I once thought of love as a prison
a place I didn't want to be
So long ago, I made a decision
to be footloose and fancy-free

But you came and I was so tempted
to gamble on love just one time
I never thought, that I would get caught
It seemed like the perfect crime

[Chorus:]
Baby you left me defense-less
I've only got one plea
Lock me away, inside of your love
and throw away the key
I'm guilty...of love in the first degree

I thought it would be so simple
like a thousand times before
I'd take what I wanted, and just walk away
but I never made it to the door

Now babe I'm not beggin' for mercy
go ahead and throw the book at me
If lovin' you's a crime
I know that I'm as guilty as a man can be

[Chorus]

Love in the first degree (oh-oh yeah)
Love in the first degree
Oh Yeeeaaaah!

[Chorus]

Writer : DUBOIS, TIM J. / HURT, JIM
Copyright : Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.