a rose... Yeah!
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Written by: JOE STRUMMER, MICK JONES, TOPPER HEADON
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Album Identification"The Call Up" is a song from the band's fourth studio album, titled "Sandinista!". The album was released in December 1980.
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Musical StyleThe Clash drew on multiple genres to create "The Call Up", including punk rock, post-punk, reggae, and dub. This musical style is evident in the song's strong percussive elements, electronic enhancements and the characteristic vocal works.
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Chart PerformanceThe song was released as a single and reached number 40 on the UK Singles Chart, demonstrating the band's commercial success at the time.
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Production Team"The Clash" itself produced the song, with the help from Mikey Dread, a Jamaican singer, producer and broadcaster known for his work within the reggae scene.
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Song MeaningIt's generally agreed that "The Call Up" delivers an anti-war message, touching on themes of militarism and the youth being called up to serve.
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LyricsThe chorus, "It's up to you not to heed the call-up", is often interpreted as a direct plea to fans to resist the call of conscription and the glamorization of the military.
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Band MembersVocalist and rhythm guitarist Joe Strummer, along with lead guitarist Mick Jones, bassist Paul Simonon, and drummer Topper Headon, were the performing musicians of "The Call Up".
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LegacyEven decades after its release, "The Call Up" continues to be widely respected and influential and frequently features in "The Clash"'s best-of compilations.
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Music VideoA music video was made for the song, which features the band performing in an abandoned warehouse. The aesthetic of the video adds to the anti-establishment message of the song.
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Cover VersionsSeveral punk and indie bands have covered "The Call Up," reflecting its enduring appeal and influence within alternative music circles.
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Citation
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"The Call Up Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3302383/The+Clash/The+Call+Up>.
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