[Verse 1]
"She's a little rebel," that's what they say
Yeah, I've been chasing trouble since back in the day
I don't wanna grow up, I'm just not built that way
Daddy wishes I was the girl next door
Mama tells me I should smile some more

[Refrain]
Baby, I've been bad
But God knows I've tried to be good
God knows I've tried

[Verse 2]
To the lovers and friends that I've gone and left behind
I might've run away, but, see, I ain't driving blind
I made it to the circus, but I still walk the line
So go on, judge me by my cover
I know I'll never write another

[Refrain]
Baby, I've been bad
But God knows I've tried to be good
God knows I've tried

[Bridge]
I've been smokin', drinkin', lyin', cheatin'
I've overpromised, but underachieved
And I usually ain't afraid of nothing
But saying this out loud terrifies me
I've been breakin' hearts, stealin' cars
Takin' shit to walk on Mars
To never say sorry don't mean I'm not sorry
Baby, I'm sorry, oh, baby, I'm sorry
I'm sorry for the pain I've caused
For all the moments I've gone and lost
Don't you know I've tried to be good?
[Verse 3]
"She's a little rebel," that's what they say
Yeah, I'll be chasing trouble for the rest of my days
No, I'm never growing up no matter what they say
So let me speak some truth to you
I'll do it all again times two, yeah

[Refrain]
Baby, I'm bad
But God knows I've tried to be good, yeah, ooh
God knows I've tried

[Outro]
And I've tried and tried
God knows I've tried