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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 it feels so bad
I guess my race is run
She's the best girl that I ever had
I fought the law and the law won, I fought the law and the...
Robbing people with a six-gun
I fought the law and the law won, I fought the law and the law won
I lost my girl and I lost my fun
I fought the law and the law won, I fought the law and the law won
I left my baby and it feels so bad
I guess my race is run
She's the best girl that I ever had
I fought the law and the law won, I fought the law and the...
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
Makes me feel like I'm sixteen again. Think I'll go out buy a pack of cigarettes; steal some booze from my parent's liquor cabinet and ditch school this afternoon. Thank you Clash and RP for playing this
Fond memories! Thanx RP!
We used to dance to 45s on my neighbor's porch and the BFF version was one of my favorite tunes. If I was 8 when the Clash was hot with this, my dancing might have been a tad more inspired?
Excellent.
a comparison of the music back then and now is light-years, so much more authentic and real, esp. the Clash's stuff, timeless
You bet! I agree! ...although there are many exceptions! ...many of those "exceptions" get played on RP!
That version sounds "clean and tame" largely because it was recorded in 1966. Later cover versions often sound more raunchy (like The Black Crowes "bar-band" cover version of Otis Redding's classic "Hard To Handle" for example).
In the case of this song, I like both versions; they're just different takes.
My thoughts exactly. BFF's version was suited to the time - 1966. This version was suited to its time as well. Both capture the rebellious spirit - and the resignation - The Clash just did it their way.
c.
I think that the Dead Kennedys gave it the right amount of angst and frustration.
Yes, but this has to be one of the best covers ever!
That version sounds "clean and tame" largely because it was recorded in 1966. Later cover versions often sound more raunchy (like The Black Crowes "bar-band" cover version of Otis Redding's classic "Hard To Handle" for example).
In the case of this song, I like both versions; they're just different takes.
My thoughts exactly. BFF's version was suited to the time - 1966. This version was suited to its time as well. Both capture the rebellious spirit - and the resignation - The Clash just did it their way.
c.
Jota wrote:
That version sounds "clean and tame" largely because it was recorded in 1966. Later cover versions often sound more raunchy (like The Black Crowes "bar-band" cover version of Otis Redding's classic "Hard To Handle" for example).
In the case of this song, I like both versions; they're just different takes.
You said that 3 years ago and nobody agreed with you that time either apparently.
Thanks for reminding me. Guess what, I still find Bobby Fullers Four version much better.
I beg to differ. I think the 'in your face' nature of this makes it the definitive version.
Haha. Exactly. Although, I've pretty much never liked any version.
The video quality is very low-res, but the pistol-packin' dancers are a hoot!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgtQj8O92eI
You said that 3 years ago and nobody agreed with you that time either apparently.
justin4kick wrote:
Generally (and legally), credited cover versions of songs are not considered "ripped" from their composers, and Sonny Curtis (who joined The Crickets after Buddy Holly's death) wrote this song, not Buddy Holly.
Yes, but Sonny Curtis knew Holly from the beginning and was on Holly's first demos. Apparently, he was on the road as a working musician when Holly formed the Crickets, returning to take the lead vocals after Holly's death.
I agree BTW that covers are simply covers, generally reimbursing the songwriter. I guess they would be considered rips if the songwriter wasn't paid. Probably happens. Lord knows Led Zep and Dylan seem to have skirted that little nicety, tho' LZ relented some years ago.
1:26 pm - The Clash - I Fought The Law
1:23 pm - The Specials - Gangsters
Ah... like a favorite faded black t-shirt.
'Kinell! I wouldn't expect quotes from an abstruse philosopher on this forum. Thanks for the intellectual interlude :)
IIRC Kierkegaard was considered to be an early existentialist. Sadly, I could never get on with existentialists and their appallingly bleak and individualist outlooks. Camus in particular was a prize self-centred tit.
Yeah, Søren Kierkegaard is considered one of the early founders of existentialism... he never used the word "existentialism", but he was the first to describe the absurdity of human existence... however, Kierkegaard was afraid that nihilism would result if nobody believed in anything because everything is absurd, so Kierkegaard thought that people should believe in something, even if it is absurd...
the core definition of existentialism is a paradox, so it is as absurd as everything else— postmodern existentialists believe that objectively everything is absurd, so subjectively people are free to believe whatever they wish... the paradox is that this means objectively, existentialism is as absurd as everything else...
everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all across the holy moly world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners and B.F. Skinner... we love this splendiferous song... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
As long as there is law, there will be bad boys (and girls) who fight and lose ... and then sing this song proudly.
