Alex Shefrin
Song Analysis: The
Clash, X, The Damned
Definition
of Punk/Readings-Van Ham/Hebdige
In Subculture: The Meaning of Style, Dick
Hebdige posits that the punk style revolved around a sense of anarchistic tendencies
that developed as a revolt of sorts against established societal norms (Van Ham
1). In a way he hints that Punk style is a rejection of societal norms in
exchange for the unconventional. According to him, the punk style is represented
by a disposition to offend the silent majority through shock value and served to
undermine established social norms, in order to create a change in society (Hebdige
106, 108). Van Ham adds that the punk “may be permanently outside of societal
norms” (Van Ham 319), reinforcing the previous notion of rebellion within punk.
“(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais”-The Clash
The Clash have long been held as
one of the more influential British Punk bands, their name itself refers to two
or more things actively going against each other, in a way embodying the ideas of
the punk movement as a rebellion against society. Released on their eponymous first
album in 1978 in the early years of punk rock, “(White Man) In Hammersmith
Palais” incorporates a gritty production value, fast tempo and a heavily distorted
guitar in the intro sort as if to say “we are punk, like us or f-off”. However
as the song progresses, the guitar switches to a ska/reggae rhythm which
somewhat mellows out the initial feeling throughout the almost 4 minute long
song. On the other hand, the vocal style of Joe Strummer has little regard for much
of a refined melody, opting for a rawer, toneless yell throughout the song
instead. The lyrics of the song start off by telling a story of Joe Strummer’s experience
at a reggae festival at the Hammersmith Palais, and his disappointment upon
hearing “pop reggae” music rather than rebellious roots rock, the lyrics “And
If they’ve got anything to say/There’s many black ears to listen/…But they ain’t
got no roots rebel”, directly show this sentiment. He then extends this
disillusionment to the (then) current issues in British society. The lyrics go
on to criticize wealth distribution, violence, and the divide between black and
white youths in British society. This criticism and rebellion against the norm
and the calls for change in society clearly put “(White Man) In Hammersmith
Palais” within the upper echelons of punk rock.
“We’re Having Much
More Fun”-X
When most
people see the letter X as a name or title, they are inclined to think of
something mysterious or taboo, however this band is neither mysterious nor
taboo. Although “We’re Having Much More Fun” has a fast tempo and heavily distorted
guitar, the fact that there is a harmony in the vocals and higher production
value is reminiscent of more of a folk-rock style than a punk rock style, and
the length of 3 minutes goes against the traditional punk format. Once you
reach the chorus however everything changes, the heavier guitar and drums along
with the lyrics “we’ll crawl through your backyard/ And whack your yappin’ dog”,
almost throws the folk style out the window. The title itself “We’re Having
Much More Fun” echoes the punk idea of anarchy and rebellion and Van Ham’
observation that “punks were treated as threats to public order” (1). Going
along with this theme, the album title, “More Fun in the New World”, not only resonates
with the rebellious nature of punk style but the mention of “the New World”
suggests that eventually, the ideas of punk style and music will lead to a
change in society. Although released in 1983, a few years after the explosion
of punk, this song most certainly embodies the punk style.
History of the
World Part 1-The Damned
The Damned are held as one of the
early pioneers of British Punk rock, and why wouldn’t they fit the description
of punk? The name itself carries connotations of those left behind; those that
society won’t pay attention to. Released in 1980, the heyday of early punk, the
album entitled The Black Album, making
a jibe at Beatles’ critically acclaimed The
White Album, could even fit in with heavier metal bands. Even the names of
the members, Captain Sensible, Oxy Moron, and Rat Scabies carry with them a
sense of “we don’t care society, we just don’t care”. Nevertheless, “History of
the World, Part I” has only one theme common with punk, a fast tempo, aside
from that this song is not punk. The song title itself carries no rebellious connotations
nor anything similar to punk, rather it sounds like a prophetic message to the
human race. The song itself with its keyboard and operatic style is more akin
to Queen, Styx, and David Bowie than any punk band, not to mention its length
of 4 minutes which goes against most punk styles. The lyrics to the song have
no rebellious suggestions, instead they serve as a defeatist lamentation of
sorts, “Nobody alive and no one left/ Nobody cares or ain't you heard/Looks like
I'll take my dying breath/In the history of the world”. If anything, this song
is a perfect example of the early 80’s new wave movement rather than a punk
rock song.
