[Verse 1: Legal Knievel]
This is your man, Mr. Legal Knievel
Reppin the US, like a mothaf**ing eagle
According to the law, there's things you can and can't do/
Like Drive a little too fast, and and many fines you will accrue
Exceptions exist to save you from law's penalties
Let's go over a few common remedies
When it comes to copyright, fair use is the key
Should a work be protected? it ain't easy to see
Not talking ‘bout a phonebook, or a collection of facts
But a transformative work, with new fans it will attract
We all need inspiration, it ain't a big deal
Just give it a new spin, like Key and Peele
On to the next one, let's talk about free speech
When it's all said and done, pretty simple to teach
You can say almost anything, doesn't have to be true
Threat, defamation, libel, ain't easy to prove
Finally we got a little search and seizure
I'm breaking it down, at your leisure
Expected privacy, if you think something's your business
The feds can't intrude, and i'll be your witness
[Chorus]
It's law, code, and our good friend norm
At the end of the day, to us you will conform
So think about it now or think about it later
These are the ways that we regulate behavior
[Verse 2: Codey Banks]
Agent Codey Banks, at your service
Government don't back me, but I never get nervous
You know me by my alias technical restrictions
Foiling all of your malevolent ambitions
So avoid seeking out your LaMacchia Loophole
Or I'll beat you in a friendly game of schpupel
Yo that's right, codes are totally ruthless
If you don't get me, you're prolly old and toothless (Scalia)
I really don't care if you think I'm annoying
Fine I admit, anti-circumvention's quite cloying
Still get the job done, ignore all the noise
I'm constantly updated by tech girls and boys
With code the possibilities are endless
If your dog eats my flowers I'll leave ya friendless
I solved the dispute between Martha and Dank
Yeah I'm a k**a, like Jason Statham in Crank
So here's the bottom line, don't be a hacker
Just learn the way it works, don't be a slacker
Cuz the truth is, codes really just function
To prevent you, from needing an injunction
[Chorus]
It's law, code, and our good friend norm
At the end of the day, to us you will conform
So think about it now or think about it later
These are the ways that we regulate behavior
[Verse 3: Norm]
Hey yo, it's Regular Old Norm here
Though you may not think it, it's me you should fear
You can try to avoid code and legal pitter-patter
But the bottom line is, social repercussions matter
So if you don't want to be deemed a total prick
Clean up your act before you make me sick
Just because being mean isn't a crime
Doesn't mean you don't belong on Slimed Online
Norms work hard, listen up, do you hear me?
Disproving the Greater, Internet f**wad Theory
Sure you can hara** law students online
But then your social life will be redefined
So whether you're hating, or sending revenge p**n
Keep in mind the consequences of norms
Yeah sometimes I can coincide with laws
But going against me, just ends in faux pas
[Chorus]
It's law, code, and our good friend norm
At the end of the day, to us you will conform
So think about it now or think about it later
These are the ways that we regulate behavior
[Verse 4]
The good thing is norms aren't enforced
And breaking them has no real recourse
With laws and codes you could get fined
Fired, jailed, or even resigned
Some say our culture could be changing
Where laws and norms are rearranging
Norms are the NEW RULES of society
Just because we fear notoriety
We also see that laws are lagging
Codes are NEW while congress keeps nagging
Policy makers don't understand us
And people like Scalia are trying to command us
The point is the LAW needs to step up its game
Because TECHNOLOGY is not the one to blame
So think about it now or think about it later
Because ALL THREE regulate behavior