Bob Marley -“I Shot The Sheriff” (1975)
Released in 1975, the classic Bob Marley ‘I Shot the Sheriff’ was an instant hit after it was released. Due to its title, many assumed the song was a direct jab against corruption and injustice.
Despite the many assumptions, Bob Marley himself confirmed that the “sheriff” mentioned in the song was a metaphor for “elements of wickedness.”
It was, however, revealed in 2011 that there was a root meaning, as well as, a personal layer to the lyrics of the song.
Marley’s former girlfriend, Esther Anderson, revealed that the lyrics of the song were inspired by a disagreement over the use of birth control, which Marley was against. This is especially apparent in the line: “Every time I plant a seed/He said kill it before it grow.”
