I Shot The Sheriff By Bob Marley 
Lyrics + Meaning

I Shot The Sheriff By Bob Marley | Lyrics + Meaning

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

"I Shot the Sheriff," is a classic reggae piece written by Bob Marley and released in 1973 on The Wailers' Burnin' album. To this day it stands as one of Marley's most iconic songs. With its catchy reggae beat and thought-provoking lyrics, it tells the story of a man who confesses to shooting a sheriff but denies any involvement in the murder of a deputy. The song’s narrative and deeper meanings have made it the subject of much discussion, especially given its themes of justice and rebellion.

The Birth Control Theory

In 2012, Bob's former girlfriend, Esther Anderson, offered a surprising twist on the song's meaning. She claimed that the lyrics, particularly the line "Every time I plant a seed / He said kill it before it grows," were inspired by Marley's opposition to her use of birth control pills. According to Anderson, Marley disliked the idea of preventing life and used the metaphor of the sheriff (representing a figure of control) to replace the word "doctor" in the original idea.

Controversy and Legacy

Interestingly, "I Shot the Sheriff" became part of a larger cultural conversation in 1992, during the controversy surrounding Ice-T’s song "Cop Killer." Marley's song was frequently cited by Ice-T's supporters, who argued that Marley's track, despite addressing similar themes of authority and resistance, did not receive the same criticism as Ice-T's, highlighting perceived hypocrisy in the way such themes were treated by the public and media.

The Eric Clapton Cover

In 1974, blues rock musician Eric Clapton covered *"I Shot the Sheriff"* on his *461 Ocean Boulevard* album. Clapton’s version introduced a bluesy rock interpretation of the reggae classic, and it quickly became a hit. In fact, Clapton’s rendition reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his only US number-one single. His version was praised for its smooth sound, though it didn’t include a guitar solo, which many might have expected from Clapton.

Clapton’s success with the song helped to further popularize reggae music in mainstream Western audiences, introducing them to Marley's powerful storytelling and the rhythms of reggae.

"I Shot the Sheriff" remains a classic example of Bob Marley's ability to blend personal experiences with broader social commentary. Whether viewed as a straightforward tale of rebellion against injustice, a metaphor for Marley's views on personal autonomy, or simply a great reggae track, it has become an enduring part of his legacy, continuing to inspire listeners to question authority and fight for their rights.

Here are some other great Bob Marley Songs you will love.

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References & Sources I Shot The Sheriff By Bob Marley

1. Bob Marley & The Wailers – I Shot the Sheriff. (n.d.). Genius. https://genius.com/Bob-marley-and-the-wailers-i-shot-the-sheriff-lyrics

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