Should I Stay or Should I Go

The Clash

About Should I Stay or Should I Go

"Should I Stay or Should I Go" is a song by the English punk rock band the Clash, from their album Combat Rock. It was written in 1981 and featured Mick Jones on lead vocals. It became the band's only No. 1 single on the UK Singles Chart, a decade after it was originally released. In November 2004, it was ranked at 228 on "Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list. In 2009 it was ranked 42nd on VH1's program 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs. Many rumours have arisen about the song's content, such as Jones' impending dismissal from the Clash or the tempestuous personal relationship between Jones and American singer Ellen Foley. "Should I Stay or Should I Go" was thought to be written by Jones about Foley, who sang the backing vocals on Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell LP. However, Jones himself said: It wasn't about anybody specific and it wasn't pre-empting my leaving The Clash. It was just a good rockin' song, our attempt at writing a classic ... When we were just playing, that was the kind of thing we used to like to play. – Mick Jones, 1991 


Year:
1982
3:09
107 
#1

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Darling you got to let me know
Should I stay or should I go?
If you say that you are mine
I'll be here 'til the end of time
So you got to let me know
Should I stay or should I go?

It's always tease, tease, tease
You're happy when I'm on my knees
One day it's fine and next it's black
So if you want me off your back
Well, come on and let me know
Should I stay or should I go?

Should I stay or should I go now?
Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go, there will be trouble
And if I stay it will be double
So come on and let me know

This indecision's bugging me (esta indecision me molesta)
If you don't want me, set me free (si no me quieres, librame)
Exactly whom I'm supposed to be (digame que tengo ser)
Don't you know which clothes even fit me? (no sabes que ropas me queda)
Come on and let me know (me tienes que decir)
Should I cool it or should I blow? (me debo ir o quedarme)

Split

Should I stay or should I go now? (yo me enfrio o lo soplo)
Should I stay or should I go now? (yo me enfrio o lo soplo)
If I go there will be trouble (si me voy va a haber peligro)
And if I stay it will be double (si me quedo sera el doble)
So ya gotta let me know (me tienes que decir)
Should I cool it or should I blow? (me debo ir o quedarme)

Should I stay or should I go now? (tengo frío por los ojos)
If I go there will be touble (tengo frio por los ojos)
And if I stay it wil be double
Si me quedo sera el doble
So ya gotta let me know me tienes que decir
Should I stay or should I go?

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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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11 facts about this song

Band History
"Should I Stay or Should I Go" is one of the most popular songs by The Clash, a British punk rock band formed in 1976.
Song Release
The song was originally released as part of the band's 1982 album, "Combat Rock".
Single Success
Despite its popularity, "Should I Stay or Should I Go" didn't become a number one single in the UK until a decade after its original release, in 1991.
Song Meaning
The song's lyrics talk about indecision and confusion in a relationship. Mick Jones, the band guitarist, is supposed to have written it about Ellen Foley, the American singer and actress who was his girlfriend at the time.
Duality Concept
In an interview, drummer Topper Headon mentioned that the idea was to have a duality of two messages running through the song; one message urging a decision and the other urging caution about the potential outcome.
Spanish Lines
The backing vocals in the song are a Spanish rendition of the English lyrics, which was added by Joe Strummer as a humorous touch after a recording session in New York.
Levi's Commercial
The song's surge in popularity in 1991 is attributed to its use in a commercial for Levi's jeans.
Cover Versions
Many artists have covered "Should I Stay or Should I Go" over the years, including artists like Vampire Weekend and Kaiser Chiefs.
Use in Pop Culture
It's been featured in numerous movies and TV shows including "Stranger Things", where it was a recurring musical motif in the first season.
Top of the Charts
Upon the song's re-release in 1991, it reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, making it the only Clash song to ever achieve this ranking.
Song Legacy
"Should I Stay or Should I Go" remains a rock classic, and continues to be one of the most well-known songs by The Clash.

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    Should I Stay or Should I Go

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1982

    Billboard #45


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