White Riot

Album: The Clash (1977)
Charted: 38
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  • (One, two, three, four)

    White riot, I want to riot
    White riot, a riot of our own
    White riot, I want to riot
    White riot, a riot of our own

    Black man gotta lotta problems
    But they don't mind throwing a brick
    White people go to school
    Where they teach you how to be thick

    And everybody's doing
    Just what they're told to
    And nobody wants
    To go to jail

    White riot, I want to riot
    White riot, a riot of our own
    White riot, I want to riot
    White riot, a riot of our own

    All the power's in the hands
    Of people rich enough to buy it
    While we walk the street
    Too chicken to even try it

    And everybody's doing
    Just what they're told to
    And nobody wants
    To go to jail

    White riot, I want to riot
    White riot, a riot of our own
    White riot, I want to riot
    White riot, a riot of our own

    Hey, you, standing in line
    Are we gonna sign an agreement?

    White riot, I want to riot
    White riot, a riot of our own
    White riot, I want to riot
    White riot, a riot of our own Writer/s: Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Topper Headon
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 8

  • Jon from Hackney, United KingdomOh and also to Don: I am told it was Joe, not Mick, who didn't like it, and Mick who tarted it up. But seriously that's just mythology. They probably wouldn't remember even if you could ask them
  • Jon from Hackney, United KingdomTo Kane: Yep, I even believe the BNP (fascist, racist 'political' party) usurped it thinking the same thing. When in fact it was just about the direct opposite. This was their signature tune for years. God it takes me back to some good days.
  • Ross from Leicester, United KingdomThis song being one that they played at the Anti-Nazi League/Rock Against Racism festival of course!
  • Kane from Vancouver, WaAt first I thought this song was a white pride song! Oi, Oi, Oi!
  • Don from NewmarketThe Clash perform two different versions on their first lp. The import (green) cover has a much rawer take of the song. The later (blue) lp version is a little cleaner. Both versions are fab!
  • Mike from Richmond, VaThis was the only song I listened to on THU for about the first half of the game. This song is their own.
  • Dale from Milton Keynes, Englandyup its on underground but is it the clash doing it or a cover
  • Jeff from Warwick, RiThis song was on the soundtrack to one of the Tony Hawk Pro Skater games, I'm pretty sure it was Tony Hawk Underground. It is a great song.
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