Rebel Rebel
Jones Rickie Lee Lyrics


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Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo doo

You've got your mother in a whirl
She's not sure if you're a boy or a girl
Hey babe, your hair's alright
Hey babe, let's go out tonight
You like me, and I like it all
We like dancing and we look divine
You love bands when they're playing hard
You want more and you want it fast
They put you down, they say I'm wrong
You tacky thing, you put them on

Rebel Rebel, you've torn your dress
Rebel Rebel, your face is a mess
Rebel Rebel, how could they know?
Hot tramp, I love you so!

Don't ya?
Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo doo

You've got your mother in a whirl 'cause she's
Not sure if you're a boy or a girl
Hey babe, your hair's alright
Hey babe, let's stay out tonight
You like me, and I like it all
We like dancing and we look divine
You love bands when they're playing hard
You want more and you want it fast
They put you down, they say I'm wrong
You tacky thing, you put them on

Rebel Rebel, you've torn your dress
Rebel Rebel, your face is a mess
Rebel Rebel, how could they know?
Hot tramp, I love you so!

Don't ya?
Oh?
Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo doo

Rebel Rebel, you've torn your dress
Rebel Rebel, your face is a mess
Rebel Rebel, how could they know?
Hot tramp, I love you so!

You've torn your dress, your face is a mess
You can't get enough, but enough ain't the test
You've got your transmission and your live wire
You got your cue line and a handful of ludes
You wanna be there when they count up the dudes
And I love your dress
You're a juvenile success
Because your face is a mess
So how could they know?
I said, how could they know?

So what you wanna know
Calamity's child, chi-chi, chi-chi
Where'd you wanna go?
What can I do for you? Looks like you've been there too
'Cause you've torn your dress
And your face is a mess
Ooo, your face is a mess
Ooo, ooo, so how could they know?




Eh, eh, how could they know?
Eh, eh

Overall Meaning

"Rebel Rebel" by Jones Rickie Lee is a tribute to the fluidity of gender and the freedom of expression that comes with it. The introduction of the song is very catchy and sets the tone for the song. The lyrics of the song speak about a person who is unconventional, rebellious, and has torn dress and a messy face. The individual's mother is uncertain about their gender identity. They are called a "tacky thing" by others who put them down, but the singer loves them just the way they are. The individual likes hard-hitting music, and they want more and fast. The individual is eccentric and unique in their way of life.


Overall, "Rebel Rebel" by Jones Rickie Lee is about accepting your individuality, regardless of society's expectations. It's a celebration of being different, no matter how "tacky" or unconventional it may seem to others. The song portrays how the rejection of societal norms can create an enjoyable life that's worth living. It also emphasizes the power of music and dance in bringing people together, regardless of their differences.


Line by Line Meaning

Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo doo
Instrumental intro


You've got your mother in a whirl
Your mother is confused because she can't tell if you're male or female


She's not sure if you're a boy or a girl
You have a gender ambiguous appearance, confusing your mother


Hey babe, your hair's alright
I like your hair


Hey babe, let's go out tonight
I want to go out with you tonight


You like me, and I like it all
We both enjoy each other's company and everything we do together


We like dancing and we look divine
We feel great and look stunning when we dance together


You love bands when they're playing hard
You enjoy bands that play music with energy and intensity


You want more and you want it fast
You desire more experiences and excitement in life, and you want them quickly


They put you down, they say I'm wrong
Others criticize and insult you for your lifestyle choices or appearance, and they blame me


You tacky thing, you put them on
You wear unconventional clothing or accessories, and it infuriates your critics


Rebel Rebel, you've torn your dress
You're a rebel who enjoys destroying your clothing to demonstrate your free spirit


Rebel Rebel, your face is a mess
You're rebellious enough to leave your appearance disheveled or unkempt


Rebel Rebel, how could they know?
You're an enigma to those who judge you because they can't understand your motivations or desires


Hot tramp, I love you so!
I find your wild, unconventional nature incredibly attractive


You can't get enough, but enough ain't the test
You crave adventure and excitement that can never be truly satisfied


You've got your transmission and your live wire
You have the energy and power to pursue your dreams


You got your cue line and a handful of ludes
You're equipped with the necessary tools and drugs to enjoy a wild night out


You wanna be there when they count up the dudes
You want to be part of a scene or community that others admire


And I love your dress
I admire your unique sense of style


You're a juvenile success
Your rebellious behavior is a sign of maturity and self-expression


Because your face is a mess
Your unconventional appearance represents an unconventional lifestyle


So how could they know?
People who criticize you cannot understand or appreciate your unique personality and lifestyle


Calamity's child, chi-chi, chi-chi
You are someone who thrives in chaos and upheaval, but is often misunderstood by others


Where'd you wanna go?
What are your desires and dreams?


What can I do for you? Looks like you've been there too
I want to support and encourage you, as I can see that you've had your own struggles


Ooo, your face is a mess
Your appearance signifies your unique personality, but others are critical of it


Eh, eh, how could they know?
Critics cannot fathom the complexity of your personality and lifestyle




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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