"Billy Dalton staggered on the sidewalk
Someone said he stumbled and he fell,
Six squad cars came screaming to the rescue
And hauled ol' Billy Dalton off to jail.
Because 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
Scaring decent folks like you 'n me'
No Sireee

Lee Honeycut was nothin' but a hippy
Walking through this world without a care,
Then one day six strappin' brave policemen
Held down Homer Lee and cut his hair,
Because 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 'n me
No Sireee

So thank your lucky stars you got protection
Walk the line and never mind the cost
Don't wonder who them lawmen was protectin'
When they nailed the saviour to the cross.
Because the law is for protection of the people
Rules are rules and any fool can see,
We don't need riddle speakin' prophets
Scarin' decent folks like you 'n me
No Sireee

"