I Shot the Sheriff
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"I Shot The Sheriff" is a song written by Bob Marley. It is a song about justice, innocence and defiance, first released on Marley's 1973 album, Burnin. This was the last single Marley released with original Wailers Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, who left to pursue solo careers later that year.
Eric Clapton recorded a cover version that was included on his 1974 album, 461 Ocean Boulevard, and featured backing vocals by Yvonne Elliman. It topped the American pop charts for a week in the summer of 1974; it was the only version of a Marley song to do so during his lifetime.
- "I want to say 'I shot the police' but the government would have made a fuss so I said 'I shot the sheriff' instead... but it's the same idea: justice." — Bob Marley [1]
In 1997, rapper/producer Warren G. covered the song for his Take A Look Over Your Shoulder (Reality) album.
| Preceded by "(You're) Having My Baby" by Paul Anka and Odia Coates |
Billboard Hot 100 number one single (Eric Clapton version) September 14, 1974 |
Succeeded by "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe" by Barry White |
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