LONDON CALLING

London Calling is written by Joe Strummer (main vocal of The Clash) and Mick Jones (guitarist of The Clash). The title is imitated after BBC World Service's station identification: "This is London calling ..." which was used during World War II, often in broadcasts to occupied countries. This is an apocalyptic song, detailing the many ways the world could end, including the coming of the ice age, starvation, and war.

"London's drowning and I live by the river," comes from the concern that if the Thames burst its banks, most of central London would be flooded. Strummer was actually living in a high rise flat when he penned this.

"This is London calling..." was used by the BBC World Service station to identify themselves in broadcasting to occupied companies during WWII.

"A nuclear error" is a reference to what happened at Three Mile Island, in 1979.

The lyrics are also said to reflect the bands desperation at their debt, lack of management and internal arguments etc

"Now don't look to us, all that phoney Beatlemania has bitten the dust.." is a reference to their insecurities over their position as a band, post 1977 punk rock boom in England.

You can read the lyrics here: http://www.metrolyrics.com/london-calling-lyrics-the-clash.html

There is a more detailed review from bbc: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-14324385

Enjoy the song!