The history and politics of the English protest song

1977

White Riot

Tune: Original
Lyrics: The Clash
Composer: The Clash

A flailing – and breakneck – protest against oppressive social structures, ‘White Riot’ makes common cause with black communities resisting police harassment in 1970s Britain. Inspired by the riots that cut through the 1976 Notting Hill Carnival, the song recognises the intersection between class and race, speaking truth to power while rallying a punk response.

Cause: Multiculturalist
Theme: Identity | Impact of Change
Addressed to: General Public
Target of Protest: Bosses | Police etc
Proposal/Solution: Civil Disobedience