Rebel Rebel
Double You Lyrics


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Chorus I
You're got your mother in a whirl
She's not sure if you're a boy or a girl
Hey babe your hair's allright
Hey babe let's go out tonight
Chorus II
You like me and I like it all
We like dancing and we look divine
You love bands when they play it hard
You want more and you want if fast
Chorus III
They put you down they say I'm wrong
You tacky thing you put them on
Chorus IV
Rebel rebel put on your dress
Rebel rebel your face is a mess
Rebel rebel how could they know
Hot tramp I love you so
Repeat Chorus I
Repeat Chorus II
Repeat Chorus III
Repeat Chorus IV




Repeat Chorus III
Repeat Chorus IV

Overall Meaning

Double You's Rebel Rebel is a song that speaks of a non-conformist individual who is often misunderstood by society. The chorus employs the use of repetition to emphasize the different aspects of the rebel’s personality. The first chorus opener is about how the rebel’s mother is having difficulties understanding his gender identity. This opening line can be a nod to David Bowie who was known for his gender-fluid fashion sense. The second line in the chorus is an invitation to the rebel to go out, possibly for a night of letting loose which could further indicate the song’s theme of nonconformity.


In the second chorus, the lyrics paint a picture of two people with a mutual interest in music and dancing. The lines "We like dancing and we look divine" and "You love bands when they play it hard" further signifies rebellion by promoting individuality - the kind of thing perceived as rebellion in society. However, the rebel does not seem content with just the status quo as the line "You want more and you want it fast" implies a hunger for something more progressive and radical.


The third and fourth choruses, on the other hand, shed more light on how society has negatively judged the rebel. The phrase "they put you down they say I'm wrong" shows how society has painted the nonconformist life as being unacceptable, sometimes even illegal. This line could also mean that society judges the person they love based on what they wear or how they look, which is why the last chorus asks the rebel to put on a dress and enjoy life - despite their appearance. The lyric “Hot tramp I love you so” could be interpreted as a declaration of love towards the rebel, while also labeling the person as someone who goes against society's norms.


Line by Line Meaning

You're got your mother in a whirl
You have your mother confused and unsure about your identity


She's not sure if you're a boy or a girl
Your mother can't determine your gender


Hey babe your hair's allright
Your hair looks good


Hey babe let's go out tonight
Let's go out tonight


You like me and I like it all
We like each other and everything about it


We like dancing and we look divine
We enjoy dancing and look fantastic doing it


You love bands when they play it hard
You enjoy bands that play loudly and aggressively


You want more and you want it fast
You desire more and quickly


They put you down they say I'm wrong
Others criticize you and suggest I am a bad influence


You tacky thing you put them on
You wear flashy, showy clothing that others may deem inappropriate


Rebel rebel put on your dress
You should rebel and wear whatever you desire


Rebel rebel your face is a mess
Your unconventional appearance is seen as messy by society


Rebel rebel how could they know
No one can understand your unique identity and desires


Hot tramp I love you so
I am attracted to you in all your rebelliousness




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: David Bowie

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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