I fought the law
Marshall Crenshaw and Friends Lyrics

The lyrics of Marshall Crenshaw and Friends' song "I Fought The Law" depict a narrative of a person who finds themselves on the wrong side of the law. The opening line "Breakin' rocks in the hot sun" portrays a sense of hard labor and punishment, possibly alluding to the character being in prison or some other form of confinement.

The repeated chorus "I fought the law and the law won" suggests that the singer attempted to resist or defy the law but was ultimately defeated and faced the consequences of their actions. This could imply that the character participated in illegal activities or engaged in behavior that was deemed unlawful.

The verse "I needed money 'cause I had none" indicates that the individual's motivations for their actions were driven by a lack of financial means. This desperation pushed them into conflict with the law, highlighting the difficult circumstances they found themselves in.

The lyrics also express the emotional toll of their choices. "I left my baby and it feels so bad, guess my race is run" suggests that they had to leave behind someone they deeply cared for, resulting in regret and a feeling of hopelessness. The line "She's the best girl that I ever had" emphasizes the significance and value of the relationship they had to give up.

Additionally, the verse "Robbin' people with a six-gun" further illustrates their criminal behavior, possibly involving wielding a firearm to commit acts of robbery. This line underscores the singer's disregard for societal norms and their belief that they could outsmart or outfight the law, but ultimately being proven wrong.

Overall, the lyrics of "I Fought The Law" depict a character who engaged in illegal activities to address their desperate circumstances. However, their attempts to evade the law ultimately led to their downfall, leaving them with feelings of regret, loss, and defeat.