A Song with a philosophy of law?

Philosophy Forums Society, Government, and Economics
1

Hey, everyone! I was just wondering if anyone knew of any songs (with lyrics), that expressed a philosophy or principle of law? I am doing a grade 12 Law assignment, and need to look at the social, legal, and philosphical views that a song expresses. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

2

“I fought the law and the law won”

-Imp

3

Howdy!

And welcome to ILP!

Check out almost any of the protest songs from the late 60’s - early 70’s. Any number of songs will give you plenty to work from.

JT

4

Thank you and thank you. I think that’s a good place to start! :smiley:

5

I have actually decided on that song that you meant? Anyways, it’s by The Clash, and is appropriately titled, “I Fought The Law And The Law Won”, (1979). I am trying to read between the lines and figure out what legal offences were talked about in the song, other than robbery and theft. Anyone happen to know what they meant by:
“I left my baby and it feels so bad
Guess my race is run
She’s the best girl that I ever had”

or
" Breakin’ rocks in the hot sun
I fought the law and the law won "

Any help is greatly appreciated :slight_smile:

6

-Imp

7

I needed money coz I got none
I fought the law and the law won

(sang Joe Strummer, the son of a diplomat)

Can’t help but think that the Clash were just a bunch of middle class white boys selling an easy ticket of rebellion…

Nonetheless they rocked…

JT mentioned the whole gamut of protest songs, I’m sure there are books on the subject cataloguing these ditties…

8

I hope I am understanding what you are asking. Check out some of the old 60’-70’s songs. Bob Dylan, Buffalo Springfield, Peter, Paul and Mary, Crosby Stills, Nash and Young, The Doors, The Beatles, The Who, The Guess Who gosh, there are so many.

Good luck kid. I hope you earn an “A.”

:smiley:

9

Dave Clark Five, no?

Talk about memories. They still play Jethro Tull, I love Aqualung, The James Gang, Bad Company.

Smiles,

aspacia

10

LOL, it is a remake from the original Dave Clark Five in the late sixties. Hum, Also Eric Burden and the Animals. House of the Rising Sun, also a remake from a 20’s ? blues song.

11

Thanks for all the help everyone. It is greatly appreciated :smiley:

12

:astonished: wow, this is weird, I JUST had that law assignment, i chose Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff” by the way, :confused: do you live in Toronto? #-o this just weird…

oh and welcome to the forums :smiley:

13

Original by Eric Clapton, if memory serves.

:sunglasses:

14

I love Clapton’s “You look wonderfull tonight” and “If I Saw you in heaven” and “I shot the Sheriff” WAS by Bob Marley and the Wailers in their album “Burnin” (1973), oh and i’m sorry if i wasn’t their to see the live concert lol :evilfun:, i listen to it on my iRiver :stuck_out_tongue:

15

Quite possible, many song writers write for others to record.

:sunglasses:

16

Yup. And thanks for the welcome!