London Calling

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The Clash-London Calling
So many people seem to think there is a C chord in London Calling and there
simply is not. It is the bass that plays the C (Which is the 5th instead of
the root) while the guitar is playing the F. When you play this at home without
a bass it might sound weird because you want to hear that C but it's not the
guitar playing it. This is explained in greater detail by Marcus Gray in his book,
"Route 19 Revisited: The Clash and London Calling," which disects London Calling
track by track. I've also pulled up every live video I can find with any sort of
detail as to what Joe is playing. - Gharms85
This is the main rhythm guitar that is loudest in the mix.
Intro Chords:
Em: x 7 9 9 8 7
F: 8 8 10 10 10 8
Verse Chords:
Em: x 7 9 9 8 7
F: 8 8 10 10 10 8
G: 10 10 12 12 12 10
Chorus Chords:
Em: 0 2 2 0 0 0
G: 3 5 5 4 3 3
D: x x 0 2 3 2
[Intro](staccato strumming, all downstrokes)
EmEmEmEmFFFF
x6
[Verse 1]
Em F
London calling to the faraway towns
Em G
Now war is declared, and battle come down
Em F
London calling to the underworld
Em G
Come out of the cupboard, you boys and girls
Em F
London calling, now don't look to us
Em G
Phoney Beatlemania has bitten the dust
Em F
London calling, see we ain't got no swing
Em G
'Cept for the ring of that truncheon thing
[Chorus 1]
Em G
The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in
Em G
Meltdown expected, the wheat is growing thin
Em G
Engines stop running, but I have no fear
Em D (let ring)
'Cause London is drowning, and I live by the river
[Verse 2]
Em F
London calling to the imitation zone
Em G
Forget it, brother, you can go it alone
Em F
London calling to the zombies of death
Em G
Quit holding out, and draw another breath
Em F
London calling, and I don't wanna shout
Em G
But while we were talking, I saw you nodding out
Em F
London calling, see we ain't got no high
Em G
Except for that one with the yellowy eyes
[Chorus 2]
Em G
The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in
Em G
Engines stop running, the wheat is growing thin
Em G
A nuclear error, but I have no fear
Em D (let ring)
'Cause London is drowning, and I live by the river
[Interlude] (Play the same as the verse)
EmFEmG
x4
[Chorus 2]
Em G
The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in
Em G
Engines stop running, the wheat is growing thin
Em G
A nuclear error, but I have no fear
Em D (let ring)
'Cause London is drowning, and I live by the river
[Instrumental]
EmEmEmEmFFFF
x4
Now get this
[Verse 3]
Em F
London calling, yes, I was there, too
Em G
An' you know what they said? Well, some of it was true!
Em F
London calling at the top of the dial
Em G
After all this, won't you give me a smile?
Em F
London calling
Em F
[Outro]
Em
fading
I never felt so much alike alike alike alike

London Calling chords and lyrics

Free chords for London Calling by The Clash. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

The Clash-London Calling
 So many people seem to think there is a C chord in London Calling and there
 simply is not. It is the bass that plays the C (Which is the 5th instead of
 the root) while the guitar is playing the F. When you play this at home without 
 a bass it might sound weird because you want to hear that C but it's not the 
 guitar playing it. This is explained in greater detail by Marcus Gray in his book,
 "Route 19 Revisited: The Clash and London Calling," which disects London Calling
 track by track. I've also pulled up every live video I can find with any sort of
 detail as to what Joe is playing. - Gharms85
This is the main rhythm guitar that is loudest in the mix. 
Intro Chords: 
Em: x 7 9 9 8 7
F:  8 8 10 10 10 8
Verse Chords:
Em: x 7 9 9 8 7
F:  8 8 10 10 10 8
G:  10 10 12 12 12 10
Chorus Chords:
Em: 0 2 2 0 0 0
G:  3 5 5 4 3 3
D:  x x 0 2 3 2
[Intro](staccato strumming, all downstrokes) 
Em Em Em Em F F F F  x6
[Verse 1] 
[Chorus 1]
Em                             D (let ring)
'Cause London is drowning, and I live by the river
[Verse 2]
[Chorus 2] 
Em                             D (let ring)
'Cause London is drowning, and I live by the river
[Interlude] (Play the same as the verse)
Em F Em G  x4
[Chorus 2] 
Em                             D (let ring)
'Cause London is drowning, and I live by the river
[Instrumental]
Em Em Em Em F F F F  x4
Now get this
[Verse 3]
Em                   F
[Outro]

London Calling Chords by The Clash

Learn how to play London Calling by The Clash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “London Calling chords”, “London Calling guitar chords”, or “The Clash London Calling chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy London Calling chords and for experienced players who want accurate London Calling lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include C, F, Em, G, D, A.

Frequently asked questions about London Calling

How do I play "London Calling" by The Clash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "London Calling" by The Clash on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "London Calling" by The Clash free?

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Can I transpose "London Calling" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "London Calling" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "London Calling"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "London Calling" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "London Calling" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "London Calling" by The Clash with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by The Clash below.

What key is "London Calling" in?

The chords for "London Calling" show the original chord names (including C, F, Em, G, D, A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.