Lyrics
London calling to the faraway towns
London is calling out to distant towns, possibly suggesting a call to attention or a warning.
Now war is declared and battle come down
War has been declared, and the battle is imminent.
London calling to the underworld
London is reaching out to the underworld, possibly indicating a sense of crisis or chaos.
Come out of the cupboard, you boys and girls
Encouragement to come out of hiding or seclusion, addressing both boys and girls.
London calling, now don't look to us
London is calling, but there is a refusal to rely on it for help or guidance.
Phony Beatlemania has bitten the dust
The trend of fake Beatlemania has ended or is no longer relevant.
London calling, see we ain't got no swing
London is calling, and there is a lack of vibrancy or excitement.
Except for the ring of the truncheon thing
Except for the oppressive force represented by the truncheon (a police baton).
The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in
A metaphorical reference to a coming crisis or change, with the sun's impact on the earth.
Meltdown expected, the wheat is growing thin
Anticipation of a meltdown, symbolizing a societal breakdown.
Engines stop running, but I have no fear
The collapse of societal structures is anticipated, but the speaker is unafraid.
'Cause London is drowning
A vivid image of London drowning, possibly reflecting societal turmoil.
I live by the river
The speaker lives by the river, emphasizing a close connection to the chaos or crisis.
London calling to the imitation zone
London is calling to an imitation zone, possibly criticizing artificial or inauthentic aspects of society.
Forget it, brother, you can go it alone
An encouragement to break away from conformity and go one's own way.
London calling to the zombies of death
Calling out to those who resist change or progress, urging them to take a breath and reconsider.
Quit holding out and draw another breath
An insistence on not holding back and facing the challenges ahead.
London calling and I don't want to shout
London is calling without wanting to shout, expressing a desire for a peaceful resolution.
But while we were talking, I saw you nodding out
While engaged in conversation, the speaker observes someone nodding off, possibly indicating apathy or indifference.
London calling, see we ain't got no high
There is no sense of excitement or energy in London.
Except for that one with the yellowy eye
Except for a singular entity with a mysterious or unsettling characteristic.
The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in
Reiteration of the impending crisis, with references to the sun and the thinning of resources.
Engines stop running, the wheat is growing thin
Continued description of societal breakdown with engines stopping and resources depleting.
A nuclear era, but I have no fear
A new era marked by the threat of nuclear conflict, but the speaker remains unafraid.
'Cause London is drowning
Reiteration of the drowning imagery in London.
I, I live by the river
The speaker lives by the river, emphasizing their close proximity to the crisis.
The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in
Repetition of the impending ice age and the sun's influence on the earth.
Engines stop running, the wheat is growing thin
Continued breakdown of societal structures with stopping engines and thinning wheat fields.
A nuclear era, but I have no fear
Emphasis on the nuclear era, yet the speaker remains unafraid.
'Cause London is drowning
Reiteration of London drowning, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
I, I live by the river
The speaker continues to live by the river, symbolizing resilience and survival.
Now get this
An abrupt transition or command, suggesting a change in focus or urgency.
London calling, yes, I was there, too
The speaker acknowledges being present in London during the crisis and reflects on the partial truth in what was said.
And you know what they said? Well, some of it was true
A reference to the aftermath of the crisis, questioning if a smile can be given despite the hardships.
London calling at the top of the dial
A call from London at the highest point on the radio dial, possibly indicating a climax or peak of the crisis.
And after all this, won't you give me a smile?
After experiencing the chaos, a plea for a positive response or acknowledgment.
(London calling)
Repetition of the phrase "London calling," emphasizing the urgency and importance of the message.
I never felt so much alike, alike, alike, alike
An expression of strong similarity or connection to the situation in London.
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