Rock the Casbah - Remastered
by The Clash
What is “Rock the Casbah - Remastered” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Rock the Casbah - Remastered” by The Clash is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
The Clash's 'Rock the Casbah' lyrically challenges authoritarianism and promotes freedom of expression, using a narrative where music overcomes oppressive orders from a sharif.
So… what’s this song really about?
The song 'Rock the Casbah' by The Clash engages with themes of conflict between authoritarian forces and cultural expression. Its narrative illustrates a scenario where authority figures like the sharif and the king try to suppress popular music that embodies freedom and rebellion. However, the enthusiastic embrace of this music by the people and even by the fighter pilots symbolizes resistance against restrictive norms. The mention of diverse cultural elements (like the temple and the Casbah) also underscores the universal nature of music as a unifying and liberating force.
The lyrics portray music not just as a source of entertainment but as a potent symbol of resistance and a means of challenging societal and political boundaries. This is notably seen in the chorus where the repetition of 'The sharif don't like it' becomes a defiant chant against oppression. Here, The Clash offers a view of music as a form of cultural expression capable of altering power dynamics and inspiring communities, which is particularly resonant in historical contexts where music has been a channel for dissent and change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'Rock the Casbah' literally mean?
The phrase 'Rock the Casbah' refers to shaking up or causing a commotion within traditional or conservative systems, using 'casbah' to symbolize a central place in a city.
Q: When was 'Rock the Casbah' by The Clash released?
The song 'Rock the Casbah' was released in 1982.
Lyrics to “Rock the Casbah - Remastered”
2 ContributorsRock the casbah Lyrics
The sharif don't like it
Rockin' the Casbah, rock the Casbah
The sharif don't like it
Rockin' the Casbah, rock the Casbah
Now over at the temple
Oh, they really pack 'em in
The in crowd say it's cool
To dig this chanting thing
But as the wind changed direction
And the temple band took five
The crowd caught a whiff
Of that crazy Casbah jive!
The sharif don't like it
Rockin' the Casbah, rock the Casbah
The sharif don't like it
Rockin' the Casbah, rock the Casbah
The king called up his jet fighters
He said you better earn your pay
Drop your bombs between the minarets
Down the Casbah way
As soon as the sharif was chauffeured outta there
The jet pilots tuned to the cockpit radio blare
As soon as the sharif was outta their hair
The jet pilots wailed
The sharif don't like it
Rockin' the Casbah, rock the Casbah
The sharif don't like it
Rockin' the Casbah, rock the Casbah
The sharif don't like it (He thinks it's not kosher)
Rockin' the Casbah, rock the Casbah
The sharif don't like it (Fundamentally he can't take it)
Rockin' the Casbah, rock the Casbah
The sharif don't like it (You know he really hates it!)
Rockin' the Casbah, rock the Casbah
The sharif don't like it