The Story Behind the Song: 'I Fought The Law'

Nashville Songwriters Association's Bart Herbison talks with songwriter Sonny Curtis

[@sharonedwards6010]

What a sweet guy Sonny is. I knew about I fought the law but didn't know he wrote those other songs. Thanks for the songs.

[@Richard-ig4ou]

Bobby Fuller's version of "I Fought the Law" is one of the GREAT records. Thanks, Sonny: you hatched magic when you wrote it.

[@akbarlebowitz8151]

The Crickets' original recording is the best!!

[@TrikesterHal]

Yesterday TUM (Tucson Ukulele Meetup Group) played "I Fought the Law" I love this song!

[@TheJimbo1791]

Clash´ version is absolutely my favourite of all the great versions. Thanks Sonny for the great song. I could listen to Clash version 100 times a day, the energy is just magic. As if he made if for the band.

[@B.Hausen]

Crickets' Version is wonderful, maybe the best, I agree - and it is just because of a small detail: Delaying the third usually second hit of the snare on the drums to the fourth, as usual in many RnR-Songs that time. Nobody has done that since - wether the Clash, nor the Kennedys, nor.. anybody. Or? Cheers...

[@B.Hausen]

@Jimbo: Clash's version has caught the best tempo that song needs, therefore I agree. And the most possible aggressive guitar sound available at this time.

[@stratpac]

What a gentleman! Met Sony Curtis when he was visiting England about 1994 ish. Open air country festival in Cirencester. His one man show was a joy.

[@redflamered]

That Mary Tyler Moore theme is just genius.

[@kendel36]

story starts at 19:44

[@kianucollis3929]

@ Kenneth...thanks dude....Nice of you to post that, time is precious...plus I have a short attention sp....Elvis...!!

[@thomaspick4123]

Thanks, too much filler.

[@Bborg19]

thanks

[@vincentdemargne3275]

Thanks man. Waow, you saved me some Netflix time.

[@Kowasi]

@@thomaspick4123 The title's misleading. 'Mr. Sonny Curtis talks writing "Walk Right Back","Love Is All Around" and "I Fought The Law" and about The Crickets' is what's really going on here.

[@joepalooka2145]

Sonny Curtis is a songwriting genius. Anybody who could come up with "Love Is All Around" is as good as they get. I was a kid back in the '60s when "I Fought The Law" first hit the jukeboxes. I was totally fascinated and entranced by that song and I would play it every chance I got. Still love it to this day, not to mention all his other great songs.

[@davidmoore7968]

God gave Sonny Curtis great gifts as a performer and songwriter! I'm a big fan!

[@bizarmag]

I sure enjoyed this interview. Was never sure who wrote the song, but I grew up in my teen years going to the teen club that was owned by Bobby Fuller in El Paso, Texas. I always thought he had written it. Oh Well. I was there 2 to 3 nights a week. I can’t tell you how much fun I had dancing my butt off to all of their songs. The only one that was an “original” for them was "I Fought the Law”. I always had a special fondness for these guys, especially Bobby because he was the cutest and of course, the lead singer of a band in my home town!! The rest of the songs they performed at the teen club were Beatles, the Animals, and a few others from the early-mid 60’s. And, at the ages of 13 to 15, I thought they sounded exactly like the famous bands whose songs they sang! The teen center kind of flopped after the Bobby Fuller Four moved to L.A. I was devastated when I heard that he had died. A real shame. All through the years, whenever this song has come on the radio, I have relived those fun, carefree days. Lucky me!! And, for those of you who don’t like Sunny Curtis’s singing, hey, give the guy a break! This was a nice nostalgic moment for me until I read some of the petty comments toward the bottom. Shame on you.

[@jocko8888]

I tuned in for "I fought the Law" and learned something else. It so happens that within the last couple days I had been singing that verse to myself..."bring your love to me don't send it" Great song!!

[@DanFrechette]

"You wrote it by yourself!" That partially what sets the classic era apart from the modern era IMO.

[@barnabyaprobert5159]

I know, right? Now it seems like most songs are written by a committee!

