Rebel Anthems: The Greatest Punk Songs of the 70s

In the bustling musical landscape of the 1970s, a rebellious and electrifying sound emerged. It gave a voice to a generation deviating from the status quo.

Enter punk rock. Defined by its raw energy and unapologetic attitude, punk music exploded onto the scene, challenging conventional norms and igniting a cultural revolution.

Emerging from the underground punk subculture, bands like The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, and The Clash became the torchbearers of the music movement.

Punk resonated deeply with audiences craving authenticity and rebellion. With their blistering guitar riffs, frenetic rhythms, and incendiary lyrics, punk bands unleashed a primal energy that captured the hearts and minds of a generation.

Stick around as we uncover some of the best punk gems born in the 70s.

1. “Search and Destroy” by The Stooges

“Search and Destroy” by The Stooges, co-written by Iggy Pop and James Williamson, draws inspiration from the Vietnam War era. Williamson, aiming to mimic the sounds of warfare, incorporated guitar effects reminiscent of machine gun fire.

In a 2013 interview with guitarist James Williamson, he shed light on the song’s creation. The iconic guitar riff, a rhythmic ‘bum bum bum bum bum bum bum,’ wasn’t just a random groove. It was a deliberate attempt to mimic a machine gun.

The lyrics of “Search and Destroy” are reminiscent of a battlefield, teeming with references to the war’s atrocities: Napalm, nuclear bombs, firefights, and radiation.

Its anti-establishment sentiment, along with Iggy’s vocals and Williamson’s guitar work, solidified its place as an influential punk track, earning praise from punk historians like Jon Savage.

2. “Holiday in Cambodia” by Dead Kennedys

“Holiday in Cambodia” by Dead Kennedys critiques privileged American college students. It also targets the US government’s inaction during the Cambodian genocide under Pol Pot.

Jello Biafra, the lead singer, sarcastically suggests a “holiday” in Cambodia for those unaware of their privilege.

It highlights the contrast between their comfort and the suffering endured elsewhere. Essentially, the song serves as a scathing indictment of ignorance and complacency.

3. “God Save the Queen” by Sex Pistols

“God Save the Queen” by Sex Pistols rebels against British politics, particularly critiquing the monarchy.

Lead singer John Lydon, also known as Johnny Rotten, sees the monarchy as a symbol of stifling rule and unearned privilege. In an interview with the Rolling Stones, Lydon stated, “You have to earn the right to call on my friendship and my loyalty.”

Aside from that, the song reflects the sentiment of many young people alienated by traditional institutions.

4. “Smash It Up” by The Damned

“Smash It Up” by The Damned, from their album Machine Gun Etiquette, led to controversy with its perceived anarchic lyrics.

Despite this, it became a cult hit in 1979, earning the band an anthem. The song’s two-part structure starts with an instrumental, paying tribute to the late Marc Bolan of T Rex, whom the band toured with in 1977.

Guitarist Captain Sensible’s reflection on Bolan’s death shaped the slow and melancholic Part 1, which transitions into the manic and aggressive Part 2, capturing the irony of its title.

5. “I Wanna Be Sedated” by Ramones

“I Wanna Be Sedated” by Ramones epitomizes punk’s raw energy and attitude. The song stemmed from Joey Ramone’s hospitalization after burning himself with hot water. It happened when he was inhaling steam from hot water to clear his nose before his concert.

The chorus, expressing “Nothing to do” and “Nowhere to go,” channels the band’s frustration during their 1977-78 London Christmas tour. It was shut down, leaving Joey and Dee Dee confined to their hotel, watching movies.

Marky attributes the song’s musical influences to ’60s groups like The Kinks and The Searchers, blending their style with the Ramones’ signature sound.

6. “Ever Fallen In Love” by Buzzcocks

“Ever Fallen In Love” by Buzzcocks is a punk classic sparked by a line from the movie “Guys & Dolls.”

Pete Shelley, the band’s songwriter, penned the lyrics in a post office after the film inspired him. With its catchy hooks and clever lyrics, it quickly became a fan favorite. When Fine Young Cannibals covered it in 1987 for the film “Something Wild,” their soulful rendition climbed the charts.

The song’s producer, Martin Rushent, hailed it as their strongest work, adding his backing vocals for extra punch.

7. “London Calling” by The Clash

“London Calling” by The Clash paints a vivid picture of an apocalypse. In an interview with Melody Maker in 1988, lead vocalist Joe Strummer reflected on the apocalyptic sentiment, saying, “I read about 10 news reports in one day calling down all variety of plagues on us.”

