[Verse 1]
Who needs remote control
From the Civic Hall?
Push a button
Activate
You gotta work
You're late
[Verse 2]
It's so grey in London town
Panda car crawlin' around
Here it comes
Eleven o'clock
Where can we go now?
[Chorus]
Can't make no noise
Can't get no gear
Can't make no money
Can't get outta here
[Verse 3]
Big business, it don't like you
Don't like the things you do
They got no money
They got no power
They think you're useless
And so you are, punk
[Verse 4]
They got you down and they wanna keep you there
[Chorus]
Can't make no progress
Can't get ahead
Can't stop the regress
Don't wanna be dead
[Post-Chorus]
(Look out those rules and regulations)
[Verse 5]
Who needs the Parliament?
Sittin' makin' laws all day
Queuein' for the House of Lords
Repression (Gonna start on Tuesday)
Repression (I am a robot)
Repression ( I obey )
“I obey” was a common response for Daleks when given orders by their superiors.
Reference to the science fiction television series called Doctor Who, whose main villain is called Dalek.
Likely a reference to Mayfair, London, many people have speculated that this line could be aimed at EMI. Having once been a transnational conglomerate, it was seen as the fourth largest business group and record label conglomerate in the music industry.
On December 7, 1976, EMI shareholders would meet and ultimately discuss The Clash’s upcoming Anarchy Tour. Ultimately, they would resolve to withdraw funding for the tour, rendering the entire thing a disaster. With “Remote Control” having been written in the wake of the disastrous Anarchy Tour, the possibility of this being a nod to the meeting, especially with The Clash believing that “their bank accounts” are “all that matters,” is further amplified.
Often those in power, especially the British Parliament, are more often than not, both FAT and OLD
