About the song
“Rubber Bullets,” a breakout hit from the English band 10cc’s debut album, remains a fascinating testament to the group’s experimental spirit and musical ingenuity. Written by Lol Creme, Kevin Godley, and Graham Gouldman, the song blends elements of rock, pop, and inventive studio techniques to create a distinctive sound that captivated audiences upon its release in 1973.
The recording process itself exemplified 10cc’s penchant for innovation. Guitarist Eric Stewart described how he achieved the song’s unique guitar solo: using double-tracking and altering tape speeds to create an octave effect layered with a “screaming fuzz.” This unconventional approach not only highlighted the band’s technical prowess but also underscored their commitment to pushing boundaries in the studio.
Despite initial concerns from broadcasters, “Rubber Bullets” gained widespread acclaim and became 10cc’s first number one single in the UK. Its success was not limited to the UK alone; it also topped the charts in Ireland and achieved significant sales in Australia, where it earned a Gold Disc for over 50,000 copies sold. In contrast, its reception in the United States and Canada was more muted, peaking at lower positions on the charts.
Beyond its chart performance, “Rubber Bullets” has left an indelible mark on popular culture. It was notably featured as the theme song for the pilot episode of the American animated TV series “Superjail!” and included on the soundtrack of the 1998 film “A Soldier’s Daughter Never Cries.” This cultural resonance speaks to the enduring appeal of 10cc’s music and their ability to merge catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics.
Thematically, the song’s inspiration stemmed from the Attica State Prison riots, drawing parallels with cinematic portrayals of prison conflicts rather than contemporary political events. This distinction was crucial, as it clarified the song’s narrative intent and artistic vision.
Despite its temporary ban during the Gulf War due to perceived associations with violence, “Rubber Bullets” continues to be celebrated as a cornerstone of 10cc’s discography. Its blend of musical innovation, lyrical wit, and cultural relevance ensures its place as a timeless classic that resonates with listeners to this day.
Video
Lyrics
I went to a party at the local county jail
All the cons were dancing and the band began to wail
But the guys were indiscreet
They were brawling in the street
At the local dance at the local county jail
Well the band were playing
And the booze began to flow
But the sound came over on the police car radio
Down at Precinct 49
Having a tear-gas of a time
Sergeant Baker got a call from the governor of the county jail
Load up, load up, load up with rubber bullets
Load up, load up, load up with rubber bullets
I love to hear those convicts squeal
It’s a shame these slugs ain’t real
But we can’t have dancin’ at the local county jail
Sergeant Baker and his men made a bee-line for the jail
And for miles around
You could hear the sirens wail
There’s a rumor goin’ ’round death row
That a fuse is gonna blow
At the local hop at the local county jail (whatcha gonna do about it, whatcha gonna do?)
Whatcha gonna do about it, whatcha gonna do?
Sergeant Baker started talkin’ with a bullhorn in his hand (bullhorn in his hand, bullhorn in his hand)
He was cool, he was clear, he was always in command (always in command, always in command)
He said “Blood will flow, here Padre
Padre you talk to your boys”
“Trust in me
God will come to set you free”
Well we don’t understand why you called in the National Guard (National Guard, the National Guard)
When Uncle Sam is the one who belongs in the exercise yard (exercise yard, the exercise yard)
We all got balls and brains
But some’s got balls and chains
At the local dance at the local county jail
Load up, load up, load up with rubber bullets
Load up, load up, load up with rubber bullets
Is it really such a crime
For a guy to spend his time
At the local dance at the local county jail
At the local dance at the local county jail (whatcha gonna do about it, whatcha gonna do?)
Whatcha gonna do about it, whatcha gonna do?