Is This The Best Song From The Clash?

In this episode of The Adventures of TNT, Tee dive into the punk rock classic "I Fought the Law" by The Clash. Join us as we break down the iconic song, its rebellious lyrics, and the impact it had on the punk rock scene.
What did you think of "I Fought the Law"? Let us know in the comments below! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more music reactions and discussions from The Adventures of TNT!
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[@robertphelps1574]

Originally written by Sonny Curtis in 1958 and recorded by The Crickets in 1959

[@user-gt2uf8cq9y]

Sonny Curtis also wrote the theme to the Mary Tyler Moore Show.

[@user-gt2uf8cq9y]

"Police on My Back", "London Calling" and "Train in Vain" etc etc. "Police on My Back" is kinda even a sequel to "I Fought the Law"... and amazingly rocks even harder.

[@kylewoolsey6635]

It's their most convincing cover, with Police and Thieves as a close second.

[@anglosaxon5874]

One of my favourite tracks of theirs. I'm an original 'punk rocker' being 63 shortly. Great era 60's -90's!

[@yellatjerry6945]

"Should I stay or should I go" probably the only punk song ever that used a tuba

[@johngillespie3409]

Gone Daddy Gone by the Violent Femmes used a xylophone, and probably used a tuba at some point.🤣

[@mikepaulus4766]

I saw The Vandals live, and Josh Freese was not there, but his dad was on stage playing the tuba.

[@johngillespie3409]

@@mikepaulus4766 I played the tuba in the marching band. I wanted to play drums but my mom wouldn't let me, so I chose something just as cool. I have Crass and Misfits tattooed on my arm and don't play tuba. 🤣

[@aretelivingarts]

Punk was often a throwback to 60s garage rock. They were always big in England, but they were ignored in the U.S. until their last album. Here is a letter from their U.S. record label on why they weren't supporting the band: The letter stated that “A&R decisions are not based entirely on taste and musical preference”, before saying that his job is “not… to release records I like but rather records which I feel will bring profit into this company”. Harris then described the problem he had with the album “From the overwhelming lyrics, the blistering music and the feverish performance ” saying “From my experience in the music business, it seems clear to me that the Clash’s album would fail miserably from that point of view”.

[@leafygreen3666]

The album, London Calling, is widely regarded as one of the top rock and roll albums of all time. Rolling Stone used to place it in the top 10, but recent lists have it at 16. Many other lists have it ranked highly as well. This is one of those albums that can, and IMO should, be listened to from front to back. There are no weak songs. It’s like listening to the Beatles Sargent Pepper or Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon. You did hit on one of the things that really makes The Clash special and that is their ability to blend styles from so many genres. Classic 50s rock, ska, punk, reggae, and funk. It’s all in there. And the fact that they were doing this in the 70s when mainstream music was mostly rehashed hard rock or disco, makes it even more extraordinary. London Calling is my desert island pick.

[@RENfan1265]

London Calling and Train In Vain, The Guns Of Brixton for Clash originals.

[@Kurtbornie]

Love Guns of Brixton!

[@RENfan1265]

@@Kurtbornie So many great songs! Police on my back is another one

[@danielthelion1702]

🤘♥️🦁oh yeah 🤘

[@crotchrottss]

Pressure drop ❤

[@andrewkline5611]

Stay Free, Lost in the Supermarket, Spanish Bombs, Revolution Rock for me.

[@cliffordwaterton3543]

pretty much any song from their debut album - 'Hate & War', 'Deny', 'London's Burning', 'Remote Control', 'White Riot' . There really isn't a bad track on there.

[@bschuler6216]

All those UK punk bands (Sex Pistols, The Clash, Generation X, Siouxsie) famously snuck in to see The Ramones when they played England in the mid 70's. The Ramones were a big influence.

[@mikecaetano]

"I Fought The Law" was popularized by The Bobby Fuller Four in 1966. From what I recall, Joe Strummer heard that version on a juke box in San Francisco during an early US tour and dug the song so much he got The Clash to cover it. Check out some of their early stuff, like "White Riot", "What's My Name", "Career Opportunities", and "Police & Thieves" -- a cover of a Junior Murvin/Lee Perry reggae tune that inspired Bob Marley to write "Punky Reggae Party" in response.

[@melthebell33]

This songs a 50s song by Sonny Curtis that they covered, they covered a lot of songs including another old Rock n roll song Brand new Cadillac by Vince Taylor and reggae songs like police on my back (The Equals) and Police and thieves (Junior Murvin) and from their 3rd album (London Calling) on they got so many different influences (rockabilly, jazz, reggae, hip hop), they were one of the first "cool" bands along with Blondie to take the burgoning hip hop sound on board. my personal fave Clash song is Straight to hell, love it.

