The Badge
Pantera Lyrics

young and dumb, truth and justice, fantasy
Naive and idealistic, they believe in truth and justice without understanding the reality of the world they live in.

fresh out of the academy
Just graduated from police training school, without any practical experience.

five-time loser bust his head, make your day
Enjoying inflicting pain upon people who they perceive as criminals or losers, feeling a sense of power over them.

unless you're paid off then you look away
Bribes can make police officers ignore or cover up illegal activities, demonstrating that they are corrupt and untrustworthy.

do you thimk this corruption will ever stop
The artist questions whether or not police corruption will ever come to an end.

what makes a person want to be a cop
The singer questions what drives someone to become a police officer, and whether their motivations are pure or not.

ran a red light, storm the house and bust the guy
Police officers often take unwarranted and excessive actions against suspects, invading their privacy and treating them unfairly.

do you like to see his children cry
The artist asks if the police officers enjoy causing harm to innocent people and their loved ones.

pick up a hooker and take her for a little ride
Police officers sometimes abuse their power and exploit vulnerable individuals for their own pleasure.

but get sucked off on the side
Police officers are not immune to the temptation of engaging in illicit activities, which can compromise their integrity.

sworn to serve and protect, forget the killing
Police officers are supposed to keep the peace and protect civilians, yet some are willing to use lethal force without hesitation.

badge-wearing facist villain
The artist describes police officers who abuse their power and intimidate civilians as fascist villains who hide behind their badges.

pissed in the street, you bust the guy
Police officers may enforce minor laws and rules with unreasonable force, rather than using discretion and taking a more compassionate and understanding approach.

do you like to see his children cry
Repeating the same line from earlier, the singer once again questions if police officers enjoy causing harm to innocent individuals and their families.

the badge means you suck
The 'badge' refers to the police badge, but also the sense of entitlement and superiority that some police officers have, which contributes to their corruption and abuse of power.

a child lies there dead
The consequences of police brutality and excess force can lead to the death of innocent individuals, such as children.

as you look back, what goes through your head
The artist questions what the police officers think and feel when they look back at the innocent people they have hurt or killed.

talk to them, you can work it out
The singer suggests that communication and dialogue can solve conflicts, rather than relying on violence and aggression.

you better not even try it
However, the singer acknowledges the reality that some police officers will not give civilians the chance to talk, and will use force regardless.

you make a play for his gun
The artist describes how some police officers may overreact and respond violently if a suspect even attempts to touch their weapon, regardless of whether or not they pose an actual threat.

they'll kill you say it was a riot
The police officers may justify their brutality by claiming that there was a riot or disturbance, effectively denying any wrongdoing.

RIIIIIIIOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTT
The chorus repeats the word 'riot', emphasizing the chaotic and violent nature of police brutality, and potentially African American citizens' frustration with the prevalence of police brutality in their communities.

what's behind the badge
The singer questions the true motivations and intentions of police officers, and whether their desire for power and authority ultimately do more harm than good.