Billy Dalton staggered
on the sidewalk
Someone said
he stumbled and he fell
Six squad cars came
screamin' 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
Homer Lee Hunnicut was
nothin' but a hippy
Walkin' through
this world without a care
Then one day
six strappin' brave policeman
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 hippies
Scarin' decent folks
like you and me no siree
Oh 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 protectin'
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
speakin' prophets
Scarin' decent folks like you
and me no siree