The band is one of the few outfits still burning with the fire of punk, but managing to combine it with the ideals and knowledge of English folk music - a balancing act they've made into a fine art over the years. And they have deep roots in the U.K. folk scene, emerging from both the Whitstable Oyster Co. Ceilidh Band, which formed in 1975, and Fiddler's Dram, a group put together in 1973 by Dave Arbus, whose fiddle work had graced releases by East of Eden and the Who.
Prosser, Telfer, and Taylor were also in Fiddler's Dram, whose moment of fame arrived in 1979 with the British hit single "Day Trip to Bangor" - released after they'd split up. They reconvened for a last album when Kearey joined them. He also became part of the band's alter ego, the roots-oriented Oyster Ceilidh Band, as they'd now become. With Fiddler's Dram no longer extant, the members put their energies in the newly renamed Oyster Band in 1981, playing gigs around England and self-releasing albums on their own Pukka label.
The band returned in 2003 after the longest recording layoff of its career with Rise Above, which included eight originals and two English traditional numbers, and featured the work of Irish piper James O'Grady throughout.
In 1990, the band collaborated with renowned folk singer June Tabor for the album Freedom and Rain and a tour.
Current Lineup:
Chopper - bass guitar, cello, vocals
John Jones - melodeon, lead vocals
Alan Prosser - guitars, viola, vocals
Ian Telfer - fiddle, English concertina, vocals
Dil Davies - drums
http://www.oysterband.co.uk/
I fought the law
Oysterband 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 left my baby and it feels so bad
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
Well I robbed the store with a six-gun
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
'Cause I miss my baby and good fun
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I left my baby and it felt so bad
Guess my race is run, run, 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
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, law, law, 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
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
I fought the law and the law, law, 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
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law yeah
I fought the law, that's right, the law won
I fought the law and the law won, law won
Thank you and goodnight to you!
Thank you!
The lyrics to Oysterband's song "I Fought the Law" depict a narrative of a rebellious individual who finds themselves on the wrong side of the law. The singer starts off "breakin' rocks in the hot sun," which could be interpreted as a metaphorical representation of being imprisoned or doing hard labor as punishment. The statement "I fought the law and the law won" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the individual's futile attempts to defy authority and the inevitable consequence of their actions.
The lyrics also mention the singer's need for money and their decision to rob a store with a six-gun. It can be inferred that their desperate circumstances led them to drastic measures, but ultimately they are caught and defeated by the law. The mention of leaving a loved one behind and feeling regret adds an emotional layer to the story, highlighting the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of a rebellious lifestyle.
Overall, "I Fought the Law" serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of defying authority and getting caught up in a life of crime. It suggests that no matter how hard one may fight against the law, ultimately, the law will prevail.
Line by Line Meaning
Breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Engaging in hard labor under harsh conditions
I fought the law and the law won
I attempted to defy the law but ultimately faced defeat
I needed money 'cause I had none
I was financially impoverished and required funds
I left my baby and it feels so bad
Parting ways with my loved one has resulted in great sorrow
Guess my race is run
It seems that my fate is sealed and my journey has come to an end
She's the best girl that I ever had
My former partner was the most wonderful woman I've ever known
Well I robbed the store with a six-gun
I committed a robbery using a revolver as a weapon
'Cause I miss my baby and good fun
Due to my longing for my beloved and enjoyment in life
I fought the law and the law won
I attempted to defy the law but ultimately faced defeat
I fought the law and the law won
I attempted to defy the law but ultimately faced defeat
I fought the law and the law won
I attempted to defy the law but ultimately faced defeat
I fought the law and the law won
I attempted to defy the law but ultimately faced defeat
I fought the law and the law won
I attempted to defy the law but ultimately faced defeat
I fought the law and the law won
I attempted to defy the law but ultimately faced defeat
I fought the law and the law won
I attempted to defy the law but ultimately faced defeat
I fought the law and the law won
I attempted to defy the law but ultimately faced defeat
I fought the law and the law, law, law, law, won
My struggle against the law ended in resounding defeat
I fought the law and the law won
I attempted to defy the law but ultimately faced defeat
Thank you and goodnight to you!
Expressing gratitude and bidding farewell
Thank you!
Expressing gratitude
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Sonny Curtis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind