70 Songs About Crime (Pop, Rap & More)
Contents
I. R&B Songs About Crime
1. Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson
Artist: Michael Jackson
Album: –
Year: –
The song is about a woman who has been attacked by a smooth criminal. The song is written from the perspective of the woman’s attacker.
2. The Boy Is Mine by Monica, Brandy
Artist: Monica, Brandy
Album: Never Say Never
Year: 1998
The song is about two women who are fighting over a man. They both claim that the man is theirs, and they are not willing to let him go.
3. Midnight Rambler by The Rolling Stones
Artist: The Rolling Stones
Album: Let It Bleed
Year: 1969
The song is about a man who is on the run from the law. He is a midnight rambler and he is looking for a place to hide. The song is a blues song and it has a lot of guitar work by Keith Richards.
4. Hit Em Up by Tupac Shakur
Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album: 2Pac Live
Year: –
The song is about Tupac’s beef with the East Coast, specifically Biggie Smalls and Puff Daddy. He talks about how he’s going to kill them and how they’re fake.
5. Gin and Juice by Snoop Dogg
Artist: Snoop Dogg
Album: –
Year: 1993
The song is about a party where people are drinking gin and juice. Snoop Dogg is at the party and he is enjoying himself. He is surrounded by beautiful women and he is having a good time.
6. Thugz Mansion by Tupac Shakur
Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album: Better Dayz
Year: –
The song is about Tupac’s vision of a safe haven for gang members and other young people who are struggling. He talks about how he wants to provide a place where they can feel loved and protected, and how he believes that this is the only way to end the cycle of violence.
7. Dirty Diana by Michael Jackson
Artist: Michael Jackson
Album: Bad 25
Year: –
The song is about a woman who is promiscuous and will not commit to a relationship. She is described as being “dirty” because she is willing to have sex with anyone. The song is sung from the perspective of a man who is trying to seduce her.
8. Better Than Yourself (Criminal Mind Pt. 2) by Lukas Graham
Artist: Lukas Graham
Album: Lukas Graham
Year: 2012
The song is about a person who is struggling with their mental health and is trying to better themselves.
9. Let Him Dangle by Elvis Costello
Artist: Elvis Costello
Album: Spike
Year: 1989
The song is about a man who is on death row and is about to be executed. The man is reflecting on his life and how he got to where he is. He is asking for forgiveness and for someone to pray for him.
10. It’s No Crime by Babyface
Artist: Babyface
Album: Tender Lover
Year: 1989
The song is about a man who is in love with a woman who is in love with someone else. The man knows that she will never love him the way she loves the other man, but he still loves her and can’t help but hope that someday she will love him back.
11. Four Walls (The Ballad Of Perry Smith) by Bastille
Artist: Bastille
Album: Wild World
Year: 2016
“Four Walls (The Ballad Of Perry Smith)” is a song by Bastille. The song is about the true story of Perry Smith, who was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. The song is told from the perspective of Perry Smith, and details his life leading up to the crime, as well as his thoughts and feelings during his time on death row. The song is a haunting and powerful look at the human capacity for violence, and the consequences of our actions.
12. Crime by Mayer Hawthorne
Artist: Mayer Hawthorne
Album: Where Does This Door Go
Year: 2013
The song is about a man who is in love with a woman who is in love with someone else. The man is trying to figure out what he did wrong and how he can fix it.
II. Country Songs About Crime
1. Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash
Artist: Johnny Cash
Album: Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar!
Year: –
“Folsom Prison Blues” is a song written and recorded in 1955 by American country music singer-songwriter Johnny Cash. The song combines elements from two popular folk styles, the train song and the prison song, and was inspired by Cash’s time in Folsom State Prison. The song was one of Cash’s signature songs and was often performed live.
