Stagger Lee

n

The Rulers

Wrong 'em Boyo

"Wrong 'Em Boyo" by The Rulers is a classic rocksteady track originally released in 1966. Written by Clive Alphonso; and originally performed by The Rulers, this version paints Stagger Lee as explicitly the hero and Billy the villain. The song is a unique take on the Stagger Lee narrative, blending Jamaican rhythm with a twist on the story, which recounts a dice game gone wrong and a moral tale about dishonesty.

The Rulers' version brings a playful and upbeat approach to the otherwise grim tale, contrasting with the heavier tone found in other renditions of Stagger Lee. Its infectious rhythm and catchy melody have made it a favorite in Jamaican music and ska circles, known for its call-and-response style that adds to its engaging, danceable quality.

The song also gained broader recognition when The Clash covered it on their 1979 album London Calling, adding punk rock energy while staying true to the lively essence of the original.

That was Stagger Lee and Billy
Two men who gamble late
Stagger Lee throwed seven
Billy swore that he throwed eight

Brakes! Wrong 'em Boyo, start all over again 

Why do you try to cheat
In such a small, small game?
Don't you know it was wrong
To cheat the trying man?
Don't you know it was wrong
To cheat the trying man?
Don't you know it was wrong
To cheat the trying man?
Don't you know it was wrong
To cheat the trying man?

Someday you're gonna fall
Someday you're gonna fall
Why do you lie, steal, cheat and deceit
And try to trample people under your feet
You better stop
It is the wrong 'em boyo

Why do you lie, steal, cheat and deceit
And try to trample people under your feet
You better stop
It is the wrong 'em boyo

Now you start again
All over again

Play it, Billy, style [?]
Play it, Billy, style [?]
And we will have a right 'em boyo