13 Great Songs About The Law
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!