I honestly can't get enough of "I Shot the Sheriff". It's just one of those songs that are just so smooth that it becomes an easy listen. However, theres something about Bob Marley's performance that definitely beats Eric Clapton. I don't know if it's just the fact that his is the original or if because its faster, but I kind of struggle to sit through Clapton's okay performance. I certainly think reggae at this time was being define with songs like "I Shot the Sheriff". Bob Marley is opening up a new genre to the American Public and I honestly find it fascinating that he metaphorically becomes the "Face" of the new music style for Americans to grab onto. Especially in this time period, Bob Marley understands that there are still racial issues even if it's after the civil rights movement. "I Shot the Sheriff" is just one of the simple representations that black people within the U.S. were trying to bring attention to the general public that there continued to be racial tensions. Lyrics such as “I Shot the Sheriff, but I swear it was in self defense” stand as a testament that even standing up for yourself (in this fictional dispute) leads to public disbelief and possible condemnation.
I did my blog on the same song, I think Eric’s is more upbeat, but I prefer Bob Marley’s version, especially because of his voice. I agree about the meaning I also feel like he’s saying you’re accusing me of things I didn’t do. Like “I shot the Sheriff, but I didn’t shoot the deputy” I feel like he’s saying I did this thing but that they are just accusing because of who he is or what he once did.
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