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 drunks like Billy Dalton

Scarin' decent folks like you and me, no siree



Charlie Watson wandered like a stranger

Showing he had no means of support

Police man took one look at his 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

Scarin' decent folks like you and me, no siree.



Homer Lee Hunnicut was nothing but a hippy

Walking thru this world without a care

Then one day, six strapping brave policeman

Held down Homer Lee and cut his hair



'Cause the law is for protection of the people

Rules are rules and any foola can see

We don't need no hairy headed hippies

Scarin' 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 was protecting

When they nailed the Savior 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 riddle speaking prophets

Scarin' decent folks like you and me, no siree