2. Mama Tried by Merle Haggard
Artist: Merle Haggard
Album: Killers Three
Year: 1968
The song is about a man who has led a life of crime and is now facing the consequences. He reflects on his mother’s advice to stay out of trouble, but he didn’t listen and now he’s facing the consequences.
3. The Devil Went Down to Georgia by Charlie Daniels
Artist: Charlie Daniels
Album: Million Mile Reflections
Year: 1979
The song is about a fiddle competition between a young man named Johnny and the devil. The devil loses the competition and is forced to give Johnny his soul.
4. Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley
Artist: Elvis Presley
Album: –
Year: 1957
The song is about a man who is sent to prison for killing a man in a fight. He is excited to be in prison because he knows he will get to rock out in the jailhouse rock.
5. Women’s Prison by Loretta Lynn
Artist: Loretta Lynn
Album: Van Lear Rose
Year: 2004
The song tells the story of a woman who is in prison and is longing for her freedom. She talks about how she misses her family and friends and how she is struggling to cope with being in prison.
6. Ol’ Red by Blake Shelton
Artist: Blake Shelton
Album: Blake Shelton
Year: 2001
Ol’ Red is a song about a prisoner who gets a guard dog to help him escape from jail. The dog, named Ol’ Red, is a loyal friend and helps the prisoner escape from the prison yard. The song is a fun, upbeat country song with a catchy chorus.
7. Murder on Music Row by Alan Jackson, George Strait
Artist: Alan Jackson, George Strait
Album: Latest Greatest Straitest Hits
Year: 2000
“Murder on Music Row” is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artists Alan Jackson and George Strait. It was released in May 2000 as the lead-off single to Jackson’s album When Somebody Loves You, and it peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart that year. The song is a ballad that bemoans the decreasing quality of country music.
8. You Never Even Called Me by My Name by David Allan Coe
Artist: David Allan Coe
Album: –
Year: –
The song is about a man who is down on his luck and has been through a lot of heartache. He is telling his story to a woman he has just met, and he is hoping that she will understand and feel sorry for him. He talks about how he was born a poor boy, and how he has been through some bad times, but he has never given up. He is hoping that she will see him for who he is and not judge him by his past.
9. Still Doing Time by George Jones
Artist: George Jones
Album: Back In The Saddle (Live 1979)
Year: –
The song is about a man who is in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He is serving a life sentence and is still in prison even though he is innocent. He talks about how his life has been ruined by being in prison and how he will never be able to get out.
III. Pop Songs About Crime
1. I Fought the Law by The Clash
Artist: The Clash
Album: –
Year: 1977
The song is about a man who breaks the law and is pursued by the police. He is eventually caught and put in jail. The song is a commentary on the justice system and how it can be unfair.
2. Eric Clapton by Eric Clapton
Artist: Eric Clapton
Album: 461 Ocean Boulevard
Year: 1974
The song is a tribute to Eric Clapton by Eric Clapton. It is a slow, emotional song with Clapton singing about how much he loves and respects Clapton.
3. The Boy with the Thorn in His Side by The Smiths
Artist: The Smiths
Album: The Queen Is Dead
Year: 1986
The song is about a boy who is misunderstood and has a hard time fitting in. He has a thorn in his side that represents the pain and struggles he goes through. Despite all of this, he still tries to find love and happiness.
4. Criminal by Fiona Apple
Artist: Fiona Apple
Album: Tidal
Year: 1996
The song is about a woman who is in love with a man who is a criminal. She knows that he is not good for her, but she can’t help but love him. She is willing to do anything for him, even if it means breaking the law.
5. Murder on the Dancefloor by Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Artist: Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Album: Read My Lips
Year: 2001
The song is about a woman who is killing it on the dancefloor and doesn’t care who knows it. She’s confident, sexy, and knows how to have a good time. No one is safe when she’s on the dancefloor, so watch out!
6. In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins
Artist: Phil Collins
Album: Face Value
Year: 1981
The song is about a man who is reflecting on a past relationship. He is wondering if his ex-partner ever thinks about him and if she regrets the way things ended. The song has a feeling of loss and nostalgia.