This also applies to good boys (and girls).
As long as there is law, there will be bad boys (and girls) who fight and lose ... and then sing this song proudly.
Everybody in my church loves this cover...
The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard defines dread as the knowledge of what you must do to prove you're free, even if it will destroy you. His example is Adam in the Garden of Eden, happy and content until God shows him the Tree of Knowledge and says, "Don't eat this." Now, Adam is no longer free. This is one rule he can break; he must break to prove his freedom, even if it destroys him. Kierkegaard says the moment we are forbidden to do something, we will do it. It is inevitable.
According to Kierkegaard, the person who allows the law to control his life, who says the possible isn't possible just because it's illegal, is leading the inauthentic life.
'Kinell! I wouldn't expect quotes from an abstruse philosopher on this forum. Thanks for the intellectual interlude :)
IIRC Kierkegaard was considered to be an early existentialist. Sadly, I could never get on with existentialists and their appallingly bleak and individualist outlooks. Camus in particular was a prize self-centred tit.
Generally (and legally), credited cover versions of songs are not considered "ripped" from their composers, and Sonny Curtis (who joined The Crickets after Buddy Holly's death) wrote this song, not Buddy Holly.
Everybody in my church loves this cover...
The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard defines dread as the knowledge of what you must do to prove you're free, even if it will destroy you. His example is Adam in the Garden of Eden, happy and content until God shows him the Tree of Knowledge and says, "Don't eat this." Now, Adam is no longer free. This is one rule he can break; he must break to prove his freedom, even if it destroys him. Kierkegaard says the moment we are forbidden to do something, we will do it. It is inevitable.
According to Kierkegaard, the person who allows the law to control his life, who says the possible isn't possible just because it's illegal, is leading the inauthentic life.
As for Bobby Fuller and the Bobby Fuller Four (or Five?), too bad that the LAPD did not like him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z_wnc3KU-Y
Still, the Bobby Fuller Four version is great. I enjoy this one too, it's just a different take on the theme.
"Happy Laments" would make a good album title though.
John Mellancamp said this was the inspiration for "I fought authority and authority always win".
That's what your girlfriend says.
Makes me Bop! Love it.
What do you do, if you are Bob?
Makes me Bop! Love it.
Your musical ignorance is showing..might want to do a little research before you dismiss bands just because they are labled "Punk"
I think they were concerned about the message more than anything else because they obviously were not very concerned about musical execution. I am no musician, but I bet that most musicians could play all of the Clash's tunes blindfolded. For that matter all punk songs.
Substance over style. I think Joe and the boys were more concerned with the music and the message than in a 'cool' cover.
I think they were concerned about the message more than anything else because they obviously were not very concerned about musical execution. I am no musician, but I bet that most musicians could play all of the Clash's tunes blindfolded. For that matter all punk songs.
So, did Buddy Holly write it? Would not surprise me, considering how well his songs have held up, 50 years later.
edit: no, it was written by Sonny Curtis of The Crickets.
"Am gonna be 50 this year, n this is the song i want to hear when am 90, love The Clash." tedtheranger
Substance over style. I think Joe and the boys were more concerned with the music and the message than in a 'cool' cover.
Yeah, no. I mean it's a mediocre reworking of a song I treasure.
Substance over style. I think Joe and the boys were more concerned with the music and the message than in a 'cool' cover.
Embarassing, cynical attempt at seducing US kids after peaking in the UK with their first three LPs. I am sure that the three surviving members enjoy the "Law" royalties, but wince at this track.
Um... according to the discography on Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Clash_discography) this song was released about midway between Give 'Em Enough Rope (Nov 78) and London Calling (Dec 79). So between albums 2 and 3. Unless there's another one only you have?
Embarassing, cynical attempt at seducing US kids after peaking in the UK with their first three LPs. I am sure that the three surviving members enjoy the "Law" royalties, but wince at this track.
I was fortunate enough to SEE and HEAR it comig off the stage!
North American Campaign 1982! August 18th @ Stanley Theater, Pittsburgh!
Half the audience was decked out in combat gear!
Set List...
1 | London Callling |
It was a fucking amazing show! They were one of the best!
I still have this shirt...in a box some where in North America!
Still, the Bobby Fuller Four version is great. I enjoy this one too, it's just a different take on the theme.
"Happy Laments" would make a good album title though.
The DK version is cool, but this to me is the perfect energy/style/emotion for the song. The Clash just got the execution of punk perfect for me. That is a bit contrary for punk, but I stand by it.