The meaning of Rough Boys by The Clash

The song "Rough Boys" by The Clash is a standout track from their 1985 album "Combat Rock". Written by lead vocalist Joe Strummer, the song's lyrics are a scathing critique of the excesses of the wealthy elite.

The song's opening lines, "I'm not sure that I should be telling you this," set the tone for a song that is both personal and observational. Strummer sings about the privileged classes, who he believes have abandoned all sense of morality in their pursuit of wealth and power. The lyrics are laced with venomous wit, as Strummer skewers those who think they're above the law.

Throughout the song, The Clash's signature punk energy is palpable, with a driving rhythm section and sneering guitar work that perfectly captures the mood of discontent. Joe Strummer's vocals are particularly biting, his voice crackling with anger as he delivers lines like "You're gonna have to do better than that" and "You're just a rough boy".

But beneath its snarling surface, "Rough Boys" is also a song about disillusionment and disconnection. The lyrics speak to a sense of disaffection among the working class, who feel ignored and betrayed by those in power. This theme of alienation and rebellion would become a hallmark of The Clash's later work.

Overall, "Rough Boys" is a fierce and uncompromising song, one that exemplifies The Clash's ability to craft music that is both catchy and confrontational. It's a testament to the band's enduring influence that this song remains a fan favorite to this day.