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The Clash — Lost in the Supermarket
Album: London Calling
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1853









Released: 1979
Length: 3:43
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I'm all lost in the supermarket, I can no longer shop happily
I came in here for that special offer, guaranteed personality
I wasn't born so much as I fell out, nobody seemed to notice me
We had a hedge back home in the suburbs over which I never could see
I heard the people who lived on the ceiling scream and fight most scarily
Hearing that noise was my first ever feeling, that's how it's been all around me
I'm all lost in the supermarket, I can no longer shop happily
I came in here for that special offer, a guaranteed personality
I'm all tuned in, I see all the programmes, I save coupons from packets of tea
I've got my giant hit discothÚque album, I empty a bottle and I feel a bit free
The kids in the halls and the pipes in the walls make me noises for company
Long distance callers make long distance calls and the silence makes me lonely
I'm all lost in the supermarket, I can no longer shop happily
I came in here for the special offer, a guaranteed personality
And it's not here, it disappear
I'm all lost in the supermarket, I can no longer shop happily
I came in here for the special offer, guaranteed personality
I'm all lost in the supermarket, I can no longer shop happily
I came in here for the special offer, guaranteed personality
I'm all lost (I'm all lost in the supermarket)
I'm all lost (I can no longer shop happily)
I'm all lost (I came in here for that special offer, guaranteed personality)
I'm all lost (I'm all lost in the supermarket)
I'm all lost (I can no longer shop happily)
I'm all lost (I came in here for that special offer, guaranteed personality)
I'm all lost in the supermarket, I can no longer shop happily
I came in here for the special offer, guaranteed personality
I'm all lost, I'm all lost, I'm all lost
I'm all lost in the supermarket, I can no longer shop happily
I came in here for the special offer, guaranteed personality
Comments (204)add comment
garbAGE, PABLUM . .. 
Posted 7 months ago by jjbix37    [ Reply ]
great song
Posted 1 year ago by ToiletGaming200    [ Reply ]
 luv4music wrote:

The juxtaposition of the disdain in the lyrics that satirizes folks for "buying" their personality and conforming to popular societal behavior with the pop tune melody that those people would completely "buy" into in a heartbeat, is complete brilliance.

Thank you!
I always knew Joe was telling us 'something' here, but couldn't put my finger on it.
Mr. Strummer was one-of-a-kind.
c.

Posted 1 year ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]


I went to the market to realise my soul
'cause what i need i just don't have

Rudy Cant´fail, same album, same lyrical subject.
Posted 1 year ago by natius    [ Reply ]
43 years later and still get lost in a supermarket.....thank goodness for home delivery!
Posted 2 years ago by garydgould    [ Reply ]
sirdroseph wrote:

I think that is a fair assessment. Sometimes they were pretty good, yes, pretty good. When you call a band the only band that matters or other such "all time" accolades they better have the musicality, creativity and body of work to back it up. Led Zepplin has that, The Beatles most certainly do, Pink Floyd, first 10 years of Elton John, Rolling Stones and a lot of others too. Not The Clash.

 Proclivities wrote:

They never called themselves that, that tagline came from Columbia Records, shortly after they were signed.

Additionally, the tagline referred to The Clash being way more politically meaningful, vs everyone else's catalogs being 94% filled with songs about love, angst, cool stories, LOTR, etc., etc., etc.
Posted 2 years ago by QuantumShaman    [ Reply ]
It's The Clash but I simply didn't like it!
It's in the ear of the listener.
Can't llike everything.
Posted 2 years ago by BuellRider    [ Reply ]
 lewisv66 wrote:

Still doesn't help you find where they've hidden the eggs.


That's because they ran out, but they'll be back at $2 a dozen.
for mediums
maybe,
Posted 3 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
Topper Headon proving why he's one of rocks great drummers.
Posted 3 years ago by caledonian    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:


No more getting lost in the supermarket today

Still doesn't help you find where they've hidden the eggs.
Posted 3 years ago by lewisv66    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:


No more getting lost in the supermarket today
 

Sign of  the Times 
Posted 3 years ago by Pjesnik    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:


No more getting lost in the supermarket today
 
I don't know man, when your'e high... Snacks calling
Posted 3 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]


No more getting lost in the supermarket today
Posted 4 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
Now (because COVID) we have arrows on the floors, no getting lost in the supermarket...

