IMO, still a bit curious given that the relationship she had with a now accused murderer is alleged to have resulted in her murder ... when there are a zillion other songs she could have posted the lyrics to, no?
The song was released Sept 27 2011 for airplay from the album Femme Fatale which was released March 25, 2011 so it was fresh at the time.
[Verse 1:]
He is a hustler, he's no good at all
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
[Verse 2:]
He is a villain by the devil's law
He is a killer just for fun, fun, fun, fun
That man's a snitch and unpredictable
He's got no conscience, he got none, none, none, none
Oh-ooooo I know-ooooo, should've let go, but no
'Cause 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
[Bridge:]
And he's got my name
Tattooed on his arm
His lucky charm
So I guess it's OK
He's with me
And I hear people talk (people talk)
Try to make remarks
Keep us apart
But I don't even hear
I don't care
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/britneyspears/criminal.html
Check out the video where one chick (Britney) confronts another talking to her apparent bf with "So you're not working the street corner tonight I see!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6b33PTbGxk&feature=kp