[@lisaburns8597]

@@barnabyaprobert5159 In fairness, a lot of people back then were denied songwriting credits they probably should have gotten. Like the iconic piano opening of Bridge Over Troubled Water was written by the guy who played it, but the song was "Written by Paul Simon".

[@MN8]

good point@@lisaburns8597

[@ansias77]

Great video. Most people just talk about these 3 great songs by Sonny cause they were the most famous, but he has lots and lots at least as good as these. His song writting catalogue is breathless. No doubt he's one of the best and top song writters in rock music ever. God bless the Crickets

[@emmabradford137]

agree

[@buddynme]

Love you, Sonny! You're a true legend... hot damn...

[@daliborsnajdr6871]

Nice and humble guy, rock on Sonny!

[@TobiasLars]

tx for doing these...fun to hear the 'back stories'.

[@youmaycallmeken]

Wow!!!!! This such a great interview, love it!!!!!

[@rogerdodger5415]

That’s a great video! I really enjoy getting to see the actual person who created a song... especially a song that has been a part of the soundtrack for my life. Please keep these videos coming! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😎👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@emiliamartucci8291]

Thank you Sonny, Thank you for all the 2 minutes of happiness that you have scattered throughout my live.

[@shiteshovel6741]

@Tennesean, Wow! I’m late, but thank you so much! I’m a sound guy. No matter how you make them, I love the pioneers in music, this guy happened in the woods, and that’s my favorite, just happenstance, where it meets the road. I’m just appreciative for that. Thank you again! The cadence of that song is just......priceless forever

[@jennifursun3303]

love the tune and loved Bobbys music and guitar playing

[@hewgrebe4771]

Fun to see this show. Sonny Curtis is great. 👍

[@firefly5506]

Outstanding!

[@blayneaugust]

Absolutely love this - Thank you!

[@Lamvesp]

What an absolutely lovely guy.

[@newwavepop]

in my opinion the bridge part on Bobby Fullers version is one of the greatest vocals in all of pop and rock history. and sonny really writes some great little guitar hooks.

[@bradspicks]

Ditto to that NW Pop ~!

[@rzambory2938]

A+ MIND !! ty you for the music..I spent a lot of nights playing wipe out...GB !

[@TroubledLoner]

Great stuff. Amazing. The same guy created my idyllic childhood theme song of the Mary Tyler Moore Show AND my rebellious early adulthood of the Clash raging with 'I Fought the Law'. Wow.

[@PutItAway101]

"I fought the law" story starts at 19:43

[@jellobiafra2810]

I'm from Detroit (blow the reveille)! THANK YOU!-Dave B.

[@Pilot.Lindsay]

Thanks for Information.

[@barry58D]

Sigh! Love fest for 20 minutes

[@almi3767]

Thank you Good Samaritan!

[@joemartino6976]

Wow. Theme song to the MTM show! That's a story unto itself. 45 years later I can still remember every word.

[@emmabradford137]

you're gonna make it after all

[@00bikeboy]

"Breakin' rocks in the hot sun" "I fought the law and the law won" The first two lines of this song paint a picture that captures you instantly. Pure genius.

[@almilani4300]

I always thought I FOUGHT THE LAW was a great song not only for the words but for its length. The MUSIC and the instrumental portions were blended in just the right proportions to make the timing of the song not too short and not to long. The 6 drum beats mimicking the sound of the 6 gun was especially good timing that enhanced the overall beat of the song.

[@dannyoneil5058]

Sonny your such a positive song writer,Thanks.

[@stevejohnson2627]

Quality interview style. Informed and not interrupting. Great historical info.

[@andyinoregon]

Got to hear Sonny sing this song and many others when The Crickets Reunion Tour played at Gresham, Oregon's Skateworld roller rink in the late '80s. Met them all earlier in the day at a local record store appearance where drummer Jerry (J. I.) Allison used his hands on the autograph table to demonstrate that legendary paradiddle drum beat that opened the song "Peggy Sue."

[@mifolfree6683]

That's awesome! Peggy Sue is the song he used the empty box from a case of whiskey to beat on when first playing it with Buddy Holly. Hence the reason no cymbals. I love the Ed Sullivan Show appearance. Dudes on fire drumming.