Overall, Strummer’s inspiration from headlines about impending floods showcased the band’s knack for weaving real-world concerns into their music. The song also dives into rebelling against injustice and societal decay.

The title nods to wartime BBC broadcasts, while the lyrics capture the fear and defiance of the nuclear age. It’s a punk hit that remains as relevant today as it was in its 70s era.

8. “The Perfect Day” by The Saints

“The Perfect Day” by The Saints is a rebel yell against conformity. In the heart of the punk rock movement, The Saints stood tall, rejecting societal norms and championing individuality.

This anthem captures the frustrations of youth and the desire to break free from the status quo. With its distinctive sound and rebellious spirit, “The Perfect Day” marked a turning point for the band, cementing their legacy as punk pioneers.

It’s a track that continues to inspire and resonate with listeners, showcasing the power of music to challenge the norm.

9. “Personality Crisis” by New York Dolls

“Personality Crisis” by New York Dolls, from their debut album, delves into the razor-thin line between sanity and insanity, fueled by themes of drug use and heartbreak.

Penned by David Johansen and Johnny Thunders, some believe the song hints at Fregoli delusion, a rare disorder where individuals perceive various people as a single, shape-shifting person.

Hailed as an instant glitter rock anthem by the Music Journalist Tom Fletcher, the track embodies the protopunk spirit.

In addition, Rolling Stone ranked it 271 on their 2004 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It’s a dynamic, anthemic piece that remains influential.

10. “Blitzkrieg Bop” by Ramones

“Blitzkrieg Bop” by Ramones was originally meant as a salute to their fans. But, some fans saw a deeper meaning in the title, linking it to Hitler’s Blitzkrieg tactics.

Regardless of interpretation, its driving beat and rallying cries make it impossible not to get pumped up. Who can resist chanting “Hey, Ho, Let’s Go!” along with the Ramones?

From The Simpsons’ “Treehouse of Horror” to Entourage’s Ramones documentary episode, its presence in pop culture is undeniable. It also held a role in Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, setting the stage for a riotous rampage.

11. “Anarchy in the UK” by Sex Pistols

“Anarchy in the UK” by Sex Pistols presented a statement. Despite its title, it’s not exactly advocating for chaos.

Frontman John Lydon saw anarchy as a middle-class mind game, more a luxury than a solution. The song shook up England upon release, stirring controversy with its anti-establishment lyrics. Its impact was so intense that it delayed the release of their album due to distribution concerns.

12. “White Riot” by The Clash

“White Riot” by The Clash’s main purpose was a call to action. Frontman Joe Strummer’s fiery lyrics express frustration with the complacency of white youth in the face of government oppression.

He emphasizes that the song isn’t about inciting violence but rather urging young white people to join the fight for justice alongside African Americans.

In a talk with NME, lead singer Strummer said, “The only thing we’re saying about the blacks is that they’ve got their problems and they’re prepared to deal with them. But white men, they just ain’t prepared to deal with them – everything’s too cozy.”

Inspired by the Notting Hill riots of 1976, where tensions between black youths and white police erupted, the song captures the energy and urgency of the moment.

The band members experienced the event’s chaos firsthand, which fueled the song’s powerful message.

13. “Gary Gilmore’s Eyes” by The Adverts

“Gary Gilmore’s Eyes” by The Adverts tells a bizarre yet intriguing story and isn’t your typical punk anthem. Instead, it’s a narrative about a criminal named Gary Gilmore, donating his corneas posthumously.

Gilmore’s life was a rollercoaster of crime and violence, culminating in his infamous execution by firing squad. Despite his dark past, Gilmore’s decision to donate his organs was an unexpected act of redemption.

The song is told from the perspective of one of the recipients of Gilmore’s corneas. Written by guitarist Tim Smith, it’s a testament to punk’s ability to tackle unconventional subjects with raw energy and creativity.

14. “Lust for Life” by Iggy Pop

Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life” holds plenty of raw energy and rebellious spirit. The song delves into Iggy Pop’s life as a hard-living heroin addict, drawing inspiration from the 1956 film of the same name.

Co-written with David Bowie, who composed the music on a ukulele, “Lust for Life” captures their Berlin trip where they listened to the American Forces Network News.

15. “Disorder” by Joy Division

Among rock band classics, Joy Division’s “Disorder” stands out as a masterpiece. With deliberately cryptic lyrics, the song is often interpreted as a window into Ian Curtis’s mental struggles, particularly his battle with depression.

Lines like “Could these sensations make me feel the pleasures of a normal man?” hint at themes of emotional detachment.

Released as the opening track of their debut album “Unknown Pleasures,” “Disorder” captures the post-punk essence of Joy Division.