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