In the 1980s, Setzer fronted the popular rockabilly band, Stray Cats. Stray Cats caught America's attention with the 1982 album Built for Speed, which included the two Top Ten hits, Rock This Town (#9) and Stray Cat Strut (#3), as well as with the follow-up 1983 album Rant N Rave, which included the two successful singles (She's) Sexy + 17 (#5), and I Won't Stand In Your Way (#35).
In the 1990s, Setzer led a comeback of sorts for swing music and big band music, when he formed Brian Setzer Orchestra. The band has released 5 albums to date and one live DVD. This group had one hit, Jump, Jive, and Wail around the same time songs like the Cherry Poppin' Daddies Zoot Suit Riot had been received favorably in mainstream America.
Brian Setzer also recorded some solo albums during Stray Cats' break in the 1980s along with some in the 1990s. In 2001 he released an album titled Ignition with his band '68 Comeback Special. A new solo album titled Rockabilly Riot Vol. 1: A Tribute To Sun Records was released on July 26, 2005, in the United States.
Massapequa
I fought the law
Brian Setzer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(A') 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 I feel so bad
I guess my race is run
Well, she's the best girl ... I've ever had
I Fought the Law and the ... law won
I Fought the Law and the ... law won
(Instrumental Break)
Robbin' people with a . . . SIX gun
I Fought the Law and the ... law won
I Fought the Law and the ... law won
I miss my baby and the ... good fun
I Fought the Law and the ... law won
I Fought the Law and the ... law won
I left my baby and I feel so bad
I guess my race is run
But, she's the best girl ... I've ever had
I Fought the Law and the ... law won
I Fought the Law and the ... law won
The lyrics to Brian Setzer's "I Fought the Law" describe the story of a person who has been arrested for breaking the law. The first stanza sets the scene, describing how the singer is "breakin' rocks in the hot sun," which suggests that they are doing hard manual labour; possibly a punishment for committing a crime. The chorus repeats the lyrics "I Fought the Law and the law won," which acknowledges that the person has lost their battle against the authorities. They had committed a crime because they needed money, but now they find themselves in trouble.
In the second verse, the singer regrets leaving their girlfriend and leaving her behind while they're running from the law. He acknowledges that he's probably going to be caught and punished for what he's done. But the temptation to survive was too much, and now he's paying the price. The final stanza repeats some of the themes previously mentioned; the singer is now regretting what he has done and missing the good times he had with his girlfriend. In conclusion, the lyrics of "I Fought the Law" show the consequences of breaking the law in a very personal way, painting a vivid picture of a man who made a bad decision and now has to face the consequences of his actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Breakin' rocks in the hot sun
I was performing hard manual labor under scorching heat
I Fought the Law and the law won
I engaged in criminal activity but ended up being arrested and facing the legal consequences
I needed money, 'cause I had none
I was driven to crime as a means of obtaining necessary funds
I left my baby and I feel so bad
I had to part ways with my significant other, causing me emotional distress
I guess my race is run
I have exhausted my chances and opportunities
Well, she's the best girl I've ever had
My former lover was my most prized and cherished romantic partner
Robbin' people with a SIX gun
I committed robbery and used a specific type of firearm, namely a six shooter
I miss my baby and the good fun
I long for my ex-partner and the good times we had together
Contributed by Tyler K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@63DW89A
While the Bobby Fuller Four recording remains the definitive version, this Stray Cats version is second ONLY to the Bobby Fuller Four! 5 Stars full for the Stray Cats!
@MrMViceroy
My favourite version, it combines the better musical elements of the Bobby Fuller Four's version with the faster pace of The Clash's version.
@ibuprofen303
+MrMViceroy
Yeah well said, man. You nailed it.
@flabbybum9562
Agreed. Best version out there.
@uberschnilthegreat22
@Greg Hubbard a bit extreme but ok.
@stephanoconnor4823
Buddy holly and clash is a great version
@graemesmellie5223
Wow bloody hell absolutely amazing brilliant love the Stray Cats and this has got to be the best version of this song EVER
@AnitaVickers-ey2nw
Go go Stray Cats this version is great . You can't beat the best rockabilly band in the world yesss Stray Cats.
@AmericanSoldierSioux1969
What a great cover version of this classic Bobby Fuller Four song! Love it!
And all I thought Stray Cats accomplished was Stray Cat Strut and Rock This Town but never knew of this one. And yes, I'm aware Stray Cats had a lot of hits, but my favorites were the two I mentioned.
@jartsipeksi2131
Actually Buddy Holly did this at first