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Like other songs on London Calling, “Rudie Can’t Fail” has a strong reggae influence.
The song revolves around Rudie, who is part of the rude boys, a 1960s Jamaican subculture that became popular in the United Kingdom. The rude boys were well known for challenging social norms, as is shown by them...
[Intro - Joe Strummer]
Now sing, Michael, sing
On the route of the 19 Bus
We hear them sayin'
[Verse 1 - Mick Jones]
How you get so rude and'a reckless?
Don't you be so crude and'a feckless
You been drinkin' brew for breakfast
Rudie can't fail, no, no
(We reply)
I know that my life makes you nervous
But I tell you that I can't live in service
Like the doctor who's born for a purpose
Rudie can't fail
[Chorus - Jones & Strummer]
(Ok)
I went to the market to realize (my soul)
What I need (I just don't have) (Oh no)
First they curse, then they press me 'til I hurt
(He say) Rudie can't fail
[Verse 2 - Mick Jones]
First you must cure your temper
Then find a job in a paper
You need someone for a saviour
Rudie can't fail
(We reply)
Now we get a'rude and a'reckless
To been seen looking cool and speckless
An' drinking brew for breakfast
Rudie can't fail (oh no, no)
[Chorus]
I went to the market to realize (my soul)
'Cause what I need (I just don't have) (Have)
First they curse, then they press me 'til I hurt
Rudie can't fail
[Bridge - Joe Strummer]
Ok, ok
So where you wanna go today?
Hey, boss man, huh, yeah
So you're looking pretty smart (Chicken skin suit) with a chicken skin suit
You think you're pretty hot (Pork pie hat) in your pork pie hat
[Outro]
Rudie can't fail
Rudie can't fail
Rudie can't fail
Rudie can't fail
Rudie can't fail
Rudie can't fail
Rudie can't fail
Rudie can't fail
Rudie can't fail
Rudie can't fail
Rudie can't fail
Rudie can't fail
Rudie can't fail
Rudie Can’t Fail was written by Joe Strummer & Mick Jones.
Rudie Can’t Fail was produced by Guy Stevens.
The Clash released Rudie Can’t Fail on Fri Dec 14 1979.
“I wrote ‘Rudie Can’t Fail’ about some mates who were drinking brew for breakfast. They think nothing of it. Me, I’m past the stage where I can. I can drink brew for breakfast, but not every day, and that’s what made me notice them. I thought it was a hell of a way to start a day.”
Joe Strummer
Sour...