I Fought the Law

The Clash

About I Fought the Law

"I Fought the Law" is a song written by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets and popularized by a cover by the Bobby Fuller Four, which went on to become a top-ten hit for the band in 1966 and was also recorded by the Clash in 1979. The Bobby Fuller Four version of this song was ranked No. 175 on the Rolling Stone list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004, and the same year was named one of the 500 "Songs that Shaped Rock" by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.


Year:
1979
422 
#5

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Breakin' rocks in the hot sun
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I needed money 'cause I had none
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won

I left my baby and it feels so bad
Guess my race is run
She's the best girl that I ever had
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the

Robbin' people with a six-gun
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I lost my girl and I lost my fun
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won

I left my baby and it feels so bad
Guess my race is run
She's the best girl that I ever had
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the

I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the

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The Clash

The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly. For most of their recording career, the Clash consisted of Joe Strummer (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Mick Jones (lead guitar, vocals), Paul Simonon (bass guitar, vocals) and Nicky "Topper" Headon (drums, percussion). Headon left the group in 1982, and internal friction led to Jones's departure the following year. The group continued with new members, but finally disbanded in early 1986. more »

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Written by: Sonny Curtis

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


5 facts about this song

Bobby Fuller Version
1. "I Fought the Law" by Bobby Fuller was an adaptation of the song by The Crickets. The version by Bobby Fuller is the most popular and well-known version till date. 2. The song became a major hit for Fuller and his band "The Bobby Fuller Four" after being released in 1966. 3. Bobby Fuller's version of the song reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. 4. Sadly, this was one of the last songs Bobby Fuller recorded before his mysterious and untimely death in 1966.
The Bobby Fuller Four
5. The Bobby Fuller Four was the backing band for Bobby Fuller and they were integral in popularizing "I Fought the Law". 6. The band, who were from El Paso, Texas, moved to Los Angeles where they stumbled upon this song. 7. During their career, the band was renowned for its exciting blend of rockabilly, British Invasion rock and roll, and surf.
The Clash Version
8. British punk rock band, The Clash, covered "I Fought the Law" in 1979 on their EP "The Cost of Living". 9. This version of the song became extremely notable and is one of the definitive songs of the punk rock movement. 10. The Clash's version of the song was also included in their compilation album "The Singles".
The Crickets Version
11. The Crickets originally recorded "I Fought the Law" in 1959 after the departure of their frontman Buddy Holly. 12. Although not as commercially successful as the other versions, The Crickets' original recording is respected for its innovation and influence. 13. The song was written by The Crickets' member Sonny Curtis who took over as lead vocalist after Buddy Holly's death. 14. The original version by The Crickets has a more laid-back feel compared to later versions, reflecting the style of late 50s rock and roll.
General Facts
15. Despite being covered by numerous artists, "I Fought the Law" is often associated with acts of rebellion and is considered an anthem of defiance. 16. The song has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "Robocop", "Lethal Weapon 2" and "Breaking Bad". 17. Rolling Stone magazine listed it as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004.

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