In The Air Tonight
Despite popular belief, Phil Collins’ debut solo single was not inspired by the singer’s encounter with a guy who refused to save a swimmer drowning in yet another round of song lyrics twisted by believers of urban legends. Furthermore, Collins clarified the person was not asked to take the front seat of the event and experience verbal attack from the singer’s “In the Air Tonight” throughout the performance. Alternative interpretations include that the hit is an intense, contemplative look into Collins and his first wife’s divorce.
In The Air Tonight
London Calling
When it comes down to it, among The Clash’s strongest political pronouncements is a track about member Joe Strummer’s own dread of getting drowned instead of being about the status of Britain’s politics at large. In an analysis of “London Calling” published by the Wall Street Journal, Mick Jones highlighted the band’s anxiety over the headline of London Evening Standard in 1979 announcing the overflow of Thames River and London being underwater as the source of their fear. In response to the news, what do you think would be The Clash’s reaction? According to Jones, they were taken aback.
London Calling