2020
Posted 4 years ago by Queue    [ Reply ]
This is the first time I realise that “Common People” by Blur is basically a copy of this song…
Posted 4 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:
I think that is a fair assessment. Sometimes they were pretty good, yes, pretty good.  When you call a band the only band that matters or other such "all time" accolades they better have the musicality, creativity and body of work to back it up.  Led Zepplin has that, The Beatles most certainly do, Pink Floyd, first 10 years of Elton John, Rolling Stones and a lot of others too.  Not The Clash.
 
They never called themselves that, that tagline came from Columbia Records, shortly after they were signed.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
The Best Clash Album ever! I always loved this song!  
Posted 7 years ago by alainh    [ Reply ]
Love the Clash and this album. But this is such a "fluff" tune. So many other better songs to choose from on this album.

One of the best iconic album covers too. 
Posted 7 years ago by VV    [ Reply ]
One of the great albums of alle time, and The Clash at their most poignant. More!
Posted 8 years ago by fgraver    [ Reply ]
 jimtyrrell wrote:
I always liked this song but with RP s lyric button, I ve read the words for the first time and now love the song.
Thanks RP. 

 
ADD strikes again. Here I go to read lyrics.
Posted 8 years ago by izycrzy    [ Reply ]
I always liked this song but with RP s lyric button, I ve read the words for the first time and now love the song.
Thanks RP. 
Posted 8 years ago by jimtyrrell    [ Reply ]
more clash pls
Posted 8 years ago by baylees    [ Reply ]
I've found a  easy way out;  Whoa ! Supershopping  motivates.
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
More CLASH, please. Jimmy Jazz?!?!
Posted 8 years ago by captainwow    [ Reply ]

Seminal album.

 
Posted 9 years ago by hallogallo    [ Reply ]
Believe it or not, this album was released 35 years ago last Sunday.
Posted 9 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
 gjeeg wrote:
The Clash took an AMRadio pill the day they did this...

 
And yet, I've never actually heard THIS SONG on AM (or even FM) radio!
Posted 9 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
I never thought about it this way but I do believe you have summed it up with your observation -  {#Cheers}

luv4music wrote:
The juxtaposition of the disdain in the lyrics that satirizes folks for "buying" their personality and conforming to popular societal behavior with the pop tune melody that those people would completely "buy" into in a heartbeat, is complete brilliance.

 


Posted 10 years ago by gregr79    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:


I think that is a fair assessment. Sometimes they were pretty good, yes, pretty good.  When you call a band the only band that matters or other such "all time" accolades they better have the musicality, creativity and body of work to back it up.  Led Zepplin has that, The Beatles most certainly do, Pink Floyd, first 10 years of Elton John, Rolling Stones and a lot of others too.  Not The Clash.

 
Depends how old you are, I was 16 when this came out and the album was a game changer....

Posted 10 years ago by realmadspur    [ Reply ]
 aspicer wrote:
Always felt the music does not match the lyrics.  Lighthearted "skipping along" music and some hard core authentic (great!) lyrics. For that reason this song falls a bit flat for me.  And don't get me wrong - I'm HUGE Clash fan!  {#Stop}

 
I love light hearted music with heavy lyrics.

Take pretty much the entirety of David Bowie's Hunky Dory album for example. 
Posted 10 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
The Clash took an AMRadio pill the day they did this...
Posted 10 years ago by gjeeg    [ Reply ]
The juxtaposition of the disdain in the lyrics that satirizes folks for "buying" their personality and conforming to popular societal behavior with the pop tune melody that those people would completely "buy" into in a heartbeat, is complete brilliance.
Posted 10 years ago by luv4music    [ Reply ]
Always felt the music does not match the lyrics.  Lighthearted "skipping along" music and some hard core authentic (great!) lyrics. For that reason this song falls a bit flat for me.  And don't get me wrong - I'm HUGE Clash fan!  {#Stop}
Posted 10 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:
Sing it Mick.

 
 

 

Posted 10 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
Theme song while working at Safeway back in the day.
Posted 11 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]
I can totally relate to this song.
Posted 11 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
Trashy pop?

How about PERFECT pop.  This is, perfect pop music.  Period.  From a bunch of punks.  'Nuff said, "10."
Posted 11 years ago by Biscobret    [ Reply ]
I did not like it at all :( boring...
Posted 11 years ago by sibrim    [ Reply ]
 msymmes wrote:
Sort of agree but Joe was a genius!!! 

sirdroseph wrote:


I think that is a fair assessment. Sometimes they were pretty good, yes, pretty good.  When you call a band the only band that matters or other such "all time" accolades they better have the musicality, creativity and body of work to back it up.  Led Zepplin has that, The Beatles most certainly do, Pink Floyd, first 10 years of Elton John, Rolling Stones and a lot of others too.  Not The Clash.

