Complete Control

The Clash's song 'Complete Control' is a powerful critique of the music industry and the illusion of artistic freedom. The lyrics reflect the band's frustration with their record label, which promised them creative autonomy but instead prioritized profit over artistic integrity. The opening lines, 'They said: Release Remote Control / But we didn't want it on the label,' highlight the band's discontent with the label's decisions, which were made without their consent. This sentiment is echoed throughout the song, emphasizing the lack of control the band felt over their own music and careers.

The song also touches on the broader theme of control and surveillance. The lines 'On the last tour my mates they couldn't get in / I'd open up the back door but they'd get run out again' and 'at every hotel we was a'met by the law' illustrate the constant scrutiny and restrictions the band faced while on tour. This sense of being watched and controlled extends to the fans and the punk rock community as a whole, as seen in the lines 'This is punk rockers (Total) / We're controlled in the price of the hard drugs we can find (C-O-N control).' The song suggests that even the rebellious punk rock scene is not immune to the pervasive influence of control and manipulation.

'Complete Control' is not just a critique of the music industry but also a broader commentary on societal control. The repeated refrain 'C-O-N control' underscores the pervasive nature of control in various aspects of life, from the media to personal freedoms. The song's raw energy and defiant lyrics capture the spirit of punk rock, which is all about challenging authority and fighting for autonomy. The Clash's message is clear: true artistic freedom is a constant struggle, and one must always be vigilant against those who seek to control and exploit.