7. Johnny Cash by Johnny Cash
Artist: Johnny Cash
Album: Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar!
Year: –
The song is about the life and career of country music legend Johnny Cash. It chronicles his humble beginnings as a sharecropper’s son, his rise to fame, and his eventual fall from grace. The song paints a picture of a man who was always struggling against the odds, but never gave up.
8. Michael Jackson by Michael Jackson
Artist: Michael Jackson
Album: –
Year: –
“Michael Jackson” is a song by Michael Jackson. It was released as a single in 1982 and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was written by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones. It is included on Jackson’s album, Thriller.
9. Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht) by Mack the Knife – Bobby Darrin (writen
Artist: Mack the Knife – Bobby Darrin (writen
Album: –
Year: –
This song is a cover of a song originally performed by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht. The song is about a man named Mack the Knife who is a murderer. The song is sung from the perspective of Mack the Knife and is written in a light, humorous tone.
10. Inner Circle (Theme from COPS) by Inner Circle
Artist: Inner Circle
Album: Bad Boy Reply
Year: 1993
“Inner Circle” is a reggae song performed by Inner Circle. It was released in 1987 as the theme song for the television series COPS. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and number five in the United Kingdom.
11. Elvis Presley by Elvis Presley
Artist: Elvis Presley
Album: –
Year: 1957
The song is about the singer’s love for Elvis Presley and how he has been a fan since he was a child. He talks about how Elvis has inspired him and how he has always been there for him.
IV. Rap Songs About Crime
1. Gangsta’s Paradise by Coolio, Kylian Mash
Artist: Coolio, Kylian Mash
Album: Gangsta’s Paradise
Year: 1995
The song is about a gangster’s life and how it is a paradise for them. They live a life of luxury and violence, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
2. Knuck If You Buck by Crime Mob
Artist: Crime Mob
Album: Crime Mob
Year: 2004
The song is about fighting and being tough. It is full of boasts and trash talk. It is also full of profanity.
3. In Da Club by 50 Cent
Artist: 50 Cent
Album: Get Rich or Die Tryin’
Year: 2003
The song is about going to a club and having a good time.
4. Hit ‘Em Up by Tupac Shakur
Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album: 2Pac Live
Year: –
In “Hit ‘Em Up,” Tupac Shakur takes aim at his rivals, specifically Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy Records. Over a menacing beat, he boasts about sleeping with Biggie’s wife and promises to “fuck up” anyone who tries to stop him. The song is considered one of the most scathing diss tracks in Hip Hop history.
5. 99 Problems by Jay-Z, Linkin Park
Artist: Jay-Z, Linkin Park
Album: Collision Course
Year: 2004
The song is about a man who has many problems but still manages to succeed.
6. Criminal by Eminem
Artist: Eminem
Album: The Marshall Mathers LP
Year: 2000
The song is about a man who has done many bad things in his life and is now facing the consequences. He is in jail and is reflecting on all the things he has done. He is regretful and knows that he will never be able to change his ways.
7. Get Money by The Notorious B.I.G.
Artist: The Notorious B.I.G.
Album: –
Year: 1995
The song is about making money and being successful.
8. Violent Crimes by Ye
Artist: Ye
Album: Ye
Year: 2018
The song is about the dangers of gun violence and how it can destroy families and ruin lives. It is a call for peace and for people to put down their weapons.
9. Crime Pays by Kool G Rap & DJ Polo
Artist: Kool G Rap & DJ Polo
Album: Live and Let Die
Year: 1992
The song is about the life of a criminal and how it can be lucrative. It also touches on the theme of how those who live this lifestyle often have a short life span.
10. Thugz Mansion by Tupac Shakur
Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album: –
Year: –
The song is about Tupac’s vision of a safe haven for gang members and other young people who are struggling. He talks about how he wants to provide a place where they can feel loved and protected, and how he believes that this is the only way to end the cycle of violence.
