The Right Profile by The Clash Lyrics Meaning – Decoding the Tragic Ballad of Montgomery Clift

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for The Clash's The Right Profile at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

Say, where did I see this guy?
In “Red River”?
Or a “Place In The Sun”?
Maybe “The Misfits”?
Or “From Here To Eternity”?

And everybody say, “Is he all right?”
And everybody say, “What’s he like?”
And everybody say, “He sure looks funny”
That’s Montgomery Clift, honey

New York, New York, 42nd Street
Hustlers rustle and pimps pimp the beat
Monty Clift is recognized at dawn
He ain’t got no shoes and his clothes are torn

And everybody say, “Is he all right?”
And everybody say, “What’s he like?”
And everybody say, “He sure look funny”
That’s that Montgomery Clift, honey

I see a car smashed at night
Cut the applause and dim the light
Monty’s face is broken on a wheel
Is he alive? Can he still feel?

And everybody say, “Is he all right?”
And everybody say, “Shine a light”
And everybody say, “It’s not funny”
That’s Montgomery Clift, honey

Shoot his right profile

And everybody say, “Is he all right?”
And everybody say, “What’s he like?”
And everybody say, “He sure look funny”
That’s Montgomery Clift, honey

Nembutol numbs it all
But I prefer alcohol

And everybody say, “What’s he like?”
And everybody say, “Is he all right?”
And everybody say, “He sure look funny”
That’s Montgomery Clift, honey!

He said go out and get me my old movie stills
Go out and get me another roll of pills
There I go again shaking, but I ain’t got the chills

And everybody say, “What’s he like?”
And everybody say, “Is he all right?”
And everybody say, “He sure looks funny”
I was trapped, Montgomery Clift, honey

The Clash, known for their potent mix of punk rock and politically-charged lyricism, often took their storytelling beyond the realm of gritty urban realism and anti-establishment outcry. In ‘The Right Profile,’ a track from their iconic album ‘London Calling,’ the group serves a biographical narration wrapped in rock and roll riffs, chronicling the tumultuous life of silver screen legend Montgomery Clift.

But this isn’t just a straightforward tribute to a fallen star; it’s a layered, raw portrayal of fame, addiction, and the relentless scrutiny of public life. With an investigative lens, we’ll unveil the layers of ‘The Right Profile’, dissecting its hidden meanings, musical brilliance, and the sorrowful tale of Clift’s downslide into oblivion, artfully captured by The Clash.

Who Is This ‘Montgomery Clift, honey?’ – A Dive into Old Hollywood

For those unacquainted with mid-20th century cinema, ‘The Right Profile’ might spark a sense of intrigue about this repeatedly mentioned figure. Montgomery Clift was once a matinee idol, an actor known for his intense performances and devastatingly good looks. His movies like ‘A Place in the Sun’ and ‘From Here to Eternity’ sealed his stature as a leading man.

However, following a devastating car accident that severely disfigured his face, Clift’s life and career spiraled. The Clash encapsulates this fall from grace by peppering references to his famed performances with the stark reality of a man marred by personal demons, who would eventually die young from the combined toll of substance abuse and health problems.

Strumming on the Strings of Tragedy – The Song’s Musical Canvas

Musically, ‘The Right Profile’ is an intriguing mixture of upbeat tempos and a kind of sonic melancholy. The horns add a blaring brightness, a possible nod to the glitz of Hollywood’s golden age, while the rhythm section keeps the pace punchy and driving, alluding to the energetic pulse of New York City, where Clift spent his troubled latter days.

The juxtaposition is pure Clash: a party soundtracking a eulogy. This strategic dissonance creates a compelling narrative that is celebratory in tone, yet narrates a downfall. It’s a haunting echo to the duality of celebrity life – glamorous exteriors and tormented interiors.

Unveiling the Hidden Meaning – Fame’s Merciless Spotlight

Beneath The Clash’s depiction of Clift’s shattered life lies a broader commentary on the ruthless nature of fame. ‘Shoot his right profile’ commands an exploitation of the actor’s ‘good side’, even after a disfiguring accident. This line speaks volumes about the pressures faced by those in the relentless glare of the spotlight to maintain an image, at all costs.

The lyrics don’t hold back on this criticism, painting a vivid picture of a man reduced to his tragedies and indulgences – an object of gossip and morbid curiosity. The simplistic inquiry – ‘Is he all right?’ – devolves from genuine concern to a repetitive, almost mocking chorus, emphasizing society’s disconnect from the humanity of its idols.

Memorable Lines Etched in Rock History – The Clash’s Lyrical Craft

‘Nembutol numbs it all, But I prefer alcohol’ – this stark confession resonates as a pained and personal insight into Clift’s coping mechanisms. Alcohol, pills, the numbness they promised – these were his shelter from the storm of his own mind and the unforgiving scrutiny of Hollywood and media.

The Clash’s choice of raw, direct language throughout the song leaves listeners with linesthat are impossible to shake off, simultaneously capturing Clift’s essence and critiquing the conditions that precipitated his decline. It reflects not only a time in history but also a timeless narrative – the human behind the celebrity veneer.

The Eternal Aftermath – The Right Profile’s Lasting Impact

The track isn’t just a time capsule of a bygone Hollywood tragedy; it’s a vibrant, cautionary tale that continues to resonate. It challenges us to reflect on the cost of fame, the voyeurism of an audience, and the collateral damage of celebrity culture.

In exploring Clift’s story through the punk-rock lens of The Clash, ‘The Right Profile’ stands as an enduring masterpiece that blends storytelling, social critique, and a foot-tapping tune into an unforgettable piece of music history. Its legacy provokes thought and feels just as relevant in today’s celebrity-obsessed culture.