Police On My Back
The Clash · Sandinista! [1980]
Well, I'm running
Police on my back
Can you help me?
Police on my back
I am hiding
Police on my back
They were shooting
Police on my back
I've been running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
What have I done?
What have I done?
(back to verse with other words)
Police on my back
Can you help me?
Police on my back
I am hiding
Police on my back
They were shooting
Police on my back
I've been running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
What have I done?
What have I done?
(back to verse with other words)
Police On My Back
Recorded in 1980, 'Police On My Back' stands as a defining track on The Clash's seminal album, Sandinista!. The song exemplifies the band's signature blend of punk energy and political urgency, addressing the pervasive threat of police brutality in Britain. With its driving rhythm and iconic vocal delivery, the recording captures the raw frustration of a generation facing authoritarian control. It remains a cornerstone of the punk rock canon, illustrating how The Clash transformed street-level grievances into anthems of resistance. The track's enduring power lies in its unapologetic stance against state violence, making it a vital document of the era's social climate.