Dial A Hitman

Album: No. 10, Upping St. (1986)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This contains a comical sample from a movie called Lafayette Zero Six featuring Matt Dillon and Lawrence Fishburne. Unfortunately this "movie" (credited to "Jan Tarmush" on the album) doesn't exist. It's likely that Big Audio Dynamite faked this as a joke to friend and film director/writer "Jim Jarmusch." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Chaz - San Francisco, CA
  • Joe Strummer co-wrote this song along with Big Audio Dynamite members Mick Jones and Don Letts. This was a feat of reconciliation, as Strummer booted Jones from The Clash in 1983. Jones took the opportunity to form Big Audio Dynamite, which released their self-titled debut in 1985. No. 10, Upping St. was their second album, and it featured production and songwriting contributions from Strummer.
  • This song is about a guy who is ordering up a hitman to kill his wife, as she's become a drag. It's a sardonically humorous song that plays up the various "dial-a" services, which would allow you to ring for just about anything: a maid, a ride, even a song.

    The No. 10, Upping St. album (a play on 10 Downing St., where some British government officials reside) takes place in London and is filled with songs about crime and mayhem in the city. True to form for Strummer and Jones, there is lots of rebellion and plenty of colorful characters.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")Songwriter Interviews

Inspired by his dear friend, "Seasons in the Sun" paid for Terry's boat, which led him away from music and into a battle with Canadian paper mills.

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song Titles

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song TitlesMusic Quiz

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have some rather unusual song titles - see if you can spot the real ones.