Bryan Adams was already popular in Canada when the release of his third album 'Cuts Like A Knife' in 1983 brought him a large following in the USA. His fourth album, 'Reckless', often referred to as one of the most significant of the 1980s, sold over 4 million copies at the time and continues to sell now. His fifth album 'Into the Fire' went platinum.
'Waking Up The Neighbours', his sixth album in 1991, powered him to international stardom. The single '(Everything I Do) I Do For You' spent 16 weeks at number 1; it broke a UK record that had stood since 1955 and still stands today. Across in the USA it became the second largest selling single to 'We Are The World'. The song was featured in the film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' (1991) and for this Mr Adams received his first Academy Award nomination. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe.
42 film Directors' have used Adams' music as soundtrack - from A Night In Heaven (1983) to Bobby (2007).
Adams was awarded the C.M. (Member of the Order of Canada) on April 20th 1998 and the C.O. (Officer of the Order of Canada) on May 6th 1988 for his contribution to popular music and his philanthropic work. He was also inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 1998, and more recently inducted into the Music Hall of Fame at Canada's Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys) in April 2006. Notably, Adams refuses to attend the awards; as his manager, Bruce Allen explains: "they turned their back on the biggest thing to come out of Canada"--in reference to the hit '(Everything I Do) I Do For You'.
Adams has been nominated for three Academy Awards for songwriting, and was recently nominated for his fifth Golden Globe (2007) for his songwriting in the film 'Bobby'.
Some trivia:
Bryan Adams shares the same birthday as Ryan Adams, the late Herman Brood and René Froger.
He attended the same high school as Michael J. Fox in Vancouver.
Of his #1 hits only one ('Please Forgive Me') was not written for a motion picture.
Bryan Adams is part Maltese. He Declared this on Tour in 2007 when he visited Malta.
Bryan Adams is also an acclaimed photographer. His works include his book "Made in Canada" http://www.photography.ca/photographer/adams_bryan.html
Bryan Adams also did a major part of the Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron soundtrack
I fought the law
Bryan Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 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 law won.
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 it feels so bad,
I 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 law won.
I fought the law and the law won,
I fought the law and the law won.
The lyrics to Bryan Adams’s song ‘I Fought the Law’ showcase the story of an individual who is resorting to criminal activities to make money, but ultimately ends up getting caught by the law. The first verse starts with the line “Breakin' rocks in the hot sun,” which is a metaphor for doing hard labor as part of a prison sentence. The singer then admits to his crime of defying the law, “I fought the law and the law won.” This line is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the idea that going against the law will never end in one's favor.
In the following lines, the individual explains the reason for his illegal activities, “I needed money cause I had none.” He then mourns the loss of his loved one and regrets his actions. The line “She's the best girl that I ever had” indicates that he lost his beloved due to his criminal involvement. In the next verse, he is portrayed as a robber with a six-gun, which is a reference to a type of revolver gun that holds six bullets. The repeating of the phrase “I fought the law and the law won” is a way to remind listeners that the legal system prevails, and breaking the laws will always result in paying the price.
Overall, the lyrics of Bryan’s ‘I Fought the Law’ highlight the consequences of breaking the law and how it can lead to some heavy losses. It’s a reminder that actions have consequences, no matter how dire the circumstances may feel.
Line by Line Meaning
Breakin' rocks in the hot sun,
I was forced to do hard labor in the heat
I fought the law and the law won,
I tried to defy the legal system but lost
I fought the law and the law won.
I struggled against the legal system and ended up defeated
I needed money cause I had none,
My financial struggles led me to make poor choices
I miss my baby and it feels so bad,
I deeply regret my actions and the separation from my loved one
I guess my race is run,
I have reached the end of my journey and cannot go any further
She's the best girl that I ever had,
My former partner was the greatest love of my life
I fought the law and the law won,
My attempt at rebellion against the legal system was unsuccessful
I fought the law and the law won.
I was defeated in my fight against the legal system
Robbin' people with a six-gun,
I resorted to violent criminal activity to make money
I fought the law and the law won,
My efforts to resist the authority of the law were fruitless
I fought the law and the law won.
Despite my struggle, the legal system was stronger and prevailed over me
I fought the law and the law won,
My defiance was in vain and resulted in my defeat
I fought the law and the law won.
I failed in my attempt to go against the legal system
Contributed by Aaliyah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.