Wrong 'Em Boyo
The Clash Lyrics
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And they got down to gambling
Stagger Lee throwed seven
Billy said that he throwed eight, hey
And Billy said "Hey Stagger
I'm gonna make my big attack
I'm gonna have to leave my knife in your back"
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)
Now 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
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
@nascaraddict6511
I am bad about whenever this song comes up on my ipod, I just play over and over for about an hour.
@johnm3152
Even do the breakdown and uptempo restart. Faithful tothe original. Man, I miss these guys.
@alisongrundy9977
Just love the tempo and style change- miss this band.
@edwardlatourette5927
Still the greatest show I have ever attended.
@michaelangelomiller4467
I was there along with whole bunch of us from the Totowa area. Great Concert!
@davidstobie2751
this stuff changed my life
@wthisgoingon.5604
i love the bass sounds tho
@madzen112
I can always listen to these guys
@nascaraddict6511
I LOVE this song!
@johnnymoto77
the best gang in town