[@thomaspick4123]

Nice to hear Sonny play. Bobby sang with all his might and passion. Bobby’s lead guitar break is so spirited too. Wish I could write a song like that, everyone record it, and get nice royalty checks the rest of my life.

[@almilani4300]

Dont we all !

[@jackhorton1846]

Great interview.

[@almilani4300]

The first song I ever played on a juke box was WAKE UP LITTLE SUSIE- BY THE EVERLY BROTHERS. THE JUKE BOX WAS IN A LAUNDROMAT IN SAVANNAH GEORGIA AND I ASKED MY MOM FOR A QUARTER. YOU GOT 5 SONGS FOR A QUARTER BACK THEN AND WAKE UP LITTLE SUZY WAS THE FIRST I PLAYED. I ALSO PLAYED " LADY LUCK" AND STAGGER LEE" by LLOYD PRICE. I ALSO PLAYED " MY HEART HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN" BY CONNIE FRANCES. FUNNY HOW I CAN REMEMBER DOING THAT IN ABOUT 1958 AND I CANT REMEMBER WHAT I HAD FOR BREAKFAST TODAY !

[@Ndlanding]

Nor can you remember where the Caps Lock key is.

[@JohnDoe-pm3oq]

Great story, Al. I "get it." Thirteen years later, my first juke box selection was Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, "I Don't Blame You At All."

[@JohnDoe-pm3oq]

@@Ndlanding Your comment is disrespectful. But, you probably don't have the rearing to care.

[@Ndlanding]

@@JohnDoe-pm3oq Sorry, I didn't realize I was chatting with disabled people.

[@JohnDoe-pm3oq]

@@Ndlanding Takes one to know one.

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

If you write a song while employed by someone, technically the employer owns it. This applies to most things you invent while employed by a company. I wonder if that issue ever came up. Fantastic series of interviews. Sonny is indeed a songwriting legend.

[@mikegooch8525]

copyright law is entirely different from intellectual property law which covers inventions (patents), but even then it's not always dfficult to obtain a patent of your own invention if you work for a company. back to copyrights, if you wrote a book while working for a company, you own the copyright. it's yours. it works the same for songs.

[@markshade8398]

That is true if the nature of the employment is relative to the song writing AND if you do it on their time. If the job is not relative to songwriting (like carpentry or being a mechanic) then it would not be so. And if you write the song on your own time and with your own personal equipment then it also would not be property if the employee.

[@TraceeRae]

@@mikegooch8525 thanks for clearing that up, I was stumped for just a second because of the original comment. I worked at a place that had a policy of, if you invent something, the company owns the patent, I never even thought about music (and I did play in a band and write songs back then) , but your correct, music is copyrighted, and is not covered under the same policy as patents are. But also I’m sure that if the song was work related, ( maybe you wrote a jingle for the company) If the company wanted it, they would pay you for the copyright to own the song.

[@petervanhulle7459]

Oh, how small I feel when Sonny talks about his songs. Dank je/ thank you Sonny. Greetings from Flanders, Dirk.

[@chuffpup]

What a lovely guy. I just think America is a land of dreams.. I'm in New Zealand, and we are a bit off the beaten track. This guy is like a legendary figure, in a legendary place. Phew!

[@ecfanning1496]

This hasn't aged well.😱

[@webbnolen]

Wow, what a humble and giant talented "tune smith."

[@almilani4300]

Yes- I didnt know- he wrote those songs that were so popular at the time. Especially the Mary Tyler Moore one.

[@michaelbrooke6326]

Sonny is one of the nicest people ive met, fantastic songwriter!

[@jackieselvey6639]

Awsome songs you wrote. Thanks

[@TheMadgit]

Legend, love Sonny and J I

[@monkmchorning]

The Mary Tyler Moore theme, and more! Love the songwriters.

[@henryweaver667]

Very simple talented and humble man, good for you.....

[@outtathyme5679]

This made my day

[@barrygarthjones5717]

GREAT SONG GREAT SONG WRITER SONNY CURTIS IS WONDERFULAND ALWAYS WAS RIGHT FROM DAY 1 WITH BUDDY .RIGHT ON SONNY

[@scottclark7592]

very nice video of a real gentleman.