 



 

Yes he was, we are on the same page!{#Cheers}
Posted 11 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Love the Clash and London Calling is a game changing Album, but this is one of the weaker songs on it IMO.{#Neutral}
Posted 11 years ago by cdnabroad    [ Reply ]
One other thing.   What an album !!!!!!!!   Maybe the best thing to come out of 1979.


 
Posted 11 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
Sort of agree but Joe was a genius!!! 

sirdroseph wrote:


I think that is a fair assessment. Sometimes they were pretty good, yes, pretty good.  When you call a band the only band that matters or other such "all time" accolades they better have the musicality, creativity and body of work to back it up.  Led Zepplin has that, The Beatles most certainly do, Pink Floyd, first 10 years of Elton John, Rolling Stones and a lot of others too.  Not The Clash.

 


Posted 11 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
Don't know why I am going to give this a TEN but what the hell...
Posted 11 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 GuiltyFeat wrote:
Just as I always suspected. Sometimes The Clash were just a trashy pop band. This is mediocre at best.

 

I think that is a fair assessment. Sometimes they were pretty good, yes, pretty good.  When you call a band the only band that matters or other such "all time" accolades they better have the musicality, creativity and body of work to back it up.  Led Zepplin has that, The Beatles most certainly do, Pink Floyd, first 10 years of Elton John, Rolling Stones and a lot of others too.  Not The Clash.
Posted 11 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]

What a celebration of the absurdity of mass consumption...  love it...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
This song is really uplifting and fun. A timeless "clashic".
Posted 11 years ago by robotbass    [ Reply ]
I like this song, but when I hear it, I am not really hearing the "sticking it to the man" punk aspect.
Posted 11 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Ahhh disco, your tentacles were far reaching.
Posted 12 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
 Luciano wrote:
This is not punk rock, this is classical music. Or classy music. Or The Clash.
 
Does that make it Clashical music? ;-)
Posted 12 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
Sing it Mick.
Posted 12 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
cigarettes, haggis and tea.
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
This is not punk rock, this is classical music. Or classy music. Or The Clash.
Posted 12 years ago by Luciano    [ Reply ]
 Zep wrote:

Sacrilege! !
 

come on, I said almost!
Posted 12 years ago by dyharenas    [ Reply ]
Another great song from my favorite band ! Thanks Bill !
Posted 12 years ago by Luciano    [ Reply ]
 dyharenas wrote:
Sounds almost like Crowded House!
 


Sacrilege! !
Posted 12 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
"I wasnt born so much as I fell out"
Posted 12 years ago by egroman    [ Reply ]
Tonight, on a very special episode of Extreme Couponing....
Posted 12 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
Love The Clash, but this song is just pretty good.
Posted 12 years ago by dig    [ Reply ]
Lovely ditty from Mick Jones.

Illustrative of the great range of this album/band.
Posted 12 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Just sayin'....
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]

For a moment, in the day, the best band on the planet!


Posted 12 years ago by Bargamon    [ Reply ]
This may be my favorite Clash song, though I do love their dub stuff.
Posted 12 years ago by Bobert_ParkCity    [ Reply ]
Great song.  I can see how some might not like it, but it's always been one of my favorites.  It doesn't rock like some of their stuff, but it does a great job of nailing the disillusion and isolation associated with modern suburban living and the often-associated culture of materialism. 

And the album?  If it's not the best of all time, it's certainly up there. 
Posted 13 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
 walchenbach wrote:
Album cover: 9
Music: 5
 

Bout sums it up correctly.{#Yes}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Sounds almost like Crowded House!
Posted 13 years ago by dyharenas    [ Reply ]
 GuiltyFeat wrote:
Just as I always suspected. Sometimes The Clash were just a trashy pop band. This is mediocre at best.
 

Wow, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I have to venture that this one was ill informed from the start. 
Posted 13 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
 The_Enemy wrote:

and I was just thinking how good these guys were.

(Although I would love to hear a sped up, hard rock version of this) 
  the beauty of this band was in the variety of influences and their expression through the senior (Strummer) and junior (Jones) partners in the endeavor.

Lost and Train in Vain are two of my faves on this album - great Jones showcases.  but everything else is so damn good.

