Car Jamming

Album: Combat Rock (1982)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Car Jamming was first recorded at Marcus Music studios in April 1981, in the same sessions that resulted in fellow album track Sean Flynn and non-album single "This Is Radio Clash."
  • The song features Motown-inspired drums from Topper Headon, and half-rapped lyrics from Joe Strummer in a style started on 1980 single "The Magnificent Seven." It also features Mick Jones' then-girlfriend Ellen Foley on backing vocals - you can hear her on Meat Loaf's "Paradise By the Dashboard Light."
  • The lyrics include a reference to "a shyboy from Missouri, boots blown off in a '60s war," which could have been inspired by Vietnam veteran Larry McIntyre, whom The Clash played a benefit concert for in Cleveland in February 1979.
  • The song entered The Clash's live set in the Down the Casbah club tour in May 1982, and stayed there for the rest of the year but was not played much more beyond that.

Comments: 1

  • Roman Adams from Bend OregonThis was the first song I ever heard by the clash and it will always be one of my favorite songs by the clash.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

The Girl in That Song

The Girl in That SongFact or Fiction

Billie Jean, Delilah, Sara, Laura and Sharona - do you know who the girls in the songs really are?

Leslie West of Mountain

Leslie West of MountainSongwriter Interviews

From the cowbell on "Mississippi Queen" to recording with The Who when they got the wrong Felix, stories from one of rock's master craftsmen.

Cy Curnin of The Fixx

Cy Curnin of The FixxSongwriter Interviews

The man who brought us "Red Skies" and "Saved By Zero" is now an organic farmer in France.

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.