About The Song
“I Shot the Sheriff” is a song originally written by Bob Marley. Eric Clapton recorded a cover version for his 1974 album “461 Ocean Boulevard,” infusing it with soft rock elements alongside its reggae roots. Clapton’s cover remains his only US No.1 single to date, showcasing its immense popularity.
The song addresses themes of power and oppression, with the sheriff symbolizing unjust authority figures. The song narrates a story from the perspective of an outlaw who claims to have shot the sheriff in self-defense but denies killing the deputy. It’s a narrative of rebellion and defiance against authority.
Video
Lyrics
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy
All around in my home town
They’re trying to track me down
They say they want to bring me in guilty
For the killing of a deputy
For the life of a deputy
But I say:
I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense
I shot the sheriff, and they say it is a capital offense
Sheriff John Brown always hated me
For what I don’t know
Every time that I plant a seed
He said, “Kill it before it grows.”
He said, “Kill it before it grows.”
I say:
I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense
I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense
Freedom came my way one day
And I started out of town
All of a sudden I see sheriff John Brown
Aiming to shoot me down
So I shot, I shot him down
I say:
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy
Reflexes got the better of me
And what is to be must be
Every day the bucket goes to the well
But one day the bottom will drop out
Yes, one day the bottom will drop out
But I say:
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy, oh no
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy, oh no