I Shot the Sheriff
A Marley song about justice that gave Eric Clapton his only American number one.
Bob Marley and the Wailers, from Burnin' (1973)
- Written by
- Bob Marley
- Released
- 12 February 1973
- Length
- 4:39
- Album
- Burnin'
Marley wrote it and recorded it at Harry J Studio with Chris Blackwell and the Wailers producing. He said he chose the word sheriff instead of police to avoid a backlash from the government, while keeping the same message about justice. Aston Barrett added extra lead guitar on the album track. A live version of 5:18 is on Live! (1975). Clapton was given Burnin' by his guitarist George Terry.
Covers
Eric Clapton recorded it for 461 Ocean Boulevard (1974), produced by Tom Dowd. It reached number one on the US Hot 100 on 14 September 1974, his only American number one, and number nine in Britain. It entered the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003. Warren G interpolated it in 1997.
Covers and versions
- Eric Clapton (1974) Number one on the US Hot 100, his only one.
- Warren G (1997) An interpolation or sample.
More songs by Bob Marley and the Wailers
No Woman, No Cry, Get Up, Stand Up, Exodus, Three Little Birds, Redemption Song, Jamming, Is This Love, Could You Be Loved, Buffalo Soldier
Sources
- I Shot the Sheriff, Wikipedia
- Burnin' (Bob Marley and the Wailers album), Wikipedia
- Bob Marley, Wikipedia