Breaking the Law

Judas Priest

About Breaking the Law

"Breaking the Law" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, originally released on their 1980 album British Steel. The song is one of the band's better known singles, and is readily recognised by its opening guitar riff.


Year:
2004
2:34
41 

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There I was completely wasted, out of work and down
All inside it's so frustrating as I drift from town to town
Feel as though nobody cares if I live or die
So I might as well begin to put some action in my life

Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law

So much for the golden future I can't even start
I've had every promise broken, there's anger in my heart
You don't know what it's like, you don't have a clue
If you did you'd find yourselves doing the same thing too

Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law

You don't know what it's like

Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law

Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law

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Judas Priest

Judas Priest are a British heavy metal band formed in Birmingham, England in 1969. Known for twin lead guitars, a wide operatic vocal style, and for introducing the S&M leather-and-studs look into heavy metal, they have sold over 50 million albums worldwide. more »

4 fans

Written by: Glenn Raymond Tipton, Kenneth Downing, Robert Halford

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Details
"Breaking the Law" is a song by the English heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was originally released on their 1980 album "British Steel."
Song Inspiration
The song was inspired by the increasing unemployment rate in the UK at the time. The band's vocalist Rob Halford stated that it was written as a response to the despair felt by the youth who couldn't find work and were considered law-breakers.
Chart Performance
While never released as a single in the UK, "Breaking the Law" gained significant popularity in the U.S, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard rock tracks chart.
Song Composition
The song is known for its iconic opening guitar riff and its chorus, which is often sung by the audience during live performances. The simple yet catchy guitar riff is one of the reasons why the song has remained popular over the years.
Cultural Impact
"Breaking the Law" is considered an anthem of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. It has been covered by numerous bands and featured in various media, including television shows, commercials, and video games.
Music Video
The music video for "Breaking the Law" was one of the first to feature robotic movements, predating bands like Kraftwerk. This proto-animatronic feature contributed to its popularity on television music channels like MTV.
Live Performances
Even into the 21st century, "Breaking the Law" remains one of Judas Priest's most frequently performed live songs.
Song Recognition
In 2009, VH1 ranked "Breaking the Law" number 40 on their list of the 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs.
Song Interpretation
The song can be interpreted as a statement of rebellion and resistance, portraying the band's discontent with authority.
Notable Covers
Among the many artists who have covered "Breaking the Law", famous ones include Doro Pesch, Fight, and Motörhead.

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