Charlie Don't Surf

The Clash's song 'Charlie Don't Surf' is a powerful critique of imperialism, war, and the cultural imposition of Western values. The title itself is a reference to a line from the film 'Apocalypse Now,' where a character named Kilgore declares, 'Charlie don't surf!' This line is emblematic of the Western military's attempt to impose its culture and values on Vietnam during the war. By using this reference, The Clash highlights the absurdity and destructiveness of such impositions.

The lyrics delve into the broader theme of global domination and the inherent desire to 'rule the world.' The line 'Everybody wants to rule the world' suggests that this desire is almost innate, a part of human nature. However, the song also points out the futility and destructiveness of this ambition, as seen in the lines 'One truth is we never learn / Satellites will make space burn.' This suggests that despite technological advancements, humanity continues to repeat the same mistakes, leading to further destruction.

The song also addresses the exclusionary practices of powerful nations, as seen in the lines 'We been told to keep the strangers out / We don't like 'em starting to hang about.' This reflects the xenophobic attitudes prevalent in many Western countries, which often lead to conflict and violence. The mention of 'Africa choking on their coca-colas' is a poignant critique of cultural imperialism, where Western products and values are forced upon other cultures, often to their detriment.

'Charlie Don't Surf' is a multifaceted critique of the ways in which power, war, and cultural imposition shape our world. The Clash uses vivid imagery and cultural references to highlight the absurdity and destructiveness of these practices, urging listeners to question and resist them.