Rebel
Carol Jarvis Lyrics


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He's different, yes, different
From others I know
They call him a rebel
But I love him so

He's got ways about him
I don't understand
And yet he's no rebel
When he takes my hand

My friends say I'm foolish
That he's not my kind
But his tender kisses
Have made up my mind

He's different, so different
I'll have to agree
But though he's a rebel
He's just right for me

My friends say I'm foolish
That he's not my kind
But his tender kisses
Have made up my mind

He's different, so different
I'll have to agree




But though he's a rebel
He's just right for me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Carol Jarvis's song "Rebel" tell the story of a love that goes beyond societal norms and expectations. The singer is in love with someone who goes against the grain and is considered a rebel by others. However, despite the disapproval of her friends, she is drawn to his unique ways, and his tender love has convinced her that he is perfect for her.


The opening lines of "He's different, yes, different/From others I know" immediately set the tone for the lyrics to follow. The singer acknowledges that her love interest is not like others she has encountered, and this is what makes him stand out. The declaration that "they call him a rebel/But I love him so" reinforces the idea that societal labels cannot stop the power of love.


The singer then goes on to describe how even though she does not always understand his ways, he is not really a rebel when he takes her hand. This line highlights the fact that despite his rebellion against society, he is caring and gentle when it comes to his love interest. The chorus repeats the idea that although he is different and a rebel, he is right for her. The song concludes with a reiteration of the singer's conviction that her love for this rebel is worthy of her friends' disapproval.


Overall, Carol Jarvis's "Rebel" is a tribute to the power of love to transcend societal norms and expectations. It celebrates the unique qualities that make individuals stand out and reinforces the idea that love can bring people together despite their differences.


Line by Line Meaning

He's different, yes, different
He has a unique and extraordinary personality that sets him apart from others.


From others I know
I compare him to other people I know, but he stands out as one of a kind.


They call him a rebel
Others label him as an unconventional person who doesn't conform to social norms.


But I love him so
Despite his nonconformity, I strongly feel affection towards him.


He's got ways about him
He has his own peculiar mannerisms and behaviors that are unfamiliar to me.


I don't understand
I find it difficult to comprehend his way of thinking or acting.


And yet he's no rebel
Despite being labeled as a rebel, he is not intentionally defying societal norms or expectations.


When he takes my hand
When he holds my hand, it feels comforting and reassuring.


My friends say I'm foolish
My friends think I am foolish for being in a relationship with him because he is not their type.


That he's not my kind
They believe that he does not fit the characteristics of someone I would typically be attracted to.


But his tender kisses
The kind and loving way he kisses me have made me realize my strong feelings for him.


Have made up my mind
His gestures of love and affection have convinced me that he is the right person for me.


He's different, so different
He is truly unique and distinct from anyone I have ever met.


I'll have to agree
I concur with others that he is indeed different and atypical.


But though he's a rebel
Even though he is labeled as nonconformist, I still love him regardless.


He's just right for me
He is the perfect partner for me, despite what others may think.




Contributed by Bailey B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

mrob75

I always wonder if these artists, like Carol Jarvis, and others who "just missed" making it really big are still with us and if they come to pages like this one looking up their old material? How proud they must feel of their quick splash in the limelight and for their contributions and accomplishments that marked this pop period in musical history.

rickardo909

"Whirlpool of Love" is my favorite, also love "Mister Superchief" ... I love all of Carol's singles. She had such a rich, dynamic voice. When I play her records for friends they compare her to Patsy Cline! I sure wish she could have made it big and continued recording. I hope wherever life took her, she was/is happy.
When I was a kid in the late 60's, my mother gave me an old record player, and a shoebox full of her old 45s from the 40s and 50s. She graduated from High School in 1956. Rebel/Whirlpool was one of those records and it was an instant favorite. I've collected several of Carol's 45s over the past few years and enjoy them all!

sauquoit13456

On this day in 1957 {October 15th} Carol Jarvis performed "Rebel" on the late Dick Clark's American Bandstand... One month earlier on September 2nd it entered Billboard's Top 100 chart; eventually it peaked at #48 and spent 16 weeks on the Top 100... R.I.P. Mr. Clark...

ausfan100

I love Carol's romping rocked-up version of "Buttons & Bows" on Dot from 1959.

CatsPjamas1

Interesting to hear of another single that charted locally. Thanks for commenting!

Cal

The flip side of this "Whirlpool Of Love" should have been released as the "A" side of another release by Carol. "Whirlpool" is a great cut in and of itself. Both should have been big hits for Ms. Jarvis.

lateforbreakfast

A nice song and so fitting for its time, this lady certainly had a good voice..While it was in a different genre and a different beat i wonder if the title and word frasing in this song influenced Gene Pitney to write He's A Rebel....

Floreal Alvarez

There was another artist by the name of June Dyer who passed away recently who also released whirlpool of love and rebel and did well in South Africa in 1961

CatsPjamas1

I have a strong feeling that a lot of artists do visit postings such as this on YouTube. I've heard from some over time, and I don't doubt there are many others who do visit without letting us know. I also wonder what happened to Carol Jarvis and many others?

a gonz

this is celebrity!

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