About the song
Kris Kristofferson’s “The Law Is for Protection of the People” is a song about the power of the law and how it can be used to protect the people or oppress them. The song was released in 1970 on Kristofferson’s self-titled debut album. It has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson.
The song is a scathing indictment of the American legal system. Kristofferson sings about how the law is often used to protect the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the poor and marginalized. He also sings about how the law can be used to silence dissent and suppress freedom.
The song is a powerful reminder that the law is not always just. It is a tool that can be used for good or evil, depending on the intentions of those who wield it. Kristofferson’s song is a call for us to be vigilant in our defense of justice and to never take our rights for granted.
The song’s lyrics are full of vivid imagery and powerful symbolism. Kristofferson sings about “Billy Dalton,” a drunk who is arrested for staggering on the sidewalk. He also sings about “Charlie Watson,” a homeless man who is arrested for vagrancy. And he sings about “Homer Lee Hunnicut,” a hippy who is arrested for having long hair.
These characters represent the many people who are marginalized by society and who are often targets of the law. Kristofferson’s song is a powerful reminder that the law is not always fair and that it can be used to oppress those who are different.
The song’s message is still relevant today. The American legal system is still plagued by inequality and injustice. The poor and marginalized are still more likely to be arrested, convicted, and incarcerated than the wealthy and powerful. And the law is still used to silence dissent and suppress freedom.
Kristofferson’s song is a call for us to be vigilant in our defense of justice. We must never take our rights for granted. We must always be willing to speak out against injustice. And we must always work to make the law more fair and just.
“The Law Is for Protection of the People” is a powerful and important song. It is a reminder that the law is not always just and that it can be used to oppress those who are different. It is also a call for us to be vigilant in our defense of justice.
Video
Lyrics
“The Law Is For Protection Of The People”
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 sireeCharlie 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 sireeSo 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.