There is likely a thread or two on this, but search is disabled. I know that I will never completely understand all the references in the song, but the meaning appears to have roots in several different explanations.
However, how did this song suddenly become a commercial tie-in for a Hollywood movie (The Bank Job). Not to mention, in an unrelated coincidence, the newest season of ABC’s “The Bachelor” is sub-titled “London Calling.”
Joe Strummer must be moshing in his grave!
I don’t know … as that Wikipedia link shows, Strummer had no problem with having Clash songs in advertisements under the right circumstances.
I’m not sure if it’s completely fair to call it a Hollywood movie, since it’s got a completely English cast, was written by two Englishmen, and takes place entirely in England (based on a true UK case). Even the director isn’t American.
I’ve seen “London Calling” used from everything from Billy Elliott to an episode of Friends (when they visited England). Essentially, it’s shorthand for BRITISH.