Rick James

Released: April 7, 1981

Songwriter: Rick James

Producer: Rick James

[Verse 1: Rick James]
Hey Mr. Policeman
I've seen you in my neighborhood
You look to me up you'll do no good
I've seen you with your gun in your hand
Hey Mr. Policeman
I saw you shoot my good friend down
He was just havin' fun
Checkin' out a one and one

[Chorus]
It's a shame, it's a disgrace
Why every time you show your face
Somebody dies, man; somebody dies, man

[Rick James & Teena Marie]
La, la-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la

[Verse 2: Rick James]
Hey Mr. Policeman
Why don't you leave the boys alone
Why don't you just roll your own, yeah
And call me on the telephone
Hey Mr. Policeman
I see you walkin' on your beat
Searchin' strangers on the street
Especially the hoes you meet, yeah

[Chorus: Rick James]
It's a shame, it's a disgrace
Why every time you show your face
Somebody dies, man; somebody dies, man

Check it out

[Police Sirens]

Shot my friend down, down, down, yeah, sing

[Rick James & Teena Marie]
La, la-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la

[Verse 3]
Hey Mr. Policeman
I saw you shoot my good friend down
He was just havin' fun, yeah
Checkin' out a one and one
Hey Mr. Policeman
I see you never havin' fun
Strapped to your side a gun
.357 Smith Magnum

[Chorus]
It's a shame, it's a disgrace
Why every time you show your face
Somebody dies, man; somebody dies, yeah, sing

[Rick James & Teena Marie]
La, la-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la, sing
La, la-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la

[Bridge: Rick James & (Teena Marie)]
I'd rather be a farmer than to be
The police (The police)
Police (police)
I'd rather be a singer than to be
The police (The police)
Police (The police)
I'd rather be a farmer than to be
The police (The police)
Police (The police)
I'd rather be a funk n' roll singer than the police
The police (The police)
Sing it, children

[Outro: Rick James & Teena Marie]
La, la-la-la-la-la-la-la, yeah
La-la-la-la-la-la-la, take me home
La, la-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la, yeah
La, la-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la

Rick James (born James Ambrose Johnson, Jr. February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004) was an American musician and composer.

Influenced by singers such as Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson, James started singing in doo-wop and R&B groups as a teenager in his hometown of Buffalo, New York. After entering the U.S. Navy to avoid being drafted, he deserted to Toronto, where he formed the rock and R&B band, The Mynah Birds, whose lineup once included Bruce Palmer, Neil Young, and Nick St. Nicholas. James' tenure with the group was interrupted after he was discovered recording with the group in Motown in 1966. Surrendering to military authorities, he served a one-year prison term. Upon release, James moved to California to resume his duties with the Mynah Birds, although the group eventually split. James began a series of rock bands in California and worked with Motown under the assumed name “Ricky Matthews” as a songwriter.

In 1977, he signed with the Gordy Records imprint of Motown as a recording artist, releasing his debut, Come Get It!, in April 1978. The album sold over two million copies and launched his career into the mainstream as a funk and soul artist. His most popular album, 1981’s Street Songs, launched him into superstardom thanks to the hit singles, “Give It to Me Baby” and “Super Freak”, the latter song becoming his signature song for the rest of his life, and the basis of MC Hammer’s biggest hit, “U Can’t Touch This”; James eventually sued for back royalties. After being credited as writer of the song, James became the 1990 recipient of a Best R&B Song Grammy for composing the song. Due to this success, James was often called the “king of punk funk”, for his mix of funk, soul and underground-inspired rock music. In addition to his own success, James emerged as a successful songwriter and producer for other artists, such as Teena Marie, The Mary Jane Girls, The Temptations, Eddie Murphy and Smokey Robinson.

From the album

Street Songs (1981)

Rick James popular songs

Mr. PolicemanRick James

Rick James