Like some songs on London Calling, "Rudie Can't Fail" has a strong reggae, rocksteady influence. Donald A. Guarisco of Allmusic described it as "an exuberant horn-driven number that mixes pop and soul elements in to spice up its predominantly reggae sound".[2]
Lyrics
"Rudie Can't Fail" praises the rude boys of Jamaica in the 1960s who challenged their elders' status quo. The song is about a fun-loving young man who is criticised by his elders for not acting as a responsible adult, drinking beer at breakfast,[3] and describe him as being "so crude and feckless", to which he responds "I know that my life make you nervous, but I tell you I can't live in service."[2] The song's title derives from Desmond Dekker's 1967 song "007 (Shanty Town)", and is in homage to Ray Gange, who had portrayed a roadie who quits his job to follow the Clash around in the 1980 film Rude Boy.[4]Rudie Can't Fail was the working title of a planned second movie for which The Clash would provide the soundtrack.[5] Reference is made also to Dr Alimantado and his 1977 song "Born for a Purpose" in the line "Like the doctor who was born for a purpose".[6] The line "You're looking pretty smart in your chicken skin suit", may refer to Alimantado's debut album, Best Dressed Chicken in Town.