[@CHUMPTYTRUMPTY]

Now I want to meet Sonny and hang out with him!

[@permogensen3964]

I met him 3 times . Very nice fellow

[@timwright1563]

Thank you

[@NuncNuncNuncNunc]

A true treasure!

[@jason.martin]

Wow, this history is great to hear about.

[@keithfalconer7529]

Little did he know it would become the best song for punk bands to cover and sounds great as a pop/punk song

[@markbrown7913]

Another unlikely song every punk band I saw in the late 70's seemed to have a cover of was The Monkees' "Steppin Stone".

[@johnnada1222]

It’s a garage rock band standard since 65 . I talked to a guy the other day who thought it was a Clash original ,boy was he surprised when I gave him the history of it .

[@Daytripper51]

I always considered the line "Robbing people with a 6 gun...." followed by 6 drum beats a stroke of genius!!!

[@almilani4300]

Yes! It really MADE THE SONG !

[@40stbotolph]

Every time I hear Roger Miller's "Engine Engine Number 9" it's like hearing "Walk Right Back" with different lyrics. I wonder if Sonny's lawyer had anything to say about it.

[@terenceboris851]

Matthew Hasson : it’s that 6th

[@danneumann3274]

the clash did a pretty darn good version of I fought the law

[@bobc.5698]

It looks like Neil Young used 'Walk Right Back' for his song Harvest Moon.

[@ENZO-ARTIST]

100% direct rip off? Eh I'm Canadian; I hope not! Cheers!

[@terenceboris851]

Bob C. : sounds more like ‘flying on the ground is wrong’

[@sharpenflat6002]

That is what you call "a vamp". It has been a typical "fill" for 5 to 6 decades for guitar players. I'm sure it might get used again in the future.

[@terenceboris851]

kizmi axe : exactly

[@bhollyfanhardin9627]

Roger Millers ''engine engine number 9'' is also a blatant ripoff even more so than the Neil Young song ''Harvest moon''............

[@mifolfree6683]

I say the theme song for the MTM show helped inspire the creators and writers to get crackin' and influenced part of her character. Music/songs tell stories that are part of life for all.

[@SgtMjr]

Every spring I sing 'I fought the lawn and the lawn won'

[@f.a.toledo8102]

Bill Bird Ha ha !!!!

[@jimtuyls1795]

Loved the song and seeing your family. Carla and Jim 2019

[@stephenfiore9960]

....end of the summer is the thickest grass in Gainesville Florida. The spring grass is more thinly spaced, this easier to mow

[@mitchgawlik1175]

I like knowing who wrote and what the story is behind many songs. This was interesting. Bart is an enthusiastic interviewer and Sonny is a subject who has plenty to say in a friendly way.

[@johnbailey520]

What! That version of IFTL might suddenly be my favorite!

[@patricklemire9278]

I’m so glad Sonny is as business smart as he is humble

[@Peasmouldia]

I been playing this in C for years, gonna be playing it in D from now on.....The mans a proper legend. Thank you sir.

[@johnnyjohnson1370]

Bobby Fuller did it in G

[@that_thing_I_do]

So very cool

[@joycequirico6636]

Bobby Fuller 4 was the best version, it put them in the Grammy Hall Of Fame

[@johnclayton1026]

Bobby was from El Paso Tx. He lived in the Scottsdale area.

[@kevdean9967]

Love that version and The Clash's!!!

Fuller owns the song . never knew he just got out of jail before doing the song

[@chrismulwee4911]

@ For the longest time I though Fuller's was the original but about ten years ago I Found out it was originally by The Crickets-post Buddy Holly.

@@chrismulwee4911 Crickets did that? Wow never heard it . I meant to say that the BF4 owned it by the way they took Curtis' song and made it their own, and Fuller just getting out of jail may have been the edge

[@JeffersonMartinSynfluent]

Love hearing drop D tuning.

[@chipgaasche4933]

Good for you. Lol

[@1946scoop]

I recall reading somewhere that the Everlys recorded Walk Right Back before Sonny Curtis had finished writing it. Some later cover versions (e.g. Nanci Griffith) include a verse written later which the Everlys didn't include.

