Hot Rod Lincoln (most versions) [link] The guy ends up in jail, plus it has some fab rockabilly guitar licks. I like the Commander Cody version myself.
"My dad said 'Son, you're gonna drive me to drinkin'
If you don't stop drivin' that Hot...Rod... Lincoln.' "
Ooh, Mack the Knife!
The songs don't really have to be about "happy" criminals, just sort of ... embracing the life of crime. Which I am considering.
I like the Dead's version of "Mama Tried," but Merle Haggard is not exactly my thing.
"Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" by The Hollies?
"The Irish Ballad" by Tom Lehrer.
"I Fought The Law", although that's an example of a contrite criminal.
"Homicide" by 999 seems more like the theme you're going for.
"I Fought The Law", although that's an example of a contrite criminal.
"House of the Rising Sun" also fits the contrition theme.
If you allow use of illegal drugs into the picture, you can go a long way -- Eric Clapton's "Cocaine," for starters. Plus a lot of songs of the '60s that have raised the "are they or aren't they" question -- "Eight Miles High," "White Rabbit," "Whiter Shade of Pale." Or, for songs that may be about sexual practices that were illegal in many places at the time -- "Yummy Yummy Yummy," "Rock Me Gently."
And even though, strictly speaking, there isn't any criminal activity going on (except maybe the reason Mr. Baker's secretary had to leave town, and what people can see because Widow Jones wouldn't keep her window shades all pulled completely down), I have to mention "Harper Valley P.T.A." If only because it's one of the great unsung protest songs of the '60s.
This is just a little Peyton Place and you're all Harper Valley Hypocrits.
annnnndddd now I will have an accent for the rest of the day.
My folks bought me a BITCHIN CAMARO,
And no insurance to match.
So if I happen to run you down,
Please don't leave a scratch.
I ran over some old lady,
Some night at the county fair.
And I didn't get arrested,
Because my Dad's the Mayor!
Or, for songs that may be about sexual practices that were illegal in many places at the time -- "Yummy Yummy Yummy," "Rock Me Gently."
Wait! How is "Rock Me Gently" about illegal sexual practices?! I ... remember that song from childhood.