How to Format Lyrics:

  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
  • Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
  • Use italics (<i>lyric</i>) and bold (<b>lyric</b>) to distinguish between different vocalists in the same song part
  • If you don’t understand a lyric, use [?]

To learn more, check out our transcription guide or visit our transcribers forum

About

Genius Annotation

Classic song from UK punk band The Clash’s most successful and influential album, 1979’s London Calling. Written as a protest about the economic situation for UK youth at the time, this song continues to be influential, having been covered by artists from Red Hot Chili Peppers to Arcade Fire.

This is the first Clash song to feature bassist Paul Simonon on vocals, a rarity for the Strummer/Jones-led group. Its lyrics describe the paranoia of living in the Clash’s apocalyptic version of London that pervades the entire record. Structurally, the album follows closely after the similarly themed “Clampdown.” While “Clampdown” paints a picture of the bleak global situation and calls for the masses to take action against it, “The Guns of Brixton” complicates the issue by addressing the complications that violence can introduce. It is also the last song on disc one of London Calling.

Additionally, it was revisited by the Clash themselves on their following album, Sandinista! This time, however, it was sung by a little girl and featured at the end of the track “Broadway.”

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

Credits
Produced By
Written By
Recording Engineer
Performance Rights
Mixing Engineer
Mastering Engineer
Phonographic Copyright ℗
Percussion
Backing Vocals
Design
Engineer
Engineering Assistant
Mastered by
Photography By
Technician
Copyright (c)
Phonographic Copyright (p)
Recorded At
Wessex Sound Studios - London, England
Release Date
December 14, 1979
Songs That Interpolate The Guns of Brixton
View The Guns of Brixton samples
Tags
Comments