[@fleadoggreen9062]

The ending on love is all around is a perfect ending

[@dwigpa]

Love Bobby Fuller 4's version.

[@ronaldcammarata3422]

A great American song.

[@JuanAdam12]

My favorite part of the song--and its money-maker hook--is the six-drum beat over the lyric "[robbing people with a] six-gun."

[@gazzie12000]

Original lyric (Crickets version) is "zip gun", Bobby Fuller later changed it to "six gun" in his version.

[@JuanAdam12]

If that’s true then the rewrite totally changes the imagery of the song. I always pictured the narrator as someone in the Wild West era. Not some concrete jungle greaser.

[@AC-hj9tv]

First ever heard the Clash version, Dead Kennedys, then the original. Influential tune

[@davepowell4740]

Met him in the Winning Post in York 30years ago

[@terenceboris851]

WALK RIGHT BACK : the opening chord riff is reminiscent of NEIL Young’s ‘flying on the ground is wrong’ and also the Beatles’ ‘I’ll be back’ : both have that lovely major 6th to major 7th motion

[@johnnada1222]

You mean they are reminiscent of Walk Right Back which was recorded in 1961 prior to those two songs.

[@ChayBode]

Why can't you put the camera in front of him playing so we can see what notes/chords he is playing?

[@Ebolter1]

because you would be as good as him , and we can not have that

[@Peasmouldia]

He's playing it in dropped D.

[@ChayBode]

@@Peasmouldia Cheers :)

[@ChayBode]

@@Ebolter1 Lol, got to buy the sheet music written by a keyboard player!

[@ofrabjousday1]

My thoughts exactly. You'd think any songwriter's association would know that would be of key importance to a viewer musician. (No pun intended.)

[@realityrealestate5755]

The best and most famous version of "I fought the law" was done by the Clash. Truly explosive and unforgettable!

[@ronaldcammarata3422]

You mean by the Bobby Fuller Four. Anyway, too bad Buddy Holly never got a chance.

[@Ndlanding]

@@ronaldcammarata3422 Buddy Holly fought the law of gravity, and guess who won?

[@ronaldcammarata3422]

The Clash? Yeah, sure. (The British always overinflate the signifance of their performers.)

[@markstevenson7577]

@@ronaldcammarata3422 I think your a little confused son ...... Never accuse the Brits of overflating their performers, who was it who came over to the States & revived the music after the 50's?

[@TomClarkSouthLondon]

@@Ndlanding WOW! did you think of that stupid comment all by yourself? . . . . . .or did you get an adult to help you?🖕

[@markhedin6764]

damn, cut short at the best part! can we see the rest of the song?

[@Kowasi]

Some debate exists about whose version of 'I Fought The Law' is the best. Many cite The Bobby Fuller Four, and many prefer The Clash. I think the version to be heard from 24:52 is a delight.

[@kevdean9967]

I'll go with the Clash but they're all great!

[@akbarlebowitz8151]

Try the original recording by "The Crickets" with Sonny Curtis playing on it.

[@toddkurzbard]

The Bobby Fuller 4 is the ONLY version that counts.

[@doitnowvideosyeah5841]

Love this song but did anyone else find this labelled'I fought the Law'?

[@daleclarkomagickdog3738]

They speak of 3 songs. That's the last 3rd of the video.

[@alan.hodges7246]

Sonny is one of the three best song writers in the world along with John Philips And Brian Wilson

[@johnnada1222]

That is some good company there. I was just listening to “ Straight Shooter “ and “Go where you want to go “ this morning.

[@williamcarrithers7480]

In original wording of song, it isnt a six gun, but a zip gun.

[@MrMusicguyma]

Sonny wrote a 2nd verse, later, how come you didn't let him sing the 2nd verse.

[@daveyvane9431]

Randy Fuller had the record and suggested they do it

[@juancervantes4085]

"Cause only the good die young"! -Billy Joel

[@johngore7744]

Wow when he’s playing ‘Love is all around’ I can hear The Crickets sound and half expect to hear Buddy sing’ Slipping and a slidin

[@reydeguerra2807]

The intro sounds like neil youngs' "Harvest Moon." Appears too me Neil Young stole the lick from Sony.

