independence." Abbreviations The abbreviations used in the lyrics are a selection of civil war references from 1970s headlines, a suggestion of what could happen in the United Kingdom. The IRA and the UDA were the largest paramilitary armies in the conflict in Northern Ireland: the heavily armed IRA (Irish Republican Army) were on the Republican (anti-British, pro-unification) side, while the thousands-strong UDA (Ulster Defence Association) were on the Loyalist (pro-British, anti-unification) side. The MPLA (Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola, or the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola) were the political party that took control of Angola, formerly one of Portugal's African colonies, in a 1975–76 civil war, and still run the country today. When Rotten sings, "I use the enemy", it's a deliberate homonym for "I use the NME", or New Musical Express, the British weekly music newspaper. Track listing "Anarchy in the UK" – 3:31 "I Wanna Be Me" – 3:12 Charts Certifications Personnel Johnny Rotten – lead vocals Steve Jones – guitar, backing vocals Glen Matlock – bass, backing vocals Paul Cook – drums Cover versions "L'Anarchie Pour Le UK" An alternative recording of the song in time, accompanied by violin and accordion, apparently both translated into French and sung by a mysterious figure called Louis Brennon (also named as Jerzimy in some sources), appeared on the Sex Pistols' 1979 album The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle. Megadeth "Anarchy in the U.K." was covered by American heavy metal band Megadeth for their third album So Far, So Good... So What!, released in 1988. Megadeth's version has altered lyrics. Dave Mustaine explained that he could not understand Johnny Rotten's singing, so he made up the parts he could not understand (in a notable example, the line "another council tenancy" is changed to "and other cunt-like tendencies"). In addition, the country is changed to "USA", though the title is kept unchanged. The song's music video is a montage of live footage of the band, cartoon political figures, various scenes of violence, and of a man being forced to watch (much like Alex's therapy in A Clockwork Orange). Steve Jones played the second solo. Mustaine now refuses to play the song live due to lyrics referring to the Anti-Christ, and he believes he's "better for it". Track listing versions United States 7" "Anarchy in the U.K." "Liar" United Kingdom 12" "Anarchy in the U.K." "Liar" "502" Germany 12" "Anarchy