13 Great Songs About The Law

I was recently listening to one of my favourite podcasts – Mister Suave’s Mod Mod World – where he featured a playlist of mod-related songs that had something to do with the police/law/going to jail. It was a great list but I felt there were a bunch missing – and with that in mind I pulled together this list of 12 great songs about the law. As always, if you’ve got any more you can think of please let me know in the comments section below.

1. Caught By The Fuzz – Supergrass
Any time I’m given a reason to listen to a Supergrass song is a good time!

2. Jailbreak – AC/DC
One of the first songs I ever did a cover of in a band – and it still rocks harder than most.

3. They Caught The Devil And Put Him In Jail In Eudora, Arkansas – Tony Joe White
I went through a stage when I listened to a lot of TJW. He’s a great performer and it’s well worth visiting his back catalogue.

4. I Fought The Law – The Bobby Fuller Four
Very hard to not include The Clash version instead of this one, but I’ll tip my hat to the original.

5. Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley
Rock and roll’s first jail song? Not sure, but an automatic inclusion.

6. Police And Thieves – The Clash
The Clash probably have more songs than most that could get a slot here – but this one is a lock.

7. Jailbreak – Thin Lizzy
One of the first bands I ever saw live, and this song defines them more than most.

8. Folsom Prison Blues – Johnny Cash
Another song impossible to ignore in a list like this – try and catch the documentary about the performance of this song in the prison.

9. I Shot The Sheriff – Bob Marley
Almost tempted to go with the Eric Clapton version, but couldn’t go past some reggae.

10. Copperhead Road – Steve Earle
A bit different to the others in that it’s more of a law-breaking song than a getting caught song – but I love Steve Earle enough to overlook that.

11. Good Morning Judge – 10CC
Brilliant song from a brilliant group of musicians who never get enough credit.

12. Xmas Prison Blues – Seasick Steve & The Level Devils
All my cigar box making exploits recently mean a final slot for Seasick Steve!

EDIT (31st January 2014): It has just been pointed out to me that I’ve missed one of the great law songs – Better Get A Lawyer by The Cruel Sea. And the nice part is that 13 songs is so much more appropriate for this subject matter. Thanks Simon!