Breaking the Law album art

Breaking the Law

by Judas Priest

Summary

This song captures the frustration of feeling lost and powerless, leading to a rebellious decision to break the law. It’s a raw expression of anger and desperation in tough times.

Full Analysis

The overall theme of "Breaking the Law" is about feeling trapped and disillusioned. The narrator faces hardship, with a sense of hopelessness weighing down on them. Instead of waiting for things to get better, they decide to take matters into their own hands, even if it means resorting to crime. The song taps into a deep sense of rebellion that many can relate to, especially when life gets tough and that golden future seems out of reach.

Verse 1

There I was completely wasting, out of work and down
All inside it's so frustrating as I drift from town to town
Feel as though nobody cares if I live or die
So I might as well begin to put some action in my life

In this verse, the narrator paints a vivid picture of their despair. They’re out of work and feel lost, drifting without purpose. The mention of feeling like nobody cares shows their loneliness and desperation. It sets the stage for their decision to take action, suggesting that they feel pushed to the edge and need to make a change, even if it’s a drastic one.

Chorus

Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law

The chorus is straightforward but powerful. It repeats the phrase "breaking the law," which highlights the narrator’s defiance and rebellion. It's almost an anthem for those who feel they have no other choice. The repetition makes it catchy, emphasizing the urgency and determination behind their actions.

Verse 2

So much for the golden future I can't even start
I've had every promise broken, there's anger in my heart
You don't know what it's like, you don't have a clue
If you did you'd find yourselves doing the same thing too

In this verse, the narrator reflects on lost dreams and broken promises. The "golden future" they once hoped for feels unreachable. The anger they express shows how deeply hurt they are by life's disappointments. They invite others to empathize, suggesting that if they were in the same situation, they might resort to breaking the law too. It’s a call for understanding in the face of despair.

Chorus

Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law

Once again, the chorus drives home the message of rebellion. The repetition reinforces the narrator's feelings and their readiness to act out against the constraints they face. It’s not just about breaking laws; it’s about breaking free from a life that feels suffocating.

Bridge

You don't know what it's like!

This short line hits hard. It’s a plea for recognition and understanding. The narrator feels alienated, and this line captures their frustration perfectly. It’s a moment of vulnerability amidst their tough exterior, reminding us that the journey to rebellion often comes from a place of pain.

Outro

Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law

The outro repeats the chorus, almost like a chant. It reinforces the main theme one last time, driving the point home. It leaves us with a feeling of unresolved tension, suggesting that while the narrator is ready to break the law, the underlying issues of frustration and despair remain.

Closing Thoughts

"Breaking the Law" is a raw and powerful anthem about feeling trapped and taking desperate actions in response. It speaks to anyone who's ever felt lost or overlooked. The catchy chorus paired with the heartfelt verses makes it a timeless reflection on rebellion and the fight for agency in a frustrating world.

Full Lyrics

There I was completely wasting, out of work and down
All inside it's so frustrating as I drift from town to town
Feel as though nobody cares if I live or die
So I might as well begin to put some action in my life

Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law

So much for the golden future I can't even start
I've had every promise broken, there's anger in my heart
You don't know what it's like, you don't have a clue
If you did you'd find yourselves doing the same thing too

Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law

You don't know what it's like!

Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
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