The band's best-known song was a 1970 cover of Jerry Jeff Walker's folk song "Mr. Bojangles". Their greatest critical acclaim has been for a 1972 album of country and folk standards, recorded in Nashville in collaboration with more traditional country artists, entitled "Will the Circle Be Unbroken".
"Will the Circle be Unbroken" was a collaboration album recorded in 1972 by the Dirt band with traditional artists such as Mother Maybelle Carter, Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Roy Acuff, Merle Watson, Jimmy Martin, Junior Huskey, Norman Blake, and Pete Oswald Kirby (known to Grand Ole Opry fans as Bashful Brother Oswald). Vassar Clements, not widely known then, was tapped for fiddle duties which led to greater notoriety and success for him.
"Will the Circle be Unbroken" featured classic bluegrass and folk standards written by A.P Carter, Doc Watson and others. The title comes from the song of the same name but indicates what the Dirt Band was trying to achieve. The long-haired boys from California were making an effort to reach out to the older veterans of American music and unite them in a divided America. Two other editions were released, one in the 1980s and another after September 11, 2001.
In July 1974 The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was one of the headline acts at The Ozark Music Festival, at the Missouri State Fairgrounds, in Sedalia, Missouri. Some estimates have put the crowd count at 350,000 people, which would make this one of the largest music events in history.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's peak in popularity – at least on the radio — came during the mid- to late-1980s, when they charted a string of successful songs. Among the lot were three No. 1 singles: "Long Hard Road (The Sharecropper's Dream)" (1984); "Modern Day Romance" (1985); and "Fishin' in the Dark" (1987). Other successful songs were "Dance Little Jean" (1983); "I Love Only You" (1984); "High Horse" (1985); "Home Again in My Heart," "Partners, Brothers and Friends" and "Stand a Little Rain" (1986); "Fire in the Sky," "Baby's Got a Hold on Me" and "Oh What a Love" (1987); "Working Man (Nowhere to Go)" and "I've Been Lookin'" (1988); and "Down That Road Tonight" and "When it's Gone" (1989).
The current members are:
* Bob Carpenter - keyboard, accordion, bass, and vocals (1977-present)
* Jimmie Fadden - drums, harmonica,guitar, washtub bass, jug and vocals (1966-present)
* Jeff Hanna - guitar, mandolin, drums, harmonica, bass, washboard, jug and vocals (1966-present)
* John McEuen - banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, accordion washtub bass and vocals (1966-1986 & 2001-present)
Former members:
* Ralph Barr - guitar, clarinet and vocals (1966-1968)
* Merel Bregante - drums and percussion (1977-1979)
* Jackson Browne - guitar and vocals (1966)
* John Cable - guitar, bass and vocals (1976-1977)
* Jackie Clark - guitar, bass and vocals (1976-1977)
* Chris Darrow - fiddle, guitar, mandolin and vocals (1967-1968)
* Michael Gardner - drums (1980-1981)
* Al Garth - saxophone, fiddle, keyboard, percussion and vocals (1977-1981)
* Richard Hathaway - bass and vocals (1977-1981)
* Jimmy Ibbotson - guitar, bass, mandolin, piano, accordion, drums, flute and vocals (1968-1975 & 1982-2004)
* Bruce Kunkel - guitar, kazoo, vocals (1966-1967)
* Bernie Leadon - guitar, banjo, mandolin and vocals (1987-1989)
* Vic Mastrianni - drums (1980-1981)
* Les Thompson - guitar, bass, mandolin and vocals (1966-1973)
I fought the law
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band 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
Well I miss my baby and I feel so bad
She's the best girl I've ever had
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
Robbin' people with a six-gun
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
Well I miss my baby and I feel so bad
I guess my race is run
She's the best girl 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 originally written by Sonny Curtis of The Crickets in 1958, which was later covered by various musicians including The Bobby Fuller Four and The Clash. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band rendition of "I Fought the Law" retains the spirited energy and memorable hook of the original, while injecting country music influence to create a unique sound.
The lyrics of the song tell the story of a criminal who resorted to breaking rocks and robbing people to make money because he had none. The singer declares that he fought the law but unfortunately the law won, as he faces imprisonment for his crimes. The melancholy tone of the song is emphasized as the singer reveals that he misses his girlfriend who may not want to have anything to do with him anymore.
The lyrics of "I Fought the Law" reflect the rough reality of life for many individuals who face economic hardships and a lack of opportunities. However, the song does not glorify the criminal lifestyle but instead highlights the consequences and regrets of one's actions. The song's universal themes have made it an enduring classic and a favorite among fans of different genres.
Line by Line Meaning
Breakin' rocks in the hot sun
I was doing hard labor in the scorching heat under the sun
I fought the law and the law won
I challenged the law, but lost and suffered the consequences
I fought the law and the law won
I didn't give up and fought against the law but the law still won
I needed money 'cause I had none
I was broke and desperate for money
I fought the law and the law won
I tried to break the law to get money, but was caught and punished
I fought the law and the law won
I refused to submit to the law and lost the battle
Well I miss my baby and I feel so bad
I am regretful and heartbroken to be separated from my loved one
I guess my race is run
I have come to accept my fate as it is
She's the best girl I've ever had
My beloved was the most valuable and treasured person I've ever had in my life
I fought the law and the law won
Even though I tried to ignore or oppose the law, I was defeated in the battle
I fought the law and the law won
My attempt at rebellion against the authority was not successful and I faced the consequences
Robbin' people with a six-gun
I resorted to violence and robbed innocent people with a firearm for personal gain
I fought the law and the law won
I didn't obey the laws and acted illegally, but was caught and punished accordingly
I fought the law and the law won
My defiance against the law was met with defeat and I had to face the legal repercussions
Contributed by Wyatt S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
souldeep69
Jeff Hanna is still in the band but is not singing lead? Huh? Why would that be? One of the all-time greatest singers and a voice perfect for this song.
Andrew Webster
My comment yesterday was cut short but I believe that Jimmy's vocals and the the lead guitar (probably session muso) was superior to the original recording by the Bobby Fuller Four
Kelton King
Andrew Webster Jeff Hanna is on lead guitar.
Kelton King
Wayne Marion Yes he is I have the album lol
Ignacio Sepúlveda Saade
The originals was Sny Curtis & The Crickets
James Haddix
There is something about that beat too this song I like very much
Andrew Webster
I suggested that the Dirt Band record this this song in the early 90's because I thought that Jimmy's and the band's vocals were
Andrew Webster
similar to the Bobby Fuller 4 vocals
Kelton King
This was 1992 if I recall correctly.
Isaac Cunningham
ok