11. Murderahh by Live Squad
Artist: Live Squad
Album: –
Year: –
The song is about the dangers of gang life and the temptations that come with it. It is a warning to young people to stay away from the violence and drugs that are associated with gangs.
12. If You Got Ana by Crime Mob
Artist: Crime Mob
Album: Crime Mob
Year: 2004
The song is about a girl named Ana who is in a relationship with a guy who is cheating on her. She is trying to get over him and move on with her life.
13. Ellenwood Area by Crime Mob
Artist: Crime Mob
Album: Crime Mob
Year: 2004
The song is about a group of friends from the Ellenwood area of Atlanta, Georgia who are involved in criminal activity. The song describes their lifestyle of drug dealing, violence, and parties.
V. Rock Songs About Crime
1. Suffer Little Children by The Smiths
Artist: The Smiths
Album: The Smiths
Year: 1984
The song is about the murder of five children in Manchester, England in 1864. The Smiths were a highly influential English rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. The song was released as the band’s debut single in May 1984.
2. Polly by Nirvana
Artist: Nirvana
Album: Nevermind
Year: 1991
The song is about a girl who is kidnapped and raped by a man. The girl manages to escape and kills the man in self-defense.
3. The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan
Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: The Times They Are a-Changin’
Year: 1964
The song is about how the world is constantly changing and how people need to change with it. Dylan sings about how the old ways of doing things are no longer effective and how people need to adapt to the new ways. He also talks about how the future is always unknown and how people need to be prepared for it.
4. Message in a Bottle by The Police
Artist: The Police
Album: Reggatta de Blanc
Year: 1979
The song is about a man who is sending a message in a bottle out to sea, in the hopes that it will reach someone who can help him. He is stranded on a desert island, and is running out of hope. The song is a plea for help, and a cry for someone to come and rescue him.
5. Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones
Artist: The Rolling Stones
Album: Beggars Banquet
Year: 1968
The song is told from the perspective of Satan, who sympathizes with humans and their struggles. He talks about how he has been around for centuries, and has seen humans at their worst and their best. He talks about how humans are capable of great evil, but also great good. In the end, he says that he will be there for humans until the end of time.
6. Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Album: Willy and the Poor Boys
Year: 1969
The song is about rich kids who never have to work for anything and always get what they want. They never have to worry about money or the draft, unlike the poor kids who have to work hard and worry about being drafted into the Vietnam War.
7. Bad to the Bone by George Thorogood
Artist: George Thorogood
Album: Bad to the Bone
Year: 1982
The song is about a man who is “bad to the bone.” He is a rebel and a outlaw who does not care about the law. He is a loner who is not afraid of anyone or anything.
8. John Wayne Gacy, Jr. by Sufjan Stevens
Artist: Sufjan Stevens
Album: Illinois
Year: 2005
The song is about the American serial killer John Wayne Gacy, Jr. and his crimes. The song is written from the perspective of Gacy’s victims, and paints a picture of his horrific crimes.
9. Killer by Adamski
Artist: Adamski
Album: Liveandirect
Year: 1989
Killer by Adamski is about a person who is in love with a killer. The person is willing to do anything for the killer, even kill themselves.
10. In the Ghetto by Elvis Presley
Artist: Elvis Presley
Album: From Elvis in Memphis
Year: 1969
The song is about the struggles of living in the ghetto and the cycle of poverty and violence that exists there.
11. Don’t Stand So Close to Me by The Police
Artist: The Police
Album: Zenyatta Mondatta (Remastered 2003)
Year: 1980
The song is about a man who is attracted to a younger woman and is trying to keep his distance because he knows it is inappropriate. He is telling her to not stand so close to him because he is trying to resist the temptation.
