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Rudie Can't Fail
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Wikipedia article
"'Rudie Can't Fail'" is a song by the English punk rock band the Clash, featured on their 1979 album 'London Calling'. The song was written by Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, who sing it as a duet.
Composition
Like some songs on 'London Calling', "Rudie Can't Fail" has a strong reggae, rocksteady influence. Donald A. Guarisco of Allmusic described it as "an exuberant horn-driven number that mixes pop and soul elements in to spice up its predominantly reggae sound".[http://www.allmusic.com/song/rudie-cant-fail-t3298492 Rudie Can't Fail] at Allmusic
Lyrics
"Rudie Can't Fail" praises the rude boys of Jamaica in the 1960s who challenged their elders' status quo. The song is about a fun-loving young man who is criticised by his elders for not acting as a responsible adult, drinking beer at breakfast, and describe him as being "so crude and feckless", to which he responds "I know that my life make you nervous, but I tell you I can't live in service." The song's title derives from Desmond Dekker's 1967 song "007 (Shanty Town)", and is in homage to Ray Gange, who had portrayed a roadie who quits his job to follow the Clash around in the 1980 film 'Rude Boy'. 'Rudie Can't Fail' was the working title of a planned second movie for which The Clash would provide the soundtrack. Reference is made also to Dr Alimantado, in the line "Like the doctor who was born for a purpose". The line "You're looking pretty smart in your chicken skin suit", may refer to Alimantado's debut album, 'Best Dressed Chicken in Town'.
See also
* Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe, a diner in California named after the song
References
Category:1979 songs
Category:The Clash songs
Category:Reggae songs
Category:Songs written by Joe Strummer
Category:Songs written by Mick Jones (The Clash)
Category:Song recordings produced by Guy Stevens
Category:Post-punk songs
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