1965 Top Ten Songs: I Fought the Law (#4)

Tweet

This is a rare song, because it could technically be on BOTH the 1960 AND 1965 lists! (After the country song today you’re probably wishing I had done that! ) A song that’s 65 and a version that’s 60! Let’s celebrate with one of the classic songs of the 60s. #4: I Fought the Law - Bobby Fuller Four Yes, this song goes back to 1960. Sonny Curtis (who later wrote the theme song to The Mary Tyler Moore Show) wrote this and recorded it with the remainder of Buddy Holly’s band, the Crickets. But it was 1965, when the Bobby Fuller Four covered it, that the song became legendary. I mention subtle differences in versions. In the original, Curtis sang “robbing people with a zip gun,” and Fuller (and most of the subsequent covers) changed it to “robbing people with a six gun.” And if you’re wondering (or even if you aren’t ), a “zip gun” is a homemade weapon. You see, nothing has changed in this world. This was Fuller’s only hit. Less than a year later he was dead. And, if you really want a rabbit hole, Google his death. The “official” ruling was suicide, but there are about as many conspiracy theories about his death as JFK’s. But if you just want a terrific song that’s stood — and will continue to stand — the test of time, enjoy this. I Fought the Law Written by Sonny Curtis Recorded by the Bobby Fuller Four Released as a single, 1965 I needed money ‘cause I had none: