20 Songs About Lawyers And The Law

As someone who has spent years navigating the complex world of law, I’ve come to appreciate how the legal profession and its intricacies have inspired musicians across genres and decades. The courtroom drama, the pursuit of justice, and the moral dilemmas faced by lawyers have all found their way into popular music, often providing insightful commentary on our legal system.

I’m excited to share with you this playlist that captures various aspects of lawyers and the law. From blues legends lamenting injustice to rock stars critiquing the system, these tracks offer a fascinating glimpse into how artists perceive and portray the legal world.

1. “Sue Me, Sue You Blues” by George Harrison

“Sue Me, Sue You Blues” is a scathing commentary on the legal battles that engulfed The Beatles after their breakup, written by George Harrison and released on his 1973 album “Living in the Material World”.

The song was inspired by the numerous lawsuits between the former Beatles members, particularly Paul McCartney’s lawsuit to dissolve the band’s business partnership. Harrison uses a square dance theme to satirize the back-and-forth nature of the legal proceedings, with lyrics like:

“You serve me and I’ll serve you 

Swing your partners, all get screwed 

Bring your lawyer and I’ll bring mine 

Get together, and we could have a bad time”

Harrison employs a blues-based bottleneck guitar riff to accompany the sardonic lyrics. The song expresses frustration at the legal system and how it was affecting the former bandmates, rather than directing anger at the other Beatles themselves.

The phrase “Sue Me, Sue You Blues” became part of Harrison’s regular vocabulary when discussing Beatles-related legal issues throughout the 1970s.

2. “Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name Of This Song So We Wouldn’t Get Sued” by Fall Out Boy

This song, from Fall Out Boy’s 2005 album “From Under the Cork Tree”, has an intriguing title that reflects the band’s experience with legal concerns in the music industry.

The original title of the song was reportedly “My Name Is David Ruffin And These Are The Temptations”, a reference to the lead singer of The Temptations. However, the band’s lawyer advised them to change the title to avoid potential legal issues, resulting in the playfully meta title we know today.

The song itself doesn’t directly address legal matters in its lyrics. Instead, it deals with themes of fame and its effects on relationships. However, the title serves as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the legal complexities and potential liabilities in the music industry, particularly regarding references to other artists or copyrighted material.

3. “Legal Boys” by Elton John

“Legal Boys” is a track from Elton John’s 1982 album “Jump Up!”. The song was written by Elton John with lyrics by Tim Rice, marking their first collaboration.

The lyrics of “Legal Boys” paint a poignant picture of a relationship breakdown and its legal aftermath. The song explores the emotional toll of divorce proceedings and the cold, impersonal nature of the legal system in handling what was once a loving relationship.

Key lyrics include:

“The legal boys are here again 

To talk about the cost 

Of breaking up a love affair 

That should have never been lost”

The song reflects on the transformation of intimate conversations into formal legal discussions, and the resentment towards the “legal boys” who now mediate communication between former lovers.

4. “Lawyer Clark Blues” by Sleepy John Estes

“Lawyer Clark Blues” is a unique blues song recorded by Sleepy John Estes in 1941. Unlike many blues songs that criticize the legal system, this song is actually a tribute to a lawyer who helped Estes out of legal trouble.

The song praises Lawyer Clark (actually spelled Clarke) for his skills and fairness. Estes sings:

“Now, Mist’ Clark is a good lawyer, he good as I ever seen 

He’s the first man that prove that water run upstream”

This lyric suggests that Clarke was able to achieve seemingly impossible outcomes for his clients. The song also notes that Clarke served both rich and poor clients fairly:

“Now, he lawyer for the rich, he lawyer for the poor 

He don’t try to rob nobody, just bring along a little dough”

“Lawyer Clark Blues” provides a rare positive portrayal of a lawyer in blues music, reflecting Estes’ personal gratitude and respect for Lawyer Clarke.

5. “This Side Of The Law” by Johnny Cash

“This Side Of The Law” is a thought-provoking song written and performed by Johnny Cash, released in 1970. The song explores the complex relationship between individuals and the law, questioning the nature of right and wrong.

Cash’s lyrics present a moral dilemma, asking:

“On this side of the law, 

On that side of the law, 

Who is right? 

Who is wrong? 

Who is weak? 

Who is strong? 

Who is for and who’s against the law?”

The song tells the story of a man who struggles to make ends meet on his farm and turns to illegal activities out of desperation. Cash humanizes this character, emphasizing that he didn’t intend harm and was simply trying to provide for his family:

“You see, I didn’t really mean and harm, 

But I simply couldn’t make it on the farm. 

When the land won’t give a lot 

You gotta do with what you got.”

Throughout the song, Cash challenges the listener to consider the circumstances that lead people to break the law and the fine line between lawful and unlawful behavior. The repetitive chorus serves to reinforce the central question of moral ambiguity in relation to the law.

6. “Philadelphia Lawyer” by Woody Guthrie

“Philadelphia Lawyer” is a clever and humorous song written by Woody Guthrie, which plays on the stereotype of the cunning, smooth-talking lawyer. The song tells the story of a Philadelphia lawyer who travels to Reno, Nevada (known as the “divorce capital of the world” in the mid-20th century) and becomes romantically involved with a cowboy’s wife.

The phrase “smart as a Philadelphia lawyer” was proverbial by the early 19th century, tracing back to a famous 1733 case where Andrew Hamilton, a Philadelphia-based lawyer, successfully defended printer John Peter Zenger in a landmark freedom of the press case.

Guthrie’s lyrics humorously depict the lawyer’s downfall:

“The cowboy saw them kissin’ When they thought he was asleep He’s long ago been listenin’ To hear some bedroom talk But this is the first time he heard A lawyer really talk”

The song ends with poetic justice as the cowboy shoots the lawyer, concluding with the wry observation that “the cowboy’s aim was better than the lawyer’s legal skill.”

This song showcases Guthrie’s talent for combining social commentary with entertaining storytelling, using the stereotypes of the eastern “scalawag” and Reno’s reputation for quick divorces to create a memorable tale.

7. “I Fought The Law” by The Clash

While “I Fought The Law” is most famously associated with The Clash, it was originally written by Sonny Curtis and first recorded by The Crickets in 1960. However, The Clash’s 1979 version transformed the song into a punk anthem, giving it a harder edge and more rebellious spirit.

The Clash’s rendition is faster and more aggressive than previous versions, featuring a driving guitar riff that became iconic. The lyrics tell the story of a criminal who breaks the law and faces the consequences:

“Robbin’ people with a six-gun I fought the law and the law won”

The Clash made subtle but impactful changes to the original lyrics. For example, Joe Strummer occasionally changed “I left my baby” to “I killed my baby,” adding a darker tone to the song.

The song’s theme of rebellion against authority resonated strongly with the punk movement of the late 1970s. The Clash’s version captures the desperation and defiance of someone who chooses to break the law, while also acknowledging the futility of fighting against the system.

8. “The Trial” by Pink Floyd

“The Trial” is a pivotal track from Pink Floyd’s 1979 rock opera “The Wall”. Written by Roger Waters and Bob Ezrin, this theatrical piece serves as the climax of the album’s narrative, depicting the psychological breakdown of the main character, Pink.

The song is structured as a surreal courtroom drama, where Pink is put on trial for “showing feelings of an almost human nature.” Various characters from Pink’s life appear as witnesses:

1. The Schoolmaster: Represents the oppressive educational system
2. The Wife: Symbolizes Pink’s failed relationships
3. The Mother: Embodies overprotective parenting

Each character is portrayed in a grotesque, exaggerated manner in the song and accompanying animation, reflecting Pink’s distorted mental state.

The Judge, depicted as a giant pair of buttocks in the film, delivers the final verdict:

“The evidence before the court is Incontrovertible, there’s no need for The jury to retire In all my years of judging I have never heard before Of someone more deserving Of the full penalty of law”

The song culminates with the Judge ordering Pink to “tear down the wall,” symbolizing the need for Pink to break down his emotional barriers.

“The Trial” is a complex piece that combines elements of opera, rock, and theatrical performance to explore themes of isolation, mental health, and the consequences of emotional repression. Its unique structure and vivid imagery make it a standout track in Pink Floyd’s discography and a powerful commentary on the psychological “trials” we face in life.

9. “Send Me To The ‘Lectric Chair” by Bessie Smith

This 1927 blues song was one of the first to address capital punishment in popular music. Bessie Smith, known as the “Empress of the Blues,” delivers a powerful performance as she portrays a woman who has killed her lover and is now facing execution. The song explores themes of guilt, regret, and the harsh realities of the justice system in the Jim Crow era. Smith’s emotive vocals and the stark subject matter made this a landmark recording that influenced later social protest music.

10. “A Singer Must Die” by Leonard Cohen

This song appears on Cohen’s 1974 album “New Skin for the Old Ceremony.” It’s a complex, poetic meditation on the role of the artist in society. Cohen uses the metaphor of a singer facing execution to explore ideas about truth, authenticity, and the price of speaking out. The song reflects Cohen’s literary background and his ability to blend personal and political themes in his songwriting. It’s considered one of his more enigmatic and thought-provoking works.

11. “Lawyers, Guns and Money” by Warren Zevon

Released in 1978 on Zevon’s album “Excitable Boy,” this song became one of his signature tunes. It tells a darkly humorous tale of a man who gets into increasingly dangerous international escapades and repeatedly calls his father for help, asking for “lawyers, guns and money”. The song satirizes American foreign policy and the behavior of privileged individuals in precarious situations. Zevon claimed he wrote it on cocktail napkins while on vacation in Hawaii, inspired by “a long day of improbable and grotesque mischief”.

12. “Martial Law” by Lou Reed

This song appears on Reed’s 1983 album “Legendary Hearts.” As with much of Reed’s work, it offers a gritty, street-level perspective on social issues. The song addresses the concept of martial law and its implications for civil liberties. Reed’s characteristic deadpan delivery and stark musical style emphasize the serious nature of the subject matter. While not as well-known as some of his other works, “Martial Law” demonstrates Reed’s ongoing engagement with political themes throughout his career.

13. “The Law” by Reach

“The Law” is a single released by the Swedish rock band Reach in 2020. The song explores the concept of law as a controlling and oppressive force in society. Ludvig Turner, the band’s singer, guitarist, and songwriter, describes it as a commentary on “the evil machinery of mankind”.

The song’s lyrics delve into the idea that laws are not always created for the benefit of the people, but rather as a means of control. Turner explains that the song is “dedicated to the broken and corrupt states around the world” and calls attention to the “controlling systems and oppressive structures that govern us”.

Musically, the song features a riff that Turner describes as sounding “evil and industrial,” which helped inspire the lyrics. The first line that came to him was “I’m the escape, salvation, the mother of lies,” setting the tone for the song’s exploration of law as a complex and potentially sinister force.

14. “Law Man” by Jefferson Airplane

This 1971 track from Jefferson Airplane’s album “Bark” was written by Grace Slick. It offers a critical perspective on law enforcement, particularly focusing on issues like illegal search and seizure. The song reflects the countercultural attitudes of the era, expressing skepticism towards authority figures and legal institutions. Grace Slick’s distinctive vocals and the band’s psychedelic rock style characterize the track.

15. “Don’t Be A Lawyer” by Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Cast ft. Burl Moseley

This song appears in the fourth season of the TV show “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.” Performed by Burl Moseley, who plays the character Jim, it’s a humorous and satirical take on the legal profession.

The song is styled as a new jack swing number, reminiscent of Bobby Brown, complete with drum machine and choreographed dance moves. It’s packed with lawyer jokes and clever rhymes that highlight the perceived downsides of the profession.

Some of the lyrics include:

“Your only expertise is running up fees 

Speaking legalese like a dick 

But it’s not too late to avoid this fate 

Find any other job to pick”

The song touches on issues like law school debt, long working hours, and the tedium of certain legal tasks. It even breaks its own rhythm to emphasize the polysyllabic nature of legal work:

“Law school debt, daily regret Is that what you dreamed of as a kid? 

Or did you hope one day that you’d find a way 

To spend four years working on a Pharmaceutical company’s merger with another pharmaceutical company?”

Interestingly, the song has resonated with actual lawyers, sparking discussions in legal forums about the realities of the profession.

16. “Better Get A Lawyer” by The Cruel Sea

Released in November 1994, “Better Get A Lawyer” was the lead single from The Cruel Sea’s fourth studio album, “Three Legged Dog.” The Australian indie rock band’s song reached number 29 on the ARIA Charts.

The track borrows heavily from Jon Wayne’s “Texas Jailcell,” giving Wayne a songwriting credit. It was well-received, ranking at number 14 in the Triple J Hottest 100 of 1994, making it the fifth highest-placing song by an Australian artist that year.

The song’s music video, shot in black and white, depicts the band’s lead singer Tex Perkins being arrested and the band placed in a cell. Interestingly, part of the video had to be censored due to concerns about Perkins’ facial expression during a scene where he’s put in a headlock.

“Better Get A Lawyer” gained additional exposure when it was used in an Australian Road and Traffic Authority (RTA) advertisement targeting drunk driving. This use of the song in a public service context added an extra layer of significance to its legal theme.

17. “The Ballad Of Bonnie & Clyde” by Georgie Fame

Released in December 1967, “The Ballad Of Bonnie & Clyde” was inspired by the film “Bonnie and Clyde” starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. Written by Mitch Murray and Peter Callander, the song reached number one in the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number seven in the US Billboard Chart.

The song’s style evokes the 1920s and 1930s era of the infamous outlaws, featuring sounds of gun battles, car chases, and police sirens. Its instrumentation includes piano, banjo, drums, trumpets, trombones, and bass. The piano introduction was borrowed from Fats Domino’s 1956 “Blue Monday”.

Interestingly, the song contains a geographical inaccuracy, stating that Bonnie and Clyde met in Savannah, Georgia, when in reality, both were from East Texas.

18. “Will Your Lawyer Talk To God” by Kitty Wells

Released in 1964 on the album “Especially for You,” this song by country music pioneer Kitty Wells explores the emotional and spiritual aspects of divorce proceedings.

The lyrics follow a couple through their separation process, culminating in their divorce. The song’s poignant question, “Will your lawyer talk to God for you?” highlights the contrast between legal procedures and moral or spiritual considerations in the dissolution of a marriage.

Wells, known for breaking barriers for women in country music, uses this song to address the personal and ethical dilemmas that can arise during legal proceedings, particularly in family law.

19. “Breaking The Law” by Judas Priest

Released in 1980 as part of the album “British Steel,” “Breaking The Law” has become one of Judas Priest’s most recognizable songs. The track features a distinctive minor-key opening riff and a rhythmic chorus as its main hooks.

The song’s structure is relatively simple, reflecting Judas Priest’s move towards a more streamlined sound. It includes a bridge section where lead singer Rob Halford shouts, “You don’t know what it’s like!” followed by a police siren sound effect.

The music video, considered one of the first conceptual heavy metal videos, shows the band robbing a bank using their guitars as weapons. Ironically, their only “crime” is retrieving their own gold record from a safety deposit box.

20. “…And Justice For All” by Metallica

The title track of Metallica’s 1988 album, “…And Justice For All” is part of a record that addresses themes of political and legal injustices, including governmental corruption, censorship, and war.

The album’s cover art, designed by Roger Gorman based on a concept by band members James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, depicts Lady Justice bound in ropes and being pulled apart, with dollar bills falling from her scales. This visual metaphor aligns with the song’s critique of corruption in the justice system.

Musically, the album is known for its aggressive complexity and fast tempos. The production, however, was controversial due to its dry mix and nearly inaudible bass guitar. Despite this, the album was critically acclaimed for its depth and complexity.

The title “…And Justice For All” is derived from the last four words of the American Pledge of Allegiance, adding an extra layer of irony to the song’s critique of the American legal and political system.

Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.