The song is a child of its time. After Khomeini came to power in Iran in 1979 and turned Iran into a theocracy, Western rock music, among other things, was banned there. Joe Strummer wrote this song in 1982 to make fun of exactly that. The whole thing was actually intended as an anti-war song and for general understanding, but unfortunately it was often misunderstood

This song was about the ban of Rock music in the middle east.

Don't leave The Clash behind, before having listened to "London Calling" !!! 😊 ❤

“Maybe this is punk rock…”
Dude. This IS punk rock.

This song speaks out against censorship in all its forms especially those who use and pervert religion to advance their own personal agendas.

This song is the epitome of what 'Punk Rock' is.  Punk is ALL about protest against the Powers that Be.  Also, keep in mind that this song came out in 1982.  The average American/Brit really did not have any idea of what was forbidden under Islam.

Orthodox Jew and an Arab come together over music.  It always said to me that the people on both sides of the conflict are people, they have a lot in common, it's just the institutions that divide them and get them into wars and conflicts. As timely today as it was then.

The Clash is a very political PUNK BAND (one of the first to incorporate REGGAE into their music). This song came out at a time when you could sing about political injustices and not worry about being politically correct or cancelled. Punk Rock was meant to be in your face and not sound so pretty like the arena rock bands of the 70's and 80's.

Different generation my friend, back then we didn't get hurt by words as easily as today's generation.

This is a song about oppression and liberties being taken away that they previously had. Religion is one thing. Autocracy is another. You are not considering how a whole population was/is suppressed.

I am french of Algerian origin, I am an atheist but my family is Muslim and here most North Africans know this song, it was covered by Rachid Taha an Algerian singer very well known in our country, I have never met anyone who took the words of joe strummer badly, I usually agree with you but on this one no, the so-called "kings" more commonly called dictators are not voices of peace, they are there to oppress and ban everything that does not "please" them, the people cannot stand them, this song is a revolt against this constant opression due to a misreading of the Muslim religion, we must really learn about this subject to understand but unfortunately our days, we take everything badly and we are shocked by everything, let's go back to the good old days no ? 😅

Also the Clash was formed in LONDON!
Not America.

Noting that The Clash weren't doing the whole Boston, Kansas, Journey thing might be the understatement of the year. Nice to see that it still resonates after 40 years.

This song is not anti religion or anti prayer. It's pro rock. Pure and simple

They were known as the garage band these were the fathers of British punk along with the sex pistols

Not allowing people to make their own decisions is unjustifiable under any belief system.  So this idea of protecting people from themselves is a question of social control, not religion.  If the underlying values are strong, they can handle exposure to different ideas.  Peace to you for standing by your beliefs and doing what you believe is in the best interest of you and your family.  Nothing wrong with sharing your views and opinions.  I've heard the song thousands of times.  This is the first I'm hearing where it led your brain and heart.  I don't have to agree with you to respect you.

This is real punk rock

Get the history before you speak. Joe Strummers dad was a diplomat and Joe saw it all, as a child around the world. This is a protest against banning music, nothing more, nothing less. Just good ole Punk Rock!

1970-80s a time where no one instandly got offended by anything.... Want to go back😭😭😭😭

London calling, Train in vain, Guns of Brixton ,  so many great songs