Don't Break the Rules

Hanratty, were you always like this?
I think I was born this way
Other kids wanted to play cops and robbers, I only wanted to play cops

It starts very early once the baby toys are gone
A kid on the playground has to choose what side he's on
It's the bullies or the good guys
Boy, there ain't no middle ground
Though hoodlums try to blur the line and twist the truth around
Then they call themselves a winner, but they're self deceiving fools
Cause the game ain't worth winning if you're breaking all the rules

The law is laid upon us when as kids we first ask why
Our parents set the rules when "cause I said so" they reply
And though I thought I hated them and screamed with all my might
The next time that I had a choice, gee whiz, I did what's right
Though I never snuck a drink
I never stole a pack of cools
Cause the game ain't worth winning if you're breaking all the rules

(Don't break the rules)
Or else we're livin' in the wild wild west
(Don't break the rules)
God's keeping score
You don't want to fail that test
(Don't break the rules)
You thumb your nose right at the life for which I strive
(But those rules, those laws keep us alive)

Well it started back with Moses when he led around the Jews (the Jews)
And climbed way up that mountain to pick up God's daily news (tell me the news)
He schlepped up on Mt. Sinai, cried and begged on their behalf (oh Lord)
He almost dropped those tablets when he saw that golden calf (what)
Now we teach the ten commandments
Every Sunday in our schools
Cause the game ain't worth winning if you're breaking all the rules

I guess the Constitution, boys, to some, is too complex
They think our founding fathers fought so they can forge some checks
They see themselves as Robin Hood, stealing from the rich
Paying back the things they take well payback is a bitch
Cause the world ain't Sherwood Forest
You can't give away those jewels
And the game ain't worth winning if you're breaking all the rules

(Don't break the rules)
Or else we're livin' in the wild wild west
(Don't break the rules)
God's keeping score
You don't want to fail that test
(Don't break the rules)
You thumb your nose right at the life for which I strive
But those rules, those laws keep us alive (us alive)
Woo!

When you steal somebody's money
Screw his daughter or his wife
You don't think of repercussions
As you tap dance through your life
Though you smile like you're a hero
You're an outlaw through and through
But the odds are in my favor man
And one day, I'll catch you!
So don't sneak into a movie
Or the red light to sell some pot
It's all the same to me
You're either guilty or you're not
If we all did what we wanted
Every time we felt the urge
The world would be total chaos
It's already on the verge
Yes it's laws that keep us human
Cause without them winners lose
And the game ain't worth winning
The game ain't worth winning
The game ain't worth winning
If we're breaking all the rules

(Don't break the rules)
Or else we're livin' in the wild wild west
(Don't break the rules)
God's keeping score
You don't want to fail that test
(Don't break the rules)
You thumb your nose right at the life for which I strive
But those rules, those laws (say what?!)
Those rules, those laws (again, boys!)
Those rules, those laws keep us alive