"Washington Bullets" is a song by the English punk rock band the Clash, released on their double album London Calling in 1979. The song is notable for its historical and political references, touching on various revolutionary movements and figures from around the world.
The lyrics reflect a broad, somewhat cynical, perspective on the successes and failures of socialist and revolutionary movements. They mention historical events such as the Spanish Civil War, the Cuban Revolution, and the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua. The song also references figures like Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and Chiang Kai-shek.
The title itself refers to the former name of the Washington Wizards basketball team, which was changed from the Washington Bullets to the Wizards in 1997 due to the team owner's concerns about the name's association with violence. The song title serves as a metaphor for the political violence and bloodshed inherent in many of the historical events mentioned in the lyrics.
Musically, "Washington Bullets" features a distinct, somewhat melancholic melody and a mid-tempo rhythm. It departs somewhat from the Clash's more typical punk rock sound, incorporating elements of folk and ballad styles. The song is primarily acoustic, driven by Joe Strummer's vocals and guitar. The song's length (approximately 6 minutes and 38 seconds) also set it apart from the band's shorter, more aggressive tracks. It is considered one of the most ambitious and lyrically complex songs in the Clash's discography.