[@billspivey6919]

Song - Bankrobber, S - Jimmy Jazz

[@keithwarrington2430]

50's rock with punk vocals. got it pretty much spot on T

[@imaginationofourselves7518]

Thank you T..more punk please 😊

[@pixelfascination]

I'd love to see him do Poison Girls - Statement.

[@jayvanbemmel1964]

London calling

[@randallpetersen9164]

The Entire album!

[@FlamesCagney]

Rock the Casbah was their later radio friendly tune. Do their early stuff: Janie Jones, I'm So Bored with the USA. Career Opportunities, London Calling, Jimmy Jazz. I'm Not Down.

[@jono.pom-downunder]

The sound of 70s/80s disaffected youth of the UK, one of the most influential bands from the punk era on post punk UK bands, keeping the edgy side of life in the psyché

[@AP-gb3eh]

I fought Don Law! At that time a music promoter hired a bunch of guys to be bouncers at concerts and they beat up a lot of people. Strummer stopped a show to yell at us for not being up & when he heard about the bouncers. He yelled there more of us than them Blasted I fought Don Law and the crowd turned on the red shirts - they disappeared and it was a great show. That was Punk

[@pixelfascination]

I love this song but I think you'll love, The Clash - (White Man) in Hammersmith Palais. It's got some amazing reggae vibes. Also The Dead Kennedys did an awesome cover of I fought the Law.

[@tonytony5380]

London calling Black Cadillac Are more what you were expecting

[@pookiemartinez1745]

Career Opportunities, 1977, What's My Name, Cheat, Capital Radio One, Tommy gun, Brand New Cadillac, Clampdown, The Guns Of Brixton, Armagideon Time, Red Angel Dragnet.

[@balderdash7805]

If nothing else, this song has one of the greatest intros to a song ever.

[@lancecornell9978]

The second Clash has a Blue Oyster Cult connection. Sandy Pearlman produced it

[@dsanchez9703]

Hell yea, The Clash rocks! London Calling, should I stay or should I go, i fought the Law

[@anglosaxon5874]

Rock the Casbah too.

[@scottgelb2650]

Check out Police and Thieves. Another great cover, I haven't heard anyone react to it.

[@conniekungfu206]

The Clash has a lot of good punk songs! 😊❤

[@hjermsted22]

Be sure to listen to the London Calling album from beginning to end in one sitting at least once in your life!

[@_alifeallmine_]

If you want to listen to early Punk you should check out ‘The Saints’ - (I’m) Stranded. They emerged at the same time as the ‘Ramones’.

[@mojoriot2293]

If you're looking for bands like 'The CLASH', check out: 'The MISFITS', 'The RAMONES, & maybe the 'FLAMING LIPS', or even 'PORNO FOR PYROS'... Although, they're more of a 'psychedelic rock' band, but, they are really good. My favorite band with that kind of music, and one of my favorite bands EVER... You gotta check out 'JANES ADDICTION'! I'm sure you've heard a song or 2, but for this band, a DEEP DIVE into their songs is very much needed! T, I'd love to see you check out some of JANES ADDICTION'S amazing songs. There's some great shit in there. Just listen to the album 'NOTHING SHOCKING', that's a good start! Please, give 'JANES' a try... I think you'll like it! 🤘😎🍻

[@paigevogt6510]

Great songs to check out… Spotlight by Future Leaders of the World Cochise by Audioslave All Mixed Up by the Cars. I think it’s the same album you’ve done a couple songs from! Givin’ Yourself Away by Ratt Girl Like You by the Smithereens Something in the Orange by Zach Bryan, the video version

[@garethmartin6522]

By the Clash's day Punk wasn't really that underground. I agree this sounds more like 50's rock than anything else. And honestly calling it pop-punk isn't really wrong, there was a whole pop-punk era era after Punk proper.

[@vodou61]

Oh no... Rock the Casbah and I Fought the Law seen a lot of radio play. You need some "Clash". Know Your Rights, London Calling, Straight To Hell, The Guns of Brixton. Songs that are still popular but with less radio time.

[@robertj2444]

Check out the song Radio Clash. It's more of a disco dance tune but it's great.

[@andrewhimes6058]

Remake of Bobby Fuller Four, I fought the Law (1966) sad ending to Bobby just as he was about to make it really big on to the California music scene he was found dead (Possibly murdered)

[@nickrizzi4927]

Punk Rock? Clash right there behind The Who (please allow the timeline.) Of course several greats on line next...Ramones, Sex Pistols, heck even Idol. Hard to stay pissed in your own misery when listening to this genre!! Good reaction!

