Meaning of "The Outlaw Blues" by Pat Benatar

The lyrics of "The Outlaw Blues" by Pat Benatar explore the allure and consequences of living a rebellious, outlaw lifestyle. The outlaw in the song is portrayed as someone who is beyond societal norms, a figure who is both admired and condemned for their refusal to conform. While initially celebrated for their rebellious nature and perceived heroism akin to a modern-day Robin Hood, the outlaw's actions eventually catch up with them, leading to feelings of guilt and loneliness. The repeated references to hiding and feeling cold and lonely suggest that the outlaw's life is not as glamorous or fulfilling as it may seem. The song ultimately questions the cost of living outside the boundaries of society's rules and regulations, hinting at the isolation and sorrow that can come from such a rebellious existence.