London Calling

About this song

The title alludes to the BBC World Service station identification "This is London calling", used during World War II, often in broadcasts to occupied countries. It was The Clash's first single from their third album London Calling, and the band recorded their fifth music video for it on Battersea Pier. Musically it departs from the band's earlier frenzied punk style, with a minor key, martial drumming without a backbeat, and a mid-tempo, dirge-like feel.

What it's about

The lyrics reflect Joe Strummer's concern about world events, including a line about a "nuclear error" that alludes to the Three Mile Island incident earlier in 1979. They also express the band's own desperation in 1979, facing high debt, a lack of management and disputes with their record label, and the sense that the punk boom had ended.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 5 other songs, like “The Fear by Skindred”.
• Covered 8 times, including “London Calling (triple j Like A Version) by Urthboy (Ft. Jane Tyrrell)”.
• Written by Mick Jones and Joe Strummer.
• Produced by Guy Stevens.
• Recorded at Wessex Sound Studios - London.