[@AW11-e4h]

The only band that matters 🤘🤘

[@slamhard3429]

Actually this is a cover song. Dead Kennedys also covered this song bit re-wrote the lyrics, check it out!

[@robertj2444]

Also Brand New Cadillac

[@RaySawhill]

Good analysis. Love early Clash. They got a little self-important as the years went by, though. Try their song “White Riot.”

[@johnlillis1161]

if your doing Punk you have to do the King of Punk Iggy Pop give a listen to I Wanna Be Your Dog or 1969

[@cyclops60]

Most Clash reactors in the US seem to react to 'Should I stay or should I go' and 'Rock the Casbah', which are later, more commercial Clash. To get the authentic early Clash, try White Riot, I'm so bored with the USA (no offence ;-) ), Complete Control and White man in Hammersmith Palais (Iconic Clash). Cheers.

[@toddrotton218]

Train in vain, London calling, should I stay or should I go. Love the clash.

[@0PsychosisMedia0]

The Clash is a strange beast. But you are right. The sound was accessible, but thats what made them dangerous at the time. The top 2 punk bands making headlines were The Clash and Sex Pistols. Make no mistake. The authorities shut down their shows for any reason. A few micro roits flaired up when this happened.

[@monicamad1285]

Police on My Back 🔥

[@ErikaSMHS]

Highly covered song! Sonny and the Crickets. Bobby Fuller Four. But I love this version!! 🤘🏻

[@harryrabbit2870]

Yeah, very hard to top The Clash. My only argument with that band is that their albums had a millions songs on it, like they couldn't weed out their weaker work. Thanks. Great reaction.

[@scenxad]

Tommy gun, White Riot, Londons Burning, Garageland, Career Opportunities

[@jamesdavisjr6937]

London calling and rock the casbah are their best songs but since youre doing punk check out the dead boys aint it fun and sonic reducer

[@randallpetersen9164]

2:49 Robbin people with a pop-pop-pop-pop- Six gun!- pop-POP!

[@1889jonny]

Cover of the Sonny Curtis original... though I like The clash version more, my favourite Clash song is Rudie can't fail, but you need to check out more to find your own.

[@scottiebainbridge7871]

You should now listen to The Dead Kennedy's Version, which changes the words to U fought the law and I won

[@neilmccarthy5102]

The Clash covered a whole bunch of genres … other hits were ‘rock the casbah’ , ‘London calling ‘ , Tommy Gun’ , ‘should I stay..’ to name but a few

[@nisse9009]

Rock the casbah!!

[@paigevogt6510]

Hey guys! Just subscribed! I would love you to do Family by Badflower. They are a great band that not a lot of people know about!

[@spacelab777]

The first 2 Clash albums would be categorised as punk the rest of the stuff they branched out to other genres while keeping their punk aesthetics.

[@wgdavis5353]

Hi Mr. T., U were correct.. ♠Mr.G..

[@johngillespie3409]

No Crass is 😱✌️

[@mnob1122]

No way!! Anything off the first two albums(The Clash and Give Em Enough Rope), they’re late 70’s punk years.

[@robertfitterman3777]

This was actually a cover song. Their real punk stuff was anything from their first two albums and one of the best albums of all time in: London Calling.

[@TheAdventuresofTNT]

Ahhhh… I see

[@robertfitterman3777]

@@TheAdventuresofTNT anything from London Calling would be fire!!

[@randallpetersen9164]

@@TheAdventuresofTNT They were playing pool one night, heard this song, decided that it kicks ass and had to record it themselves. :)

[@robbielux8353]

Clash is one of the best

[@tsuzukerukun4]

Not try "My Way" yet? And The Jam too.

[@stevenmonte7397]

Police and Thieves! Janie Jones.

[@caros4734]

Still love The Clash.

[@RaySawhill]

For a fun comparison take a look at Bobby Fuller’s version of the song. Backed by the cutest go-go girls of the 1960s! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZjXgp1uhJ5lm6s

[@olddrummerguy]

You need to spend some time digging into the Clash. Early stuff. Ramones are also just super charged 50's rock.

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

THIS SONG IS A COVER OF AN OLD SONG FROM 60'S.👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@FMCH6444]

If you like this, you'll love Rudy Can't Fail

[@josephblake1441]

Next time T, I wanna see some torn up shirts and safety pins in your nose and a spiked collar.😅😅

[@yinzer]

It is, imo, and a cover.

