The Clash Вђ“ Should I | Stay Or Should I Go

: It is widely speculated to be about Jones' relationship with singer Ellen Foley .

The song was written in 1981 by , who also performed the lead vocals. Its musical style blends the raw energy of punk with elements of rockabilly and power-pop.

: Many fans view the lyrics—particularly "If I go there will be trouble, and if I stay it will be double"—as a commentary on the internal friction that eventually led to Jones being fired from the band in 1983.

The recording sessions at in New York were marked by playful experimentation: