Rebel
G.U.M. 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

The song Rebel by G.U.M. speaks of a person who defies gender norms and societal expectations. The first line of the chorus talks about how this person's mother is unsure whether they're a boy or a girl. The second line is possibly a response to this confusion, implying that the person's hair is a distinguishing factor that validates their gender identity. The chorus then invites this person to go out for the night, suggesting that they are not defined by traditional gender roles and can enjoy the freedom to do what they want.


Chorus II talks about the shared interests between the person and the singer. They both love dancing and look great together. They also appreciate bands that play their music hard and loud, and the person desires more of this kind of music. Chorus III acknowledges that society disapproves of this person's lifestyle and appearance. They are called "tacky" and are ridiculed for putting on a certain persona. However, the singer is supportive of this rebel and encourages them to continue expressing themselves.


Chorus IV takes on a different tone, wherein the singer tells the rebel to put on a dress, despite their unconventional appearance. The second line of the chorus refers to the person's disheveled appearance, as if they just rebelled against their expected role. The third line questions how others could possibly know this person considering their unique identity, which only the singer seems to understand. The last line reveals the singer's strong feelings for the rebel, calling them a "hot tramp" and professing their love.


Overall, Rebel is a story that talks about accepting and celebrating people for who they are, regardless of societal expectations. It encourages rebellion against traditional gender roles and supports people to explore their identities through their appearance and interests.


Line by Line Meaning

You're got your mother in a whirl
You're causing confusion and concern for your mother


She's not sure if you're a boy or a girl
Your gender identity is ambiguous to your mother


Hey babe your hair's allright
Your hairstyle is appealing


Hey babe let's go out tonight
Let's go out on the town tonight


You like me and I like it all
Our mutual affection is enjoyable


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


You love bands when they play it hard
You have an affinity for bands that play edgy music


You want more and you want if fast
You desire more excitement and want it immediately


They put you down they say I'm wrong
Others criticize and condemn you and blame me


You tacky thing you put them on
You disregard their opinions, dressing as you please


Rebel rebel put on your dress
Challenge societal norms by wearing whatever you want


Rebel rebel your face is a mess
Your unconventional look is perceived as unsightly by mainstream society


Rebel rebel how could they know
Critics are unable to truly understand and appreciate your non-conforming lifestyle


Hot tramp I love you so
I am deeply in love with you despite any negative opinions or judgments




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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