[@Nashalbeth]

Stranger Things loves it

[@DP2369PD]

Know your rights and Rudy Can’t Fail

[@666bbdoll]

Rudy & Washington Bullets are 2 good songs.

[@Crunchatize_Me_Senpai]

I’m not super experienced with their music, but I’ve heard all their hits, and my favorite song by them is a slightly less popular one: Clash City Rockers. And yeah, Rock the Casbah is a huge outlier in their music, being this disco song when most of their other stuff (that I’ve heard, at least) is classic punk. Also, I feel like, before you start delving deep into their music, you should listen to “White Riot” just so it doesn’t catch you off guard further down the road. It’s not nearly as fucked up as the title sounds, it’s just about how the singer wishes white people would riot when they’re not happy with the government instead of keeping their heads down and conforming to the status quo. Back then, a band of white people saying “We’re doing it wrong, the black community has the right idea” was pretty progressive, but by today’s standards…well, it may seem kinda odd. I don’t know though, I’m white as hell and I don’t have any room to say one way or the other. Just figured I’d mention it.

[@TheAdventuresofTNT]

This something I seen with a lot of older punk bands. They were literally the epitome of the word “woke” before the meaning got twisted and used as political buzzword.

[@Crunchatize_Me_Senpai]

@@TheAdventuresofTNT Punk has easily been the most influential genre in history as far as proliferating progressive and humanitarian ideologies, from basically the very start. Not entirely, because some earlier punk (late 70s-early 90s especially) was homophobic just like the rest of the world back then, but they were still pro-racial equality and pro-class equality. And then later punk bands dropped the homophobia and became pro-LGBT+, and did a lot of work speaking out for that cause. It’s really been the only humanitarian-centered musical movement concerned we’ve seen since the hippie era.

[@conniekat3424]

I'm surprised they were able to keep the 'teeny bopper' sound in it...punk is so good...good at ruining anything! 🤣

[@TheAdventuresofTNT]

lol hahaha……this the funniest comment I’ve read today.

[@realityrealestate5755]

Your wrong the Clash became the next Beatles because of every genre they can do. Strummer made you think like Lennon and Jones like McCartney made the great music with it.

[@justmoose6534]

This is a cover of an older song.

[@roydownes2458]

i like the bobby fuller four version better. 'train in vain' is their best.

[@fourcolorinvestments8378]

Straight to Hell is their best song. This was determined long ago.

[@raymondcpl]

I would pick Straight To Hell as my fave Clash track. .. "Let me tell ya 'bout your blood bamboo, kid It ain't Coca-Cola, it's rice" Straight to hell, boy Go straight to hell, boy

[@bschuler6216]

I agree.

[@johnsrensen3366]

