Wrong
The Clash Lyrics


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Stagger Lee met Billy
And they got down to gambling
Stagger Lee throwed seven
Billy said that he throwed eight (yeah)
And Billy said: „hey Stagger
I'm gonna make my big attack
I'm gonna have to leave my knife in your back
(Start all over again)

Why do you try to cheat
And trample people under your feet?
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat the trying man?
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat the trying man?
You better stop
It is the wrong 'em boyo

You lie, steal, cheat, and deceive
In such a small, small game
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat the trying man?
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat the trying man?
You better stop
It is the wrong 'em boyo

(Hey, come on now, Paul)

Billy Boy has been shot
And Stagger Lee's come out on top
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat the trying man?
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat Stagger man?
You'd better stop (so you better stop)
Hey, it is the wrong 'em boyo (hey)

You must start all over again
All over again
Don't you know it is wrong?
Play it, Billy, play
Don't you know it is wrong?
Well, play it, Billy, play
And you will find
It is the right 'em boyo

But if you must lie and deceit
And trample people under your feet
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat a trying man?
Don't you know it is wrong
To cheat a trying man?
You better stop
It is the wrong 'em boyo (hey)
It is the wrong 'em boyo
It is the wrong 'em boyo
It is the wrong 'em boyo




It is the wrong 'em boyo
Wrong 'em boyo

Overall Meaning

The Clash's "Wrong 'Em Boyo" is a cover of a classic Jamaican folk tune, "Stagger Lee," which tells the story of two gamblers, Stagger Lee and Billy, who get into an argument over who threw the higher number. Billy threatens to stab Stagger Lee, but Stagger Lee responds by shooting Billy. The song's original lyrics address the concept of "wrongness" and the idea that one will ultimately receive the consequences of their actions. The Clash's cover is an upbeat, energetic version of the song set to a reggae-inspired rhythm.


The lyrics express a moral message about cheating and deceiving in gambling and life in general. The line "Don't you know it is wrong to cheat the trying man?" emphasizes the importance of fairness and respect for others. The song continues to remind the listener that there will be consequences for wrongdoing, as Stagger Lee ultimately comes out on top but has still done wrong.


In addition to the moral message, "Wrong 'Em Boyo" is filled with cultural references and wordplay. Stagger Lee is a reference to a real-life character in American folklore known for his violence and criminality, while "wrong 'em boyo" is Jamaican slang meaning "you've got it wrong." The song also incorporates the famous Jamaican folk song "Day-O" in the background, adding to its cultural significance.


Overall, The Clash's cover of "Wrong 'Em Boyo" is a lively and thought-provoking song that encourages listeners to reflect on their actions and the importance of fairness and respect for others.


Line by Line Meaning

Stagger Lee met Billy
Stagger Lee and Billy met each other


And they got down to gambling
They started a gambling game


Stagger Lee throwed seven
Stagger Lee rolled a seven


Billy said that he throwed eight (yeah)
Billy claimed to have rolled an eight


And Billy said: „hey Stagger
Billy addressed Stagger Lee and said


I'm gonna make my big attack
I'm going to make a big move in the game


I'm gonna have to leave my knife in your back
I will have to cheat to win the game


Why do you try to cheat
Why do you attempt to deceive and win unfairly


And trample people under your feet?
And take advantage of others


Don't you know it is wrong
Do you not understand that it is morally incorrect


To cheat the trying man?
To deceive an honest person who is making an effort


You better stop
You should cease your dishonest behavior


It is the wrong 'em boyo
It is incorrect and unfair, boyo (slang for boy)


You lie, steal, cheat, and deceive
You are dishonest and untrustworthy


In such a small, small game
In this insignificant game of chance


Don't you know it is wrong
Do you not understand that it is morally incorrect


To cheat the trying man?
To deceive an honest person who is making an effort


You'd better stop
You should cease your dishonest behavior


Hey, come on now, Paul
An interjection spoken to someone named Paul, urging them to listen


Billy Boy has been shot
Billy Boy has been killed


And Stagger Lee's come out on top
Stagger Lee has won the game


Don't you know it is wrong
Do you not understand that it is morally incorrect


To cheat the trying man?
To deceive an honest person who is making an effort


Don't you know it is wrong
Do you not understand that it is morally incorrect


To cheat Stagger man?
To deceive Stagger Lee


You'd better stop (so you better stop)
You should stop, so you should stop


Hey, it is the wrong 'em boyo (hey)
It is incorrect and unfair, boyo


You must start all over again
You must begin anew


Don't you know it is wrong?
Do you not understand that it is morally incorrect


Play it, Billy, play
An exclamation urging Billy to continue playing music


And you will find
You will discover


It is the right 'em boyo
It is correct and fair, boyo


But if you must lie and deceit
If you must be dishonest and deceptive


And trample people under your feet
And take advantage of others


Don't you know it is wrong
Do you not understand that it is morally incorrect


To cheat a trying man?
To deceive an honest person who is making an effort


Don't you know it is wrong
Do you not understand that it is morally incorrect


To cheat a trying man?
To deceive an honest person who is making an effort


You better stop
You should cease your dishonest behavior


It is the wrong 'em boyo (hey)
It is incorrect and unfair, boyo


It is the wrong 'em boyo
It is incorrect and unfair, boyo


It is the wrong 'em boyo
It is incorrect and unfair, boyo


It is the wrong 'em boyo
It is incorrect and unfair, boyo


It is the wrong 'em boyo
It is incorrect and unfair, boyo


Wrong 'em boyo
Incorrect and unfair, boyo




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Clive Alphanso

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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