I Shot the Sheriff

I Shot the Sheriff is a song written by Bob Marley. The song was first released on The Wailers' album Burnin'. Eric Clapton recorded a cover version that was included on his album, 461 Ocean Boulevard. It is the most successful version of the song, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Clapton's only chart-topping hit in the U.S.

[Chorus 1] I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy [Verse 1] 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 [Chorus 2] I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense I shot the sheriff, and they say it is a capital offense [Verse 2] 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 [Chorus 2] [Verse 3] 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 [Chorus 1] [Verse 4] 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 [Chorus 1]