Posted 13 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]

.......Billy Bragg - Accident Waiting to Happen
The Clash - Lost in the Supermarket........
R.E.M. - Photograph (w/ Natalie Merchant)........
........George Harrison - Beware Of Darkness.......
The Delgados - The City Consumes Us.......
The Black Keys - Too Afraid to Love You......
.......Nancy Sinatra - Bang Bang

Posted 13 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Rolling Stone called this the best album of the 80s. I think so too. {#Clap}
Posted 13 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
 GuiltyFeat wrote:
Just as I always suspected. Sometimes The Clash were just a trashy pop band. This is mediocre at best.
 
and I was just thinking how good these guys were.

(Although I would love to hear a sped up, hard rock version of this) 
Posted 13 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
Just as I always suspected. Sometimes The Clash were just a trashy pop band. This is mediocre at best.
Posted 13 years ago by GuiltyFeat    [ Reply ]
 EssexTex wrote:
Never got them at all...hated English "Punk" prefer Black Flag etc...Strummer was better solo.
 
Hmmmm...T.V. Party Tonight vs. Lost in the Supermarket.  Interesting.

Posted 13 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
I'll always love my big brother for 1.  Introducing me to the Clash  and 2.  Banning disco from the house.

He learned me well.
Posted 14 years ago by SuzG    [ Reply ]
 rage wrote:
and still more RP genius!!
 

Agree, what's next Paul Weller?
Posted 14 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
and still more RP genius!!
Posted 14 years ago by rage    [ Reply ]
 MLavender wrote:
Yeah, one of the best albums of the last 30 years, and yet....some of you are giving it a 5?!  This is AVERAGE???

Puh-lease.  I'm all for the whole "music is subjective" thing, but if you think this is average, well, okay, I guess it is to you.  It just means that you are mentally / musically challenged.  Some (many?) would argue that this is THE best album in the last 30 years.  But...so what, this song is the one exception?  Don't think so.  This IS above average.
 
To be fair, this particular song is being rated here, not the entire album.

Posted 14 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 drife wrote:
The -very- best Clash song ever written.

I wasn't born so much as I fell out...
 
I've always loved that line for some reason{#Smile}
Posted 14 years ago by gilipuertas    [ Reply ]
The album art was a brilliant copy of the first Elvis record. Both smashing the norm and honoring the elders of rock and roll.
Posted 14 years ago by waldojeff    [ Reply ]
 drife wrote:
My absolute favorite Clash song. It shines brilliantly above the others.
 
It's a keeper for sure. My favs are probably Washington Bullets and Guns of Brixton.

Posted 14 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
An iconic tune from one of the seminal bands in my life!  You can't possibly play too many tunes by The Clash!
Posted 14 years ago by steersy    [ Reply ]
OMG, I was just reminded I have to go buy food tonight!!!  d r e a d...thanks Clash
Posted 14 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
The -very- best Clash song ever written.

I wasn't born so much as I fell out...
Posted 14 years ago by drife    [ Reply ]
 ortallcowgirl wrote:
Can you pick me up some canned tomatoes, lb of ground beef, and some toothpaste?  Thanks!

(Sorry couldnt help it)
 
{#Lol}

Posted 14 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 drife wrote:
My absolute favorite Clash song. It shines brilliantly above the others.
 
Really?!

Posted 15 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Can you pick me up some canned tomatoes, lb of ground beef, and some toothpaste?  Thanks!

(Sorry couldnt help it)


Posted 15 years ago by ortallcowgirl    [ Reply ]
RIP WBCN ! {#Sad}
Posted 15 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
Teeny-Bopper Clash! {#Propeller}
Posted 15 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
Awsome!! 9!
Posted 15 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
Yeah, one of the best albums of the last 30 years, and yet....some of you are giving it a 5?!  This is AVERAGE???

Puh-lease.  I'm all for the whole "music is subjective" thing, but if you think this is average, well, okay, I guess it is to you.  It just means that you are mentally / musically challenged.  Some (many?) would argue that this is THE best album in the last 30 years.  But...so what, this song is the one exception?  Don't think so.  This IS above average.
Posted 15 years ago by MLavender    [ Reply ]
Album cover: 9
Music: 5
Posted 15 years ago by walchenbach    [ Reply ]
Please make it stop.
Posted 15 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
Not their best work, but still outstanding.

Any chance we could hear 'Lovers Rock'?

Posted 15 years ago by etcarroll    [ Reply ]
 mrcookieface wrote:
I wasn't born so much as I fell out is such an awesome line.

 
I think you should perhaps ask his mum about that.

Posted 15 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
Brilliant fecking band.  Miss them so much.  Apparently Mick wrote this song about/for Joe. 

