Mano Negra was a French/Spanish/Portuguese band fronted by Manu Chao, born … Read Full Bio ↴Mano Negra was a French/Spanish/Portuguese band fronted by Manu Chao, born in Paris, France to Spanish parents. The band was founded in 1987 by Manu, his brother Antoine, and his cousin Santiago Casiriego. It split circa 1995, but many members had already left in 1992.

The band was formed from the fusion of 2 smallers bands, the Hot Pants and the Casse-pieds.

Mano Negra mixed a number of styles: straight rock (with a lead guitar), latin music (with a brass section), punk (influenced by The Clash). Their songs often mixed French, Spanish and English lyrics.

Frontman Manu Chao later reappeared as as the lead in Radio Bemba Sound System to record their eponymous 2002 live album. He has also released four solo albums, Clandestino and Proxima Estacion: Esperanza in 1998 and 2002,Siberie M'Etait Conteee in 2005 and La Radiolina in 2007.

Former band member Tom Darnal was one of the founders of the band P18

About name

La Mano Negra ("The Black Hand") was a supposed anarchist organization in Andalucía, Spain, accused of many terrorist acts. Although, in latter studies, its existence was found unlikely and was probably an excuse used by the government under Sagasta to oppress anarchist activity in southern Spain.

I fought the law
Mano Negra Lyrics

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Drinkin′ beer in the hot sun
I fought the law and I won
I fought the law and I won
I needed sex and I got mine
I fought the law and I won
I fought the law and I won

The law don't mean shit

If you′ve got the right friends
That's how this country's run
Twinkies are the best friend I′ve ever had
I fought the law and I won
I fought the law and I won

I blew George & Harvey′s
Brains out with my six-gun
I fought the law and I won
I fought the law and I won
Gonna write my book and make a million
I fought the law and I won
I fought the law and I won

I'm the new folk hero of the Ku-Klux-Klan
My cop friends think that′s fine
You can get away with murder
If you've got a badge
I fought the law and I won
I fought the law and I won

I fought the law and I won
I am the law so I won

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Mano Negra's "I Fought The Law" describe a rebellious spirit who has found success in breaking the law. The song begins with the singer drinking beer in the hot sun and proclaiming their victory in fighting the law. They continue to boast about their sexual conquests and how they believe that having the right friends is what truly matters in life. The singer's love for Twinkies is thrown in as another example of their carefree, hedonistic personality.

The chorus is repeated throughout the song, with the singer claiming to have fought and won against the law. In the second verse, the lyrics take a darker turn as they describe how the singer has killed two men and is planning to write a book to profit from the experience. The final verse reveals that the singer is a member of the Ku Klux Klan, and their cop friends allegedly have no problem with their affiliation.

The tone shifts from carefree to macabre and frightening as the lyrics progress. The song seems to be a commentary on the power dynamics in society and how those with the most connections and advantages are able to bend the law to their will. The singer is painted as an antihero who is cheered on by their friends and others who share their disdain for authority.

Line by Line Meaning

Drinkin′ beer in the hot sun
Enjoying a beer while the weather is hot

I fought the law and I won
Successfully defied the law

I needed sex and I got mine
Succeeded in getting sexual gratification

The law don't mean shit
The law is insignificant

If you′ve got the right friends
Having connections makes a difference

That's how this country's run
Connections play a big role in the country

Twinkies are the best friend I′ve ever had
A sarcastic statement about the quality of food

I blew George & Harvey′s Brains out with my six-gun
Violently killed two people with a gun

Gonna write my book and make a million
Intending to capitalize on the situation by writing a book

I'm the new folk hero of the Ku-Klux-Klan
Claiming to be a hero of a notorious hate group

My cop friends think that′s fine
Police associates approve of the singer's actions