Living with the Law

Chris Whitley

About Living with the Law

"Living with the Law" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter and guitarist, Chris Whitley. It was the first single to be released from his 1991 début album, Living with the Law, and became a hit single in the United States, rising to #28 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in 1991.


Year:
1991
3:42
124 

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

Brother runnin' powder money
Daddy somewhere on a drunk
In the hours after washing
I do my dreaming with a gun

Well I come down from the country
Find a lesson in the draw
There ain't no secrets in the city
It's hard living with the law
They got machines mama I can't figure
They got a romance made for doing time
Send me out child, running outside

Out along a world of crime
Gonna swing my scythe, got a hand upon the handle
Gonna shade my children ways I understand
Milk the trigger, kill the hunger
Staring down this broken land
So fetch on up your greasy apron
Spread your lover in the straw
Hear me baby, I'm nearly crazy
It's hard living with the law

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Chris Whitley

Christopher Becker Whitley (August 31, 1960 – November 20, 2005) was an American blues/rock singer-songwriter and guitarist. more »

1 fan

Written by: CHRIS WHITLEY

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Album Classification
"Living with the Law" is the title track from Chris Whitley's debut studio album of the same name, released in 1991.
Reception
The album "Living with the Law," was critically acclaimed and established Whitley as a significant new talent in the music industry.
Collaboration
The album was produced by the renowned Daniel Lanois, a Canadian record producer who has worked with big names in the industry such as Bob Dylan, U2, and Peter Gabriel.
Genre Specification
The song and the album's music can be classified under the genres of blues, rock, and soul.
Lyrical Theme
Whitley's album, especially the title song "Living with the Law," is known for its lyrical exploration of the disillusionment of American dream and the struggles faced in a modern world.
Song Performance
Outcome measures a song's success, "Living with the Law" saw considerable success on the US Mainstream Rock charts.
Musical Style
The song showcases Whitley's exceptional talent in handling National steel guitar, contributing to his unique musical style which blends elements of blues, rock, and soul.
Personal Life and Inspiration
Progressing from busking on the streets of New York, Chris Whitley's experiences from his rough past are reflected as central themes in his songs including "Living with the Law".
Popular Recognition
Rolling Stone magazine included "Living with the Law" in its list of the top albums from 1991.
Cover Versions
The artist, Sonia Dada, covered the song "Living with the Law" in 1992, showcasing the song's popularity and impact on other musicians.
Musical Influence
The raw, emotive style of Whitley's music and his mastery of the slide guitar, particularly showcased in "Living with the Law," has influenced a generation of artists in the blues and rock genres.
Posthumous Recognition
Despite Whitley's untimely death from lung cancer in 2005, his music continues to be celebrated, with "Living with the Law" often cited as one of his leading works.

Discuss the Living with the Law Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Living with the Law Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1155513/Chris+Whitley/Living+with+the+Law>.

    Missing lyrics by Chris Whitley?

    Know any other songs by Chris Whitley? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Living with the Law

    190.4K
    1,243     19

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What song was Christopher Cross famous for?
    A Sailing
    B Long Way Home
    C She's the one
    D Beautiful Women

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Chris Whitley tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!