Lay Down The Law

Album: Yeah, It's That Easy (1997)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • G. Love spins many tall tales in his songs, but this one is about a real person, and the events he describes really did happen. Greg was his good friend, the kind of guy who would do whatever he could to help you out. He was also a heroin addict, and when he was using he would do things like steal G. Love's VCR and pawn it for drug money.

    When Songfacts spoke with G. Love in 2019, he said that Greg had been out of contact for a while, but when the song was written, he had kicked the habit and gotten sober. "He was staying with me and working with me," said G. "The song did have a funny vibe because he had a loud personality. We were in the studio one night and he was talking and fooling around, and he was like 'Greg is gonna lay down the law!' It was simple as that for the hook, and then the verses were all about friends having your back."
  • The vocal doesn't come in until 1:28; G. Love whistles for much of the intro.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)Songwriter Interviews

The Brazilian rocker sees pictures in his riffs. When he came up with one of his gnarliest songs, there was a riot going on.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

British Invasion

British InvasionFact or Fiction

Go beyond The Beatles to see what you know about the British Invasion.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.