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

Gene Simmons of Kiss

Gene Simmons of KissSongwriter Interviews

The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."

Vince Clarke

Vince ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

An original member of Depeche Mode, Vince went on to form Erasure and Yaz.

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Subversive Songs Used To Sell

Subversive Songs Used To SellSong Writing

Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars.

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.