The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
What are we gonna do now?
Taking off his turban, they said, "Is this man a Jew?"
Working for the clampdown
They put up a poster saying, "We earn more than you"
Working for the clampdown
We will teach our twisted speech
To the young believers
We will train our blue-eyed man
To be you believers
Judge said five to ten but I say double that again
I'm not working for the clampdown
No man born with a living soul
Can be working for the clampdown
Kick over the wall, cause governments to fall
How can you refuse it?
Let fury have the hour, anger can be power
How can you use it?
The voices in your head are calling
Stop wasting your time, there's no one coming
Only a fool would think someone could save you
The men at the factory are old and cunning
You don't love nothin', they know I'm comin'
It's the best years of your life they want to steal
But you grow up and you calm down
And working for the clampdown
You start wearing blue and brown
And working for the clampdown
So you got someone to boss around
Make you feel big now
You drift until you brutalize
Make your first kill now
Yeah, I hope you're following along
That's right
Thanks you people
Thank you
Taking off his turban, they said, "Is this man a Jew?"
Working for the clampdown
They put up a poster saying, "We earn more than you"
Working for the clampdown
We will teach our twisted speech
To the young believers
We will train our blue-eyed man
To be you believers
Judge said five to ten but I say double that again
I'm not working for the clampdown
No man born with a living soul
Can be working for the clampdown
Kick over the wall, cause governments to fall
How can you refuse it?
Let fury have the hour, anger can be power
How can you use it?
The voices in your head are calling
Stop wasting your time, there's no one coming
Only a fool would think someone could save you
The men at the factory are old and cunning
You don't love nothin', they know I'm comin'
It's the best years of your life they want to steal
But you grow up and you calm down
And working for the clampdown
You start wearing blue and brown
And working for the clampdown
So you got someone to boss around
Make you feel big now
You drift until you brutalize
Make your first kill now
Yeah, I hope you're following along
That's right
Thanks you people
Thank you
Lyrics submitted by express welding
Clampdown [Live] Lyrics as written by Mick Jones Joe Strummer
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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The Clash still do it better...