The Bobby Fuller Four

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About I Fought the Law

"I Fought the Law" is a song written by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets and popularized by a cover by the Bobby Fuller Four, which went on to become a top-ten hit for the band in 1966 and was also recorded by the Clash in 1979. The Bobby Fuller Four version of this song was ranked No. 175 on the Rolling Stone list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004, and the same year was named one of the 500 "Songs that Shaped Rock" by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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I'm breakin' rocks in the hot sunI fought the law and the law wonI fought the law and the law wonI needed money 'cause I had noneI fought the law and the law wonI fought the law and the law wonWell, I left my baby and I feel so sad I guess my race is runBut she's the best girl I've ever hadI fought the law and the law wonI fought the law and the law wonRobbin' people with a six-gunI fought the law and the law wonI fought the law and the law wonI miss my baby and the good funI fought the law and the law wonI fought the law and the law wonWell, I left my baby and I feel so sadI guess my race is runBut she's the best girl I've ever hadI fought the law and the law wonI fought the law and the law won

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The Bobby Fuller Four

The Bobby Fuller Four was a popular mid-60s American rock & roll band started by Bobby Fuller. With its first incarnation formed in 1962 in El Paso, Texas, the group went on to produce some of its most memorable hits under Mustang Records in Hollywood, California. The band's most successful songs include "Let Her Dance," "I Fought the Law," and "Love's Made a Fool of You." more »

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5 facts about this song

Bobby Fuller Version

1. "I Fought the Law" by Bobby Fuller was an adaptation of the song by The Crickets. The version by Bobby Fuller is the most popular and well-known version till date.2. The song became a major hit for Fuller and his band "The Bobby Fuller Four" after being released in 1966.3. Bobby Fuller's version of the song reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.4. Sadly, this was one of the last songs Bobby Fuller recorded before his mysterious and untimely death in 1966.

The Bobby Fuller Four

5. The Bobby Fuller Four was the backing band for Bobby Fuller and they were integral in popularizing "I Fought the Law".6. The band, who were from El Paso, Texas, moved to Los Angeles where they stumbled upon this song.7. During their career, the band was renowned for its exciting blend of rockabilly, British Invasion rock and roll, and surf.

The Clash Version

8. British punk rock band, The Clash, covered "I Fought the Law" in 1979 on their EP "The Cost of Living".9. This version of the song became extremely notable and is one of the definitive songs of the punk rock movement.10. The Clash's version of the song was also included in their compilation album "The Singles".

The Crickets Version

11. The Crickets originally recorded "I Fought the Law" in 1959 after the departure of their frontman Buddy Holly.12. Although not as commercially successful as the other versions, The Crickets' original recording is respected for its innovation and influence.13. The song was written by The Crickets' member Sonny Curtis who took over as lead vocalist after Buddy Holly's death.14. The original version by The Crickets has a more laid-back feel compared to later versions, reflecting the style of late 50s rock and roll.

General Facts

15. Despite being covered by numerous artists, "I Fought the Law" is often associated with acts of rebellion and is considered an anthem of defiance.16. The song has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "Robocop", "Lethal Weapon 2" and "Breaking Bad".17. Rolling Stone magazine listed it as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004.

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