“Police and Thieves” (1977 – original from 1976)

The original “Police and Thieves” was recorded in 1976 by Jamaican reggae musician Junior Murvin. Reflecting the police brutality and turf wars in the country, it became an instant hit in Jamaica, and an even bigger hit in the UK.

International Anthem

After being released in the UK, the original song became an anthem of sorts when riots broke out in London. The Clash decided to record this “punk reggae” version, which appeared in 1977 on their debut album.

Clash of Culture

When Murvin first heard The Clash’s version, he scorned it, saying that “They have destroyed Jah work!” And co-writer Lee “Scratch” Perry, who had produced Murvin’s original reggae version, declared that The Clash had “ruined” the song. Nevertheless, he later went on to do some fine work with The Clash. _{(Image source)}

The Clash

The Clash were one of the first, pre-eminent, and seminal UK punk bands during the mid 1970s.

A Calling from Beyond

The band’s eponymous debut album became an instant punk classic. Their second album did not – largely because the band had already started to move beyond punk. However, with their 3rd album, “London Calling,” The Clash transcended the genre entirely, and began their ascent into the rock pantheon.* They did not look back.

* (In fact, “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked “London Calling” as the “Best Album” of the 1980s.) _{(Image source)}

Police and thieves in the streets
Oh yeah!

Scaring the nation with their guns and ammunition

Police and thieves in the street

Oh yeah!

Fighting the nation with their guns and ammunition

From Genesis to Revelation

The next generation will be hear me

From Genesis to Revelation

The next generation will be hear me

And all the crowd comes in day by day

No one stop it, in anyway

And all the peacemaker turn war officer

Hear what I say

[Vocal ad lib]

Police, police, police and thieves, oh yeah

Police, police, police and thieves, oh yeah

From Genesis, oh yeah

Police, police, police and thieves, oh yeah

Scaring, fighting the nation

Shooting, shooting their guns and ammunition

Police, police, police and thieves, oh yeah

Police, police, police and thieves, oh yeah

Here come, here come, here come

The station is bombed

Get out, get out, get out, you people

If you don't wanna get blown up

[Vocal ad lib]

Junior Murvin – “Police and Thieves”
_{_{(Right-click to hear on YouTube)}}

Into your ears … through 5 channels

The various posts are categorized into 5 channels _{(Right-Click to see details)}

         1 – “Music to Your Ears” (MTYE)

         2 – “Cover Versions”

         3 – “Honor Roll”

         4 – “Documentaries”

         5 – “Mock’n’Roll”