The Clash – White Riot (1977)

The great Joe Strummer would have been 63 today. Joe, John Graham Mellor  (21 August 1952 – 22 December 2002), was born in Ankara Turkey. White Riot was the first single by The Clash, released 18 March 1977. The song was also included on the bands debut album The Clash, released 8 April 1977. R.I.P. Joe, gone but never ever forgotten!

The Clash – White Riot (Lyrics)

White riot – I wanna riot
White riot – a riot of my own (x2)

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

An’ everybody’s doing
Just what they’re told to
An’ nobody wants
To go to jail!

White riot – I wanna riot
White riot – a riot of my 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

Everybody’s doing
Just what they’re told to
Nobody wants
To go to jail!

White riot – I wanna riot
White riot – a riot of my own (x2)

Are you taking over
or are you taking orders?
Are you going backwards
Or are you going forwards?