12. Deep Red Bells by Neko Case
Artist: Neko Case
Album: Blacklisted
Year: 2002
The song is about a woman who is haunted by the murders that took place in her hometown. She remembers the deep red bells that rang when the bodies were found, and she can’t forget the faces of the victims. The song is both a tribute to the victims and a warning to the killer that the woman is watching and waiting for justice.
13. Crime of the Century by Supertramp
Artist: Supertramp
Album: –
Year: –
The song is about a person who has been wrongfully accused of a crime and is struggling to clear their name. The song is told from the perspective of the person who is innocent and is trying to figure out what happened.
14. Jenny Was a Friend of Mine by The Killers
Artist: The Killers
Album: Hot Fuss
Year: 2004
The song is about a man who is reflecting on a past relationship with a woman named Jenny. He remembers all of the good times they had together, and how she was always there for him. However, he also remembers how she left him without any explanation. He still thinks about her often and wonders what she is doing now.
15. Bankrobber by The Clash
Artist: The Clash
Album: –
Year: –
The Clash’s song “Bankrobber” is about a man who robs a bank. He is armed with a gun and a knife, and he takes the money and runs. The police chase him, but he gets away.
16. The Last of the Famous International Playboys by Morrissey
Artist: Morrissey
Album: Bona Drag
Year: 1990
The song is about a group of criminals who were once famous and well-known, but are now forgotten. The singer laments their current state, and how they are no longer the “playboys” they once were.
17. I Don’t Like Mondays by The Boomtown Rats
Artist: The Boomtown Rats
Album: The Fine Art of Surfacing
Year: 1979
The song is about a shooting that took place in San Diego in 1979. The shooter, Brenda Ann Spencer, was a 16-year-old girl who opened fire on a school yard, killing two adults and wounding nine children. The song reflects on the senselessness of violence and the dark side of human nature.
VI. Latest Songs About Crime
1. Dancing’s Not a Crime by Panic! At The Disco
Artist: Panic! At The Disco
Album: Pray for the Wicked
Year: 2018
The song is about how dancing is not a crime, and how it can make you feel alive. It is an upbeat song with a positive message.
2. Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson
Artist: Michael Jackson
Album: –
Year: –
The song is about a woman who has been attacked by a smooth criminal. The song is written from the perspective of the woman’s attacker.
3. Suffer Little Children by The Smiths
Artist: The Smiths
Album: The Smiths
Year: 1984
The song is about the murder of five children in Manchester, England in 1864. The Smiths were a highly influential English rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. The song was released as the band’s debut single in May 1984.
4. A Crime to Remember by Pop Evil
Artist: Pop Evil
Album: Pop Evil
Year: 2018
The song is about a young woman who is raped and murdered, and the aftermath of the crime. The song is told from the perspective of the woman’s mother, and is about the mother’s grief and anger.
5. Folsom Prison Blues (Alternate Version, Take 2) by Johnny Cash
Artist: Johnny Cash
Album: Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar!
Year: –
The song is about a man who is in prison and is longing to be free. He talks about how he hears the train passing by and how he wishes he could be on it, heading anywhere but there. The song is sad and haunting, and the alternate version only adds to the effect.
6. no body, no crime by Taylor Swift
Artist: Taylor Swift
Album: evermore
Year: 2020
The song is about a woman whose husband has been cheating on her. She knows that he is cheating, but she can’t prove it. She is waiting for the day when he will be caught and she can get revenge.
7. favorite crime by Olivia Rodrigo
Artist: Olivia Rodrigo
Album: Sour
Year: 2021
“Favorite Crime” is a song by Olivia Rodrigo. It is about a girl who is in love with a boy who is in love with someone else. She knows that he will never love her back, but she can’t help but love him anyway.
8. Violent Crimes by Ye
Artist: Ye
Album: Ye
Year: 2018
The song is about the dangers of gun violence and how it can destroy families and ruin lives. It is a call for peace and for people to put down their weapons.
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