Wrong ’Em Boyo
The Clash Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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 lyrics to The Clash's "Wrong 'em boyo" tell the story of a deadly gambling game that ends in tragedy. The song references the real-life folk tale of Stagger Lee and Billy Lyons, who became infamous for their fatal gambling dispute. The lyrics reveal that Stagger Lee throws sevens in the game, but Billy cheats by claiming he has thrown eight. Billy then threatens Stagger Lee with his knife, and the song warns against cheating and trampling on others to succeed in life.


The lyrics convey a message about the importance of morality and fair play. The song suggests that cheating is not only bad for the person being cheated but also for the cheater in the long run. It urges people to stop using deceit and violence to get ahead and instead play fair. The line "You must start all over again" implies that cheating and other unethical behavior will eventually catch up with you and force you to start anew.


Overall, "Wrong 'em boyo" is a powerful song that underscores the importance of integrity and ethical behavior. The song's message is timeless and applicable to many situations in life, from gambling to business dealings and personal relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

Stagger Lee met Billy and they got down to gambling
Stagger Lee and Billy start a game of gambling


Stagger Lee throwed seven
Stagger Lee rolled a seven


Billy said that he throwed eight
Billy claims he rolled an eight


So Billy said, hey Stagger! I'm gonna make my big attack I'm gonna have to leave my knife in your back
Billy threatens to attack Stagger Lee with a knife


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
This verse addresses the importance of fair play and not cheating, warning that it's wrong to cheat someone who is trying their best and that they should stop because it's not right.


You lie, steal, cheat and deceit 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
The song continues to criticize cheating and warns that it's not worth cheating in such a small game, especially when it harms someone who is trying their best.


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, it is the wrong 'em boyo
Billy is shot and Stagger Lee wins the game, but the song still stresses the importance of fairness and not cheating, warning that it's wrong to cheat anyone whether they are trying their best or not.


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) play it, Billy, play And you will find it is the right 'em boyo
The song concludes with a suggestion to start over and play the game fairly. Playing properly will lead to doing the right thing and being the correct winner.


But if you must lie and deceit And trample people under your feet Don't you know it is wrong 'em boyo 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 It is the wrong 'em boyo It is the wrong 'em boyo It is the wrong 'em boyo It is the wrong 'em boyo
The song reiterates that cheating is wrong and reinforces the message that it's never okay to cheat whether someone is trying their best or not. This message is repeated in the chorus for emphasis.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@alisongrundy9977

Just love the tempo and style change- miss this band.

@johnm3152

Even do the breakdown and uptempo restart. Faithful tothe original. Man, I miss these guys.

@davidstobie2751

this stuff changed my life

@edwardlatourette5927

Still the greatest show I have ever attended.

@nascaraddict6511

I LOVE this song!

@michaelangelomiller4467

I was there along with whole bunch of us from the Totowa area. Great Concert!

@madzen112

I can always listen to these guys

@wthisgoingon.5604

i love the bass sounds tho

@bilbobaggins3464

Topper Headon undoubtedly was the best musician among them.

@Shwayzbox

Incredibly gifted.

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