Don't Be Stupid Rules (Jim Hopper)

Yeah…

Hawkins PD.

Lock your doors.

Listen close.

Got a badge, a bottle, and a past I don’t discuss

Small-town sheriff but the world still fucks with us

Vietnam scars, nightmares never let me sleep

Lost my kid once, now the dark runs deep

Town full of secrets, lies under the soil

Kids fighting demons while the suits play coy

I don’t want hero shit, I just want peace

But the walls start bleeding and the rules increase

Radio crackle, upside-down sky

Something in the woods and it ain’t gonna die

Government vans think they run this land

But I’ve buried more truth than they’ll understand

Don’t be stupid — rules keep you alive

Close the damn door, don’t wander outside

I don’t say it ‘cause I like control

I say it ‘cause I’ve seen what eats your soul

Don’t be stupid — listen when I say

Monsters don’t care if you’re brave

If I sound harsh, it’s ‘cause I’ve been through hell

I’m trying to save you, can’t you tell?

Found a girl with powers and a shaved head

Taught her what a family is instead

Eggos on the plate, teach her how to trust

Show her how to live, not just how to crush

Punch first instinct, anger like a flame

But love made me more than just my name

Every threat personal, every loss hits home

I’d burn the world down to protect my own

Demogorgons, Russians, gates in the floor

I keep a bat ready right next to the door

I don’t need medals, don’t need applause

Just keep the kids safe — that’s the cause

Don’t be stupid — rules keep you breathing

Curfews matter when the dark starts seething

I don’t care if you think I’m cruel

Survival ain’t gentle, it’s rule by rule

Don’t be stupid — stay where I said

I’ve held too many bodies, too many dead

If I raise my voice, it’s fear, not pride

I’m scared of losing you — that’s the side I hide

Letter in my pocket, words I never read

Feelings locked up tighter than the shed

If I don’t make it back, remember this truth

I learned how to hope because of you

Walked into fire with a key in my hand

Countdown screaming, end of the plan

Smiling through pain ‘cause that’s what dads do

If this is goodbye, I’ll die standing true

I ain’t perfect, I’m damaged goods

But I stood tall when no one else would

From Hawkins streets to the red-lit gate

I choose love even when it’s too late

So when I say rules…

It ain’t about control.

It’s about coming home alive.

Don’t be stupid.