White riot is a real punk song

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

Any TRUE Clash fans should be taken back a bit by the notion that someone would suggest THIS is their greatest song. This is great song, but really just a cover song they did. If the very BEST any band had to offer was a competent cover of a 60’s Pop tune, I’d say they would have to be really boring compared to dozens of other bands. This is more like a novelty party tune on the US version of their debut album, and made an easy single for them to throw out there to radio stations to get noticed. None of their Radio Singles really rate anywhere close to what most true fans would call their best. In fact, people who NEVER really listened to em all will always wanna yell for people to play this, “Rock The Casbah”, “London Calling”, or most especially “Should I Stay or Should I Go”.. because those are the ONLY songs their Top 40 Pop Radio Station/MTV ears have ever heard. So, just to make it perfectly clear, most especially with this band.. if a reactor just plays one of the above mentioned high rotation safe-for-radio-airplay songs ONCE every maybe SIX MONTHS, I can honestly assure you that YOU’VE NEVER HEARD THE CLASH BEFORE. And because of that being the common denominator of how it plays out on these channels, most never will.. because after a few of these “Radio Hits”, most will walk away absolutely baffled thinking people are crazy to have said “The Clash is the only band that matters”. You won’t be able to rationalize the many many claims of their greatness or that they’re so many people’s favorite band from this original punk era. It will inevitably seem “OVERRATED” to you, but real fans will know.. it’s because you’ve never really heard The Clash at all, you just heard the tunes that were used to sell the records to the public at large, nothing too “challenging” or “confrontational”. 🙄 If you wanna hear The Clash PROPER: Grab a six pack of your favorite beer (that’s right BEER! None of the rich guy scotch or bourbons- this isn’t Steely Dan 😂).. Then listen to the US VERSION of The Clash self titled debut STRAIGHT THROUGH, song by song, and READ THE LYRICS. Keeping in mind, that that album was made the same year that BOSTON released their debut, ruling the airwaves along with Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac and The freakin’ Eagles. Then, you need to skip forward and listen to “LONDON CALLING” the FULL DOUBLE ALBUM, song for song the same as you had the first.. and most definitely READ THE LYRICS (they matter with this band.. a lot!). Suddenly, you’re gonna realize that this rowdy 1st generation original “punk” band is now incorporating elements of damn near every musical genre that existed at that point: Punk anthems, 50’s Rockabilly, Latin Pop, Jazz, Caribbean, Reggae and clever wistful Pop minus the Top 40 pretensions.. not only are they switching around styles at will, but they’re perfectly executed each song that passes and they’re FUCKING KILLING IT on each and every song, straight to the finish line at the end of side four! I have collected records for 40 years and from most every genre and era in music, and can easily put this album squarely at the top of my top 5 because it’s endlessly fascinating and tirelessly satisfying. It’s one of very few records that I’ve always found myself circling back to, over and over, again and again and again. By this point you should start really kind of freaking out a bit, realizing they’re maybe one of the best bands you’ve ever heard, and have consistently great tunes (like Zeppelin does) that even TRANSCEND the trappings of genrefications like “punk”.. they went far beyond being like any other band of that time, and if you had read the lyrics, you’d know that unlike most other bands around those times, they actually had something to say, and weren’t afraid to say it like they saw it. Riding that wave.. plan another day with another six pack, and listen to their “Combat Rock” album. You could probably skip over “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” and “Rock The Casbah” cause I’m sure you’ve heard em before. I wouldn’t skip em though, just to stick with the original flow of the record. Definitely READ the lyrics, and wrap your head around what they’re saying. There’s a lot to think about on this album as well.. consistency in the execution of solid well rounded songs.. add in even more experimentalization, but then think about this: WHO CAN YOU HONESTLY COMPARE THIS BAND TO? Because as far as original compositions go.. NO ONE does what they did, with such a high rate of timeless songs. Most anyone open minded enough, that isn’t pickled in only one or two genres or just inherently biased against punk would at this point realize the greatness of The Clash, and want to dig deeper. So then, I’d urge people to go back and check out all the releases I skipped over in focusing on these 3 records, and most notably its only at this point where most people can listen to their infamous triple album “Sandinista”, and really have the pallet to understand what The Clash are doing by switching up genre influences, and also the other pre-London Calling releases “Black Market Clash” and “Give Em Enough Rope”. This is definitely a band that deserves far more attention to each entire album than just a smattering of singles. Unfortunately, that’s more attention than most people are willing to give so they remain ignorant and largely misinformed on this band, which to me renders their opinions unqualified and totally out of their depth.

[@RaySawhill]

Another punk classic it’d be fun to watch you react to is Elvis Costello’s “What’s So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding”. (Song written by Nick Lowe.) kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaTHZIiVr86Wd6s

[@punksterdude8290]

Complete Control is the best song ever. White Riot, White Man In Hammersmith Palace,Tommy Gun, Safe European Home, Cheapskates, London's Burning.....take ya pick.

[@nuckle4270]

The best song from the clash is : Train in Vain

[@bschuler6216]

I'm not a big Clash fan. Straight To Hell is the only song i really like by them.

[@Kurtbornie]

Police and thieves

[@bmiamiwai]

Good early Claah. They have better.

[@josephblake1441]

Complete control or Straight to hell.

[@mojoriot2293]

I like the Clash, but this is just a cover from the 50s... How about checking out some of the songs that they wrote!?

[@ThirdEye...]

This is not a Clash Song, original reggae one from Junion Murvin…

[@russwr4946]

checkin in ...and nope

[@bruzer75]

I miss you, brother. BUT! They are a great band. They are a selllout band.

[@tylerhackner9731]

This is a cover

[@drexlraw9145]

great "pop' band..fugazi, amebix, MANY others are better examples of "punk"..

[@paulclements6277]

All clash songs are great…but I wouldn’t say this was their best…possibly complete control…white man in Hammersmith Palau’s..safe European home…Spanish bombs…I’d say these were better

[@barrelborer]

This is not The Clash doing punk. Try listening to their first album. Songs like White Riot, Janie Jones, Garageland, Complete Control and I'm so bored with the U.S.A. Those are The Clash doing punk.

[@gary6754]

the card cheat, janine jones. im so bored with the usa, rudy can't fail

[@DEFKONSIXTYSIXlml]

No no no Police & Thieves and Career Opportunities are WAY WAAYYY better than this overplayed slop

[@tommythompson9565]

No way is The Clash in the upper echelon of R&R bands. Come on, y'all. This song is boring and repetitive. The Clash are more a movement than a great rock band.