Criminal

Britney Spears

About Criminal

"Criminal" is a song by American recording artist Britney Spears from her seventh studio album, Femme Fatale (2011). The song was released as the fourth and final single from the album. "Criminal" was written and produced by Max Martin and Shellback, with additional writing by Tiffany Amber. After Spears first listened to the song, she felt it was different and unlike anything she had heard before. She posted a snippet of it online on March 2, 2011, prior to the album's release. "Criminal" was chosen as a single by a poll on her Facebook page, as Spears explained it was a way to give back to her fans. The artwork for the single was released on September 14, 2011. "Criminal" is a guitar and synth-driven mid-tempo pop ballad which incorporates a folk-style flute melody. It is considered the only ballad on Femme Fatale, and is less aggressive than the other songs of the album. "Criminal" is influenced by the works of ABBA and Madonna. In the song, Spears sings about being in love with a bad boy and outlaw, and pleads to her mother to not worry about their relationship. "Criminal" received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its organic and refreshing feel in comparison with the rest of the album. After the release of Femme Fatale, the song charted on the South Korean International chart. "Criminal" has also charted in major markets such as Canada, France, Sweden, Switzerland, Brazil and the United States. 


Year:
2011
3:44
64 
#1

 Struggling with Criminal? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!

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

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, I love the guy

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
All I know, should've let go, but no
'Cause he's a bad boy with a tainted heart
And even I know this ain't smart

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, I love that guy

And he's got my name,
Tattooed on his arm his lucky charm
So I guess it's okay he's with me
And I hear people talk
Trying to make remarks keep us apart
But I don't even hear
I don't care

'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, I love the guy

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, I love the guy

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Britney Spears

Britney Jean Spears (born December 2, 1981) is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, she began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album ...Baby One More Time in 1999, which became the best-selling album by a teenage solo artist. During her first decade in the music industry, she became a prominent figure in mainstream popular music and popular culture, followed by a much-publicized personal life. Her first two albums established her as a pop icon and broke sales records, while title tracks "...Baby One More Time" and "Oops!... I Did It Again" became international number-one hits… more »

6 fans

Written by: Tiffany Amber, Max Martin, Johan Karl Schuster

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Info
The song "Criminal" is from Britney Spears' seventh studio album, "Femme Fatale", which was released in 2011.
Song Genre
"Criminal" has been described as incorporating elements of pop, reggae, and trip hop genres.
Music Video Controversy
The music video for "Criminal" sparked controversy due to its depiction of armed robbery and violence. Despite petitions to ban it, the video was defended by Spears and her team.
Filming Location
The video for "Criminal" was shot in Stoke Newington, London.
Music Video Director
The music video was directed by Chris Marrs Piliero, who had also directed Britney's "I Wanna Go" music video.
Instrumentation
Unlike most of Britney Spears' other songs, "Criminal" features a flute in the instrumental. It was considered unique for its divergence from Spears' standard dance-pop style.
Composition
The song was written by Max Martin, Shellback, and Tiffany Amber.
Song Reception
The song received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its different sound, and others criticizing it for being less catchy than some of Spears' previous hits.
Live Performances
Britney Spears performed "Criminal" live during her "Piece of Me" residency show in Las Vegas.
Chart Performance
Globally, the track peaked within the top thirty of the charts in many countries. On the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, It peaked at #55.
Streaming
"Criminal" has since accumulated over 100 million streams on Spotify.

Discuss the Criminal Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Criminal Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/25400774/Britney+Spears/Criminal>.

    Missing lyrics by Britney Spears?

    Know any other songs by Britney Spears? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Criminal

    153.6M
    1.9M     54,994

    Top Hot 100 Songs 2011

    Billboard #55


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Take my photo off the wall if it just won't sing for you."
    A Jet - Look What You've Done
    B Filter - Take a Picture
    C Alan Walker - Sing Me to Sleep
    D Berlin - Take My Breath Away

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Britney Spears tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!