[@tonyshoe3131]

ur right. neil should be paying him some $$$$

[@stephenfiore9960]

....That’s the first thing I thought

[@elektrolyte]

that hit me RIGHT between the EYES... HARVEST MOON :)))

[@macplumber]

I was thinking the same thing, then played it on the guitar. Can't believe that I didn't notice that before. 🤔

[@terenceboris851]

Rey DeGuerra : sounds like ‘flying on the ground is wrong’ too

[@lamper2]

Love's made a fool of you sounds like this-explain please.

[@jacklincoln7786]

WT??? The host talks too much! 0:25:00 Then, finally he plays it, and is cut off.

[@chuffpup]

Yeah, I thought so too, at first. And, it's a shame it seems that way, but after a bit.. I realize he's a good interviewer. He gets to the good stories, he treats this great man with respect and some real awe.. The man, takes it all in his stride, and they have a good rapport. You need to understand it's been edited, made to fit into an alloted time, and get it the best they can. Good job, I say.

[@4sknns]

@@chuffpup so what is KZbin's "allotted time" these days?

[@chuffpup]

@@4sknns Okay, I have no idea what I'm talking about. It's true. Just trying to be nice... Actually, I thought they might make this series to a certain length, but nope, seems they just edit them how they see fit. It's a great song anyway. There's a cool video of the guy who covered it, with go go dancers in cowboy outfits... with guns. Groovy.

[@kernriver1967]

Wow, took Basic Training at Ft. Ord 1969 then went to for Ft Gordon for advance training... But Vietnam, Europe.. 😏🙄😉😎

[@oatnoid]

Twenty minutes and immortality. Wow. Not to mention the cash. I was on Work project bus for traffic tickets and all us ne'er do wells started singing this song. The Sherriff deputy driving the bus started cracking up and then some clowns drove by and a passenger hung a bare ass out the window. Somebody told her to shoot him in the butt, they won't find an entrance wound.

[@Lucas_mateo101]

This song is actually by the cricket that buddy holly band but the Bobby fuller four think their song I fought the law first but that cricket song I fought the law

[@andrewfischer8564]

want to hear his thoughts on bobby fullers murder?

[@leomagregg7304]

Cops killed him and staged his death as suicide.No frigging way Bobby took his own life

[@chariotdrvr14]

My favorite version of 'I Fought The Law' was by The Clash

[@jmad627]

chariotdrvr14 it is great I agree. Love Bobby Fuller Four's cover as well.

[@johnnada1222]

They try to hard , Bobby Fuller and then the Crickets or Vice Versa. The Clash ? Some where down the list because the best part of their version is a copy of the other two versions

[@alanfriesen9837]

Boy, he sure sounds like Roger Miller.

[@ellenw391]

I thought the Mary Tyler Moore theme, "love is all around," was the more interesting story

[@TheJukeboxhero15]

DID THIS POOR MAN EVER GET ROYALTIES? THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE

[@stephenfiore9960]

TheJukeboxhero15 ..... in the video he said it was his most important copyright, so I guess he was getting money...

[@TheJukeboxhero15]

@@stephenfiore9960 DO NOT GUESS, YOU DO NOT KNOW.

[@Ndlanding]

@@TheJukeboxhero15 He made it abundantly clear earlier in the interview, ya turd!

[@vajrasattva1]

He literally said, "It's my most important copyright." about I Fought the Law.

[@johnnada1222]

The guy lives in Palos Verdes a VERY expensive neighborhood in Southern California.

[@jaford2]

@25:01 the original creator plays his own folk/country version of this classic... Amazing!

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

It's funny, when he sings he sounds like Mac Davis.

[@Ebolter1]

I think he played with Mac D , going to look that up

[@terset9912]

I fought the law starts around 18 minutes in....

[@mitchellsimi5373]

19:41 "I Fought The Law" 😉😉😉

[@artisanmetalcraft]

Hope he’s getting some Royalties from Harvest Moon