They call it the thin blue line
It’s supposed to separate us from crime
But if I’m covered by protections that the law provides, why do I feel like I’m on the wrong side?
They call it the thin blue line
If you do the crime, you do the time
You’ll find the deck is stacked and no matter the facts you’ll see the law is just an abstract
I seeeeeee you, yeah that’s right, I’m pointing at the boys in blue
You better watch what you say and watch what you do because my camera is pointing at you
You used to get away with anything you want and then write it down in your report
And your buddies in blue would always back you up, you’d get unconditional support
A jury would always believe you because your credibility was always spotless
With your innocent face, your pristine record and your bible-sworn promise
But the camera shows what was always known, that justice is sometimes minimal
When the one we expect to uphold the laws is the one who is the real criminal
They call it the thin blue line
Don’t worry, everything will be fine
But if I hear a bump in the night and I’m all alone, I’ll think twice before picking up the phone
They call it the thin blue line
Don’t question and obey all the signs
But the laws for them don’t apply to us, so be prepared to be thrown under the bus
Now you say that most cops are honest and try to enforce the laws without prejudice
But when you protect your brothers at any cost, excuse me if I’m a little incredulous
Since you protect your brothers, swear before god and then lie on the witness stand
You’ll always get off without ever getting charged because the prosecutor is your right hand
You’ll hide, bury, destroy and erase the evidence against your evil deeds
The honest ones will lay low and quiet because it’s already been agreed
If you were serious about reform and holding officers accountable
You’d be testifying against your brothers and holding them responsible
They call it the thin blue line
Protecting your rights and mine
But their rights end when mine begin, and that’s the way it’s always been
They call it the thin blue line
It separates the sheep from the swine
But it’s getting thinner as frustration simmers and blurs the line between saints and sinners
You say you only have our well-being in mind and our safety can always be trusted
Why are cops getting charged or losing their jobs, and more and more are getting busted?
It makes you wonder, was it always this way, was there always a double standard?
Were some stories told and questions asked too uncomfortable to get answered?
If they say that bad ones should be weeded out and the bad cops are in the minority
Then why do most cases not go to trial? Why don’t you exercise your authority?
The answer is clear, it’s the boys club and it has always been that way
Because when a cop has a gun pointed at you, what the fuck are you going to say?
Brain Rapp’s recent album deals with the ups and downs of real life: health scares, bad breakups and newfound love. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 10, 2017