Why Is It Called London Calling?

By Alice Nichols

London Calling is a phrase that has become synonymous with London, England. It has been used in various contexts, from a popular song by The Clash to an expression of urgency during World War II.

But have you ever wondered why it is called London Calling? Let’s explore the history behind this iconic phrase.

The Origin of London Calling

The origins of London Calling can be traced back to the early days of radio communication. In the early 1900s, radio operators would use Morse code to send messages across long distances. When sending a message, they would begin by calling out the name of the city they were trying to reach.

How Radio Operators Used ‘London Calling’

When a radio operator was trying to reach someone in London, they would start their message with “London calling.” This was followed by the call sign or name of the person they were trying to reach. This method was also used by broadcasters who wanted to transmit a message to listeners in London.

World War II and ‘London Calling’

During World War II, ‘London calling’ took on a new meaning. The phrase was used as an urgent call for attention during times of crisis. When the German air force began bombing London in 1940, the BBC would broadcast messages starting with “This is London calling” as a way to reassure and rally citizens.

The Clash’s Song ‘London Calling’

In 1979, punk rock band The Clash released their third studio album titled ‘London Calling.’ The album’s title track was inspired by the phrase’s use during World War II and spoke about social issues affecting Britain at that time.

  • “The ice age is coming” – refers to fears about global cooling and a new ice age
  • “The sun is zooming in” – refers to fears about the sun’s activity causing a catastrophic event
  • “A nuclear error” – refers to the Three Mile Island nuclear accident that happened earlier that year
  • “The ice age is coming, the sun’s zooming in. Engines stop running, but I have no fear ’cause London is drowning and I live by the river” – speaks about a bleak future where society has collapsed, but the speaker is unafraid because they are in London.

In Conclusion

London Calling has become an iconic phrase that represents the resilience of London and its people. From its origins in radio communication to its use during World War II and popular culture references like The Clash’s album, it continues to capture our imagination. Next time you hear someone say “London calling,” remember its fascinating history.