RIP Joe.
Posted 15 years ago by Thistle    [ Reply ]
 siandbeth wrote:
My son and nephew (5 and 8) will drop anything to come dance to this song, every time.
 

Same for my nephews, similar age living in France. So no worries about their musical tastes developing... 
(At the time the French seemed more interested in the Clash fashion sense than their music, but fortunately that was pretty good too.)
Posted 16 years ago by philb1    [ Reply ]
hey what happened to the ending and the lovely bass work? cut off? ouch.
Posted 16 years ago by siandbeth    [ Reply ]
xkolibuul wrote:
Hilarious! You're right.
Where's the dog face? I can't see it. Clue me in...
Posted 16 years ago by revsully    [ Reply ]
Arch_Stanton wrote:
This is my favorite clash song.
My son and nephew (5 and 8) will drop anything to come dance to this song, every time.
Posted 16 years ago by siandbeth    [ Reply ]
Gogol Bordello does a great cover of this, on "Gypsy Punks". Check it out!
Posted 16 years ago by bicycle4peace    [ Reply ]
eastcoast wrote:
is it me of there a dogs face on the front cover
?? I see Elvis.
Posted 16 years ago by islander    [ Reply ]
This has always been my favorite Clash song as well. It's a perfect vignette.
Posted 16 years ago by oceansoul63    [ Reply ]
Such a great song. Years ago, I used to be a janitor in a health food supermarket, when they played this on the radio, I'd crank it while sweeping or mopping. The words and music are the best rock. One of my favorite songs ever.
Posted 16 years ago by andrewimft    [ Reply ]
My absolute favorite Clash song. It shines brilliantly above the others.
Posted 16 years ago by drife    [ Reply ]
I wasn't born so much as I fell out is such an awesome line.
Posted 16 years ago by mrcookieface    [ Reply ]
Hilarious! You're right. eastcoast wrote:
is it me of there a dogs face on the front cover
Posted 16 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
love this following billy bragg
Posted 16 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
Never got them at all...hated English "Punk" prefer Black Flag etc...Strummer was better solo.
Posted 17 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
jpfueler wrote:
Sealed Bearings then...that's it...FAG sealed Bearings...for their rolling trolleys to haul equipment...right?
When I younger and times were less politically correct (late 80's), I laughed out loud the first time I drove the 401 west out of Toronto. It was dark, and nothing else around except a giant flaming red sign saying "FAG". In daylight, you could see the small print saying "ball bearings" and the factory set further in from the highway.
Posted 17 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
dionysius wrote:
"Cleanup in Aisle Seven! Some Commie Brit just lost his lunch after asking about our Guaranteed Personality!"
Posted 17 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
You would almost think they were a pop band based on hearing this song. You can hear a little Big Audio Dynamite already as well.
Posted 17 years ago by miahfost    [ Reply ]
steeler wrote:
Love the Clash, but this one always seemed somehow out of place. Not bad, mind you, but never quite seemed to be The Clash. Zep wrote:
Where the hell are you son!?
Uh, Pittsburgh, maybe?
Posted 17 years ago by rluking    [ Reply ]
Never did like that cover. Something wrong with the force versus inertia or something like that
Undeniable album of course
ed: What a pompous sounding post.  I think I meant he looks like quasimodo.  Still don't like the cover—-stil love the album
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
is it me of there a dogs face on the front cover
Posted 17 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
I can think of others sonofpick wrote:
The only band that matters.
Posted 17 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
The only band that matters.
Posted 17 years ago by sonofpick    [ Reply ]
jpfueler wrote:
Now why they wanted bundled sticks and why Keith had them, I can't fathom. No?
Talk about your obscure references!!
Posted 17 years ago by rtkmusic    [ Reply ]
membeth wrote:
i just looked at the other tracks that RP has and i can't believe you don't play "rudie can't fail!" such a fantastic song...
I second the motion...
Posted 17 years ago by squidish    [ Reply ]
Pazzat wrote:
I fear for the reactions of conservative American readers to this phrase: the slang works in English English, but might give Americans a slightly different picture.
Sorry, but this conservative sort knew exactly what he was talking about. Now why they wanted bundled sticks and why Keith had them, I can't fathom. No? Sealed Bearings then...that's it...FAG sealed Bearings...for their rolling trolleys to haul equipment...right? No? damn
Posted 17 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
The Clash or no...not worthy of RP.
Posted 17 years ago by jayvee2    [ Reply ]
i just looked at the other tracks that RP has and i can't believe you don't play "rudie can't fail!" such a fantastic song...
Posted 17 years ago by membeth    [ Reply ]