I Fought the Law
The Crickets Lyrics
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I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I miss my baby and a good fun
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
Guess my race is run
She's the best girl that I've ever had
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
A-robbin' people with the zip gun
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 I feel so bad
Guess my race is run
She's the best girl that I've ever had
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
"I Fought the Law" is a song by The Crickets which tells the story of a man who has broken the law and is now paying for his actions. The first verse describes the physical labor the man has been doing as a punishment for his crime. He fought against the law, but ultimately lost. Despite this, he continues to reminisce about his girlfriend, whom he misses dearly, and the good times they had together. The second verse reveals the man's crime of using a zip gun to rob people in order to get money. Again, he fought against the law, but this time he is resigned to his fate, as he knows his race is run.
The lyrics convey a sense of rebellion and defiance, but also the consequences of breaking the law. The repetition of "I fought the law and the law won" reinforces the idea that the man's actions had consequences that he couldn't escape. The lyric "She's the best girl that I've ever had" suggests that the man has lost not only his freedom, but also his relationship.
The song's catchy melody and upbeat rhythm contrast with its dark lyrics, creating a memorable and powerful combination. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and continues to be a popular song.
Line by Line Meaning
A-breakin' rocks in the hot sun
I was forced to perform hard labor in the sun.
I fought the law and the law won
I engaged in illegal activities and the authorities caught me.
I miss my baby and a good fun
I long for my partner and joyful activities.
I left my baby and I feel so bad
I abandoned my significant other and feel regretful.
Guess my race is run
I have come to the end of my journey or lifespan.
She's the best girl that I've ever had
My partner is the most wonderful woman I have ever been with.
A-robbin' people with the zip gun
I committed the illegal act of robbing others using a specific type of gun.
I needed money 'cause I had none
I required funds due to a lack of financial resources.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Sonny Curtis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thgoatofalltime
A-breakin' rocks in the hot sun
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I miss my baby and a good fun
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I left my baby and I feel so bad
Guess my race is run
She's the best girl that I've ever had
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
A-robbin' people with the zip gun
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 I feel so bad
Guess my race is run
She's the best girl that I've ever had
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
Joe Palooka
I grew up on the Bobby Fuller version, but I love the Crickets original the best. It reflects a wonderful time in musical history, when Buddy Holly and the Crickets were enormously talented young guys growing up together and creating some of the greatest original music of all time. Sonny Curtis is a songwriting genius. Anyone who could write a song like this is a real talent. All the hit songs he wrote in later life just prove it even more.
Jackie Selvey
I rember them. Thanks
JumpingTomato
I agree. I grew up with The Clash version. But I just saw a music video of Bobby Fuller doing this song, and I love it.
Patrick Lemire
Sonny Curtis wrote it so this isn’t a cover
Amaruq's Scrapyard
The one song that seemingly compliments with a majority of rock genres. No matter what coat of paint a band gives it, it'll still sound fresh and lovely. Whether it'd be classic rock, surf rock, hard rock, punk rock, etc.
dave davis
that beats certainly got the snap of a nice peace of celery x I dig that x
Adrienne Maller
How I wish Buddy would have sang this song with the Crickets as his back-ups. R.I.P. ETERNALLY BUDDY. You were the best & just about to make the big time. You at least made a huge impact on some of the "greats" today.
Ready-Adhesiveness40
There's a great Sonny Curtis interview on YT - it's a bit long but has info about this song towards the end. I was born in 59 and it took me 60 years to finally hear the original and I'm not dissapointed. Never knew it as a Zip Gun, always thought it was a Six Gun. The fact that he used a zip gun makes the song even better, because they were more dangerous to the shooter than to the target. This is now my favorite, but there's been a few outstanding versions, Bobby Fuller and The Clash of course, but I've heard bands do inspired versions at local bars and clubs. A great first song for a young band to learn, and it always pleases an audience if done well.
Chuffpup
Yeah that interview is fascinating, got me back to this song too. Zip guns new to me as well... I know what it is though. I was born in 61, funny to think I was a punk. (Punk rock). Respect for Sonny Curtis, those boys were trail blazers.
FPS Alan
Ok this is the original one....
I came here because of video of jester arrested for parachuting jump from the bridge... The copyright song belongs to greenday... And the i look up theres a band called the clash n then look up again deeper i thought this song belongs to boby flour for... But somehow the crickets is the original one... This really fascinating to knew about the song that really get cover over2 m over 😂😂
Ok im editing this. This song belongs to sonny curtis apparently 🤣🤣