"I Shot the Sheriff" is a song written by Bob Marley and released in 1973 by Bob Marley and the Wailers.

Eric Clapton recorded a cover version that was included on his 1974 album 461 Ocean Boulevard. His take on the song has a soft rock and reggae sound. It is the most successful version of the song, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2003, Clapton's version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Lyrics

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy

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

I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense

I shot the sheriff, and they say it is a capital offense

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

I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense

I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense

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

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy

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

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy, oh no

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy, oh no

Songwriters: Bob Marley

I Shot the Sheriff lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.