Billy Dalton staggered on the sidewalk
Someone said he stumbled and he fell
Six squad cars came screaming to the rescue
Hauled old Billy Dalton off to jail
Cause the law is for protection of the people
Rules are rules and any fool can see
We don't need no tramps like Billy Dalton
Scaring decent folks like you and me
No siree
Charlie Watson wandered like a stranger
Showing he had no means of support
Policeman took a look at Charlie's pants cuffs
Hustled Charlie Watson off to court
Cause the law is for protection of the people
Rules are rules and any fool can see
We don't need no bums like Charlie Watson
Scaring decent folks like you and me
No siree
Homer Lee was nothing but a hippie
Walking through this world without a care
Then one day six strapping brave policemen
Held down Homer Lee and cut his hair
Cause the law is for protection of the people
Rules are rules and any fool can see
We don't need no hairy headed hippie
Scaring decent folks like you and me
No siree
So thank your lucky stars you've got protection
Walk the line and never mind the cost
And don't wonder who them lawmen were protecting
When they nailed the Saviour to the cross
Cause the law is for protection of the people
Rules are rules and any fool can see
We don't need no little speaking prophets
Scaring decent folks like you and me
No siree