(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais

The Clash

About (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais

"(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais" is a song by the English punk rock band the Clash. It was originally released as a 7-inch single, with the b-side "The Prisoner", on 16 June 1978 through CBS Records. Produced by The Clash and engineered by Simon Humphries, the song was recorded for (but not included on) the group's second studio album Give 'Em Enough Rope; it was later featured on the American version of their debut studio album The Clash between the single version of "White Riot" and "London's Burning".  


Year:
1977
4:00
596 
#4

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Midnight to six man
For the first time from Jamaica
Dillinger and Leroy Smart
Delroy Wilson, your cool operator

Ken Boothe for UK pop reggae
With backing bands sound systems
And if they've got anything to say
There's many black ears here to listen

But it was Four Tops all night with encores from stage right
Charging from the bass knives to the treble
But onstage they ain't got no roots rock rebel
Onstage they ain't got no roots rock rebel

Dress back jump back, this is a bluebeat attack
'Cause it won't get you anywhere
Fooling with the guns
The British Army is waiting out there
An' it weighs fifteen hundred tons

White youth, black youth
Better find another solution
Why not phone up Robin Hood
And ask him for some wealth distribution

Punk rockers in the UK
They won't notice anyway
They're all too busy fighting
For a good place under the lighting

The new groups are not concerned
With what there is to be learned
They got Burton suits, ha, you think it's funny
Turning rebellion into money

All over people changing their votes
Along with their overcoats
If Adolf Hitler flew in today
They'd send a limousine anyway

I'm the all night drug-prowling wolf
Who looks so sick in the sun
I'm the white man in the Palais
Just lookin' for fun

I'm only
Looking for fun

I'm only
Looking for fun

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The Clash

The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly. For most of their recording career, the Clash consisted of Joe Strummer (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Mick Jones (lead guitar, vocals), Paul Simonon (bass guitar, vocals) and Nicky "Topper" Headon (drums, percussion). Headon left the group in 1982, and internal friction led to Jones's departure the following year. The group continued with new members, but finally disbanded in early 1986. more »

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Written by: JOE STRUMMER, MICK JONES, PAUL SIMONON, TOPPER HEADON

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Band History
"(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais" is a song by "The Clash", a British punk rock band, that was held in high esteem for their raw and energetic music and was often associated with political and social commentary.
Song Release
The song was released as a single in June 1978 by the record label CBS.
Genre and Influences
Although "The Clash" was mainly a punk rock band, "(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais" is widely recognized as one of the first songs to integrate elements of punk and reggae music.
Song Inspiration
The inspiration behind the song came from lead vocalist Joe Strummer's disappointment with a reggae concert at London's Hammersmith Palais venue, where he expected the performers to generate political discussion and was disappointed when they did not.
Track Lyrics
The lyrics of the song voice criticism on the increasing commercialization of reggae, lack of revolutionary spirit, and the sell-out of punk and reggae.
Chart Performance
The song peaked at number 32 on the UK Singles Chart, making it the band's first Top 40 hit.
Artwork Cover
The song's cover art depicts three scenes from the 1963 movie "The Harder They Come".
Recorded Studio
"(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais" was recorded at Basing Street Studios, London.
Song Legacy
The song has since been hailed as a classic and is often considered one of "The Clash’s" most important works, due to its revolutionary blend of musical styles and its topical lyrics.
Live Performances
"(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais" was a regular feature in The Clash's live performances, often serving as the closing number.
Reissue
The track was reissued on 30 June 1980 with "The Prisoner" as its B-side.
Cultural Impact
This song has had a lasting impact within the punk and reggae milieu and continues to be referenced in culture, including a reference in the 2015 Marvel comic "The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl".
Notable List Placement
In 2004, the song was ranked number 430 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

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