"Burnin' Streets" is a song by Joe Strummer, the lead vocalist of The Clash. The song was released posthumously in 2007 as part of his solo album, "Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros: The Hellcat Years." The song portrays a sense of social unrest, particularly in the context of urban life. The lyrics depict a city, specifically London, going through turmoil, as indicated by the line "London is burnin'." This phrase symbolizes the city's state of chaos and conflict. The song reflects the struggles and challenges faced by individuals who live in the city. It emphasizes the difficulties of surviving in the fast-paced urban environment, as expressed in the line, "An' it takes every day to be survivin' in the city." The lyrics also touch upon themes of rebellion and resistance. The line "Somebody tried to speak garage, and they burnt down Bethnal Green" suggests a metaphorical battle between mainstream culture and an underground movement. The song highlights the clash of different ideologies and musical expressions. The chorus mentions the prevalence of gun violence in the city, with the repeated line, "Too many guns in this damn town." Strummer criticizes the presence of guns and the need for precautions like flak jackets on the "merry-go-round," symbolizing a loss of innocence and the need for protection even in seemingly innocent places. Overall, "Burnin' Streets" reflects Joe Strummer's observations of the chaos, struggle, and social issues present in an urban environment, particularly in London. The song serves as a call to face these challenges head-on and to resist the perils of the city through unity and resilience.
