Fresh scrubbed baby, momma's kiss on his cheek Steps off the greyhound with money for a week A wide-eyed innocent, he knows no fear It takes more than heroes to survive down there In the badlands, badlands, badlands Well, if you've got the bullets They'll remember your name down there Can't drink the water, can't breathe the air They said, it was exciting, never said, it was fair You're just another singer in a pilgrim's suit Chased by the lines 'til you learn to shoot In the badlands, badlands, badlands
If you've got those black dollars They'll remember your name down there Badlands Well there's always a faster hand in the west Room around town for only the best One false step and you'll be cut down For some it's paradise, for others it's hell In the badlands, badlands, badlands If you've got the bullets Well, they'll remember your name down there They'll remember your name down there They'll remember your name down there You're gonna need some protection on You better make your connection