THE CLASH - I FOUGHT THE LAW

Released: May 11, 1979 (UK)  July 26, 1979 (US) 

Charted:  UK: #29 

"I Fought the Law" is a song originally written by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets and later popularized by a cover by the Bobby Fuller Four, reaching the top ten in 1966. The Clash recorded their version in 1979, after reportedly hearing the Bobby Fuller Four original on a studio jukebox in San Francisco while recording "Give 'Em Enough Rope." Despite the different writing credits, The Clash's rendition of the song became a trademark hit for the band, characterized by its outlaw rebel posturing and Topper Headon's distinctive drumming.

The Clash transformed "I Fought the Law" into one of rock and roll's greatest covers, channeling the original's keening pain while infusing it with a sense of triumph and defiance. Joe Strummer's fiery vocals shine, but the entire band delivers a stellar performance. The song was initially released on the “Cost of Living” EP in the UK, and later was included on the US version of The Clash's first album.

The Clash's cover version of "I Fought the Law" played a significant role in gaining the band their first airplay in the United States. A live recording of the song, performed at the Lyceum Theatre in London on December 28, 1978, was featured as the final piece in the 1980 film "Rude Boy," directed by Jack Hazan and David Mingay. Dressed all in black for the gig, the song was considered the film's title track at that stage.

The unique percussive sounds on the record, including the "clang! clang!" resembling a chain gang and the "sssszzhhh!" at the end like flushing, were created by hitting the pipes on a urinal with hammers. Mick Jones revealed this detail in a 2015 interview with Uncut magazine.