Criminal
Britney Spears · Femme Fatale [2011]
He is a loser, he's a bum, bum, bum, bum
He lies, he bluffs, he's unreliable
He is a sucker with a gun, gun, gun, gun
I know you told me I should stay away
I know you said he's just a dog astray
He is a bad boy with a tainted heart
and even I know this ain't smart
(Chorus)
But mama I'm in love with a criminal
and this type of love isn't rational, it's physical
Mama please don't cry, I will be alright
All reason aside, I just can't deny, love the guy
He is a villian by the devil's law
He is a killer just for fun, fun, fun, fun
The man's a snitch, and unpredictable
He's got no conscience, he got none, none, none, none
All I know
Should let go
But no, cause
He is a bad boy with a tainted heart
and even I know this ain't smart
(Chorus)
And he's got my name tattooed on his arm, his lucky charm
So I guess it's okay, he's with me
And hear people talk try to make remarks, keep us apart
I don't even hear, I don't care
(Chorus x2)
Cause mama I'm in love with a criminal
and this type of love isn't rational, it's physical
Mama please don't cry, I will be alright
All reason aside, I just can't deny, love the guy
Criminal - Britney Spears
Released in 2011 on the album Femme Fatale, "Criminal" stands as a defining track in Britney Spears' evolution from pop princess to a more mature, edgy performer. The song blends electronic dance beats with a sultry vocal delivery, marking a significant shift in her sound toward a darker, more sophisticated aesthetic. Produced to capture the essence of her new persona, the recording features a driving rhythm and a provocative chorus that became a staple of her live performances. It reflects the themes of empowerment and complexity often explored in her later work, solidifying her status as a versatile icon who successfully navigated the transition into her thirties while maintaining her relevance in the global pop landscape.