Police & Thieves
Lee Lyrics

and thieves

Lee "Scratch" Perry's "Police and Thieves" is a political reggae track that speaks to the socio-political unrest that plagued Jamaica and other countries in the late 1970s. The track's chorus "Police and thieves in the street, fighting the nation with their guns and ammunition" highlights the violence and tension inherent in the volatile political climate. Perry's lyrics also reference religion, "from Genesis to Revelation," to suggest that the situation is a universal issue that has been happening for ages and will continue into the next generation.

The track's verses indict the authorities for their inaction in the face of rampant crime, with lines like "all the crimes committed day by day, no one tries to stop it in any way." Perry further critiques the 'peacemakers' who have turned into 'war officers,' likely referencing the lack of police accountability and militarization that characterized the time. The track also speaks to the sense of fear and insecurity among civilians, as the police force, rather than being a source of protection and comfort, became a cause of terror.

Lee Scratch Perry's "Police and Thieves" continues to be a crucial protest song to this day, widely recognized as a classic reggae track and a powerful socio-political commentary. While it was initially intended as a rebel anthem, it has since become a mainstream protest song, with artists like The Clash, The Dead Kennedy's, and Junior Murvin covering it, and it has also been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including "